In a recent episode of The College’s Shares podcast, Managing Director of The American College of Financial Services Center for Military and Veterans Affairs, Phil Easton, CMSgt, USAF (Ret.), and 2025 Soldier-Citizen Award Recipient, Vice Admiral James Zortman, USN (Ret.) spoke about the traits necessary to succeed as a member of the military community, specifically flexibility and adaptability.

As Vice Admiral Zortman pointed out in the episode, it is not uncommon for the life of a military member to change in an instant. As such, The College believes it is important to provide them with the resources they need to make major pivots in their goals at a moment’s notice.

One such scholar is Trevor Brunell, Chartered Financial Consultant® (ChFC®), an Army veteran and recent completer of The College’s ChFC® designation program. Brunell, who spoke at the Center for Military and Veterans Affairs 2025 Military Summit, shared the story of how his goals were changed due to his experiences in the military.

During his second deployment to Afghanistan, Brunell was ambushed by ISIS militants and lost a third of his leg during the ensuing firefight. After numerous reconstructive surgeries, Brunell returned to the field. On his last tour, while infiltrating an ISIS village during the middle of the night, he sustained further injuries to his bad leg, resulting in additional surgery and being put in an administrative role when he returned stateside. Brunell stated, “My last three years in the Army were mostly from behind a desk, and I was determined to come up with a backup career plan, should the Army decide to retire me.”

After completing his undergraduate studies with degrees in accounting and finance, Brunell began a career at a veteran institutional financial firm, eventually doing well enough to open his own branch office. However, Brunell stated he desired meaning in his work aside from making a salary and sought to become a financial planner.

Hearing about The College’s scholarship opportunities available to military veterans, Brunell applied for a scholarship, and upon receiving the scholarship, began working on his ChFC® designation.

While discussing his experience with the program, Brunell stated, “It piques my interest and I'm incredibly grateful for the scholarship, and I think it's providing amazing opportunities for veterans who want to become experts in their field and gain meaningful, impactful employment post-service.”

Jessica Chominski, another scholar who spoke at the Military Summit, shared the story of her own experience with changing plans. In her address to the audience, Chominski said, “At first glance, those who know me might be surprised to hear that this is where I might find myself — with a degree in social work and psychology, 20 years in the Medical Service Corps in the Army Reserve, a gym teacher, and a mom with six kids, seven in about a month, I wear a few hats.”

Chominski quickly pointed out that all the roles she has undertaken have had one trait in common — servanthood. Servanthood drove her to social work, servanthood motivated her to join the military, and it was servanthood that she said drew her to financial services, “I began exploring the financial services industry for the simple reason that it appeared to be a means of combining knowledge with empathy to help people help themselves: showing a path forward toward financial independence.”

Chominski shared the story of the first financial planning meeting she sat in on, describing the scene as an industry veteran explained the situation to clients in plainspeak. Chominski went on to describe the look of hope she noted on the faces of the clients. According to Chominski, it was this look of hope that she aimed to inspire in clients moving forward.

“We are doing the same thing: highlighting the dignity of the person sitting in front of us and reflecting it back to them so that they can move forward in hope. When successful, someone leaves just a little better off than they were before you started working with them. I know that is not a … measurable KPI, but it is something I’ll gladly hang my hat on.”

Ultimately, in serving veterans such as Brunell and Chominski, The College hopes to embody the same admirable qualities they’ve come to embody over their military careers. Like Brunell, The College aims to offer flexibility and adaptability to veterans in need of an educational partner that is willing to meet their needs. Like Chominski, The College desires to provide hope to veterans looking for a career in financial services after their time in the military left them reevaluating their plans for life after service.

It is through these scholarship opportunities that The College wishes to prop up those who display admirable traits such as these, along with exceptional leadership and a willingness to put the needs of others ahead of their own. That is why The College wishes to honor them and all our other military scholars by saluting them for everything they’ve done for this country and their communities.

More on Representation

• Learn About Scholarship Opportunities
• Explore the American College Center for Military and Veterans Affairs
• Browse Designations

In this special Veterans Day episode of our Shares podcast, Managing Director of The American College of Financial Services Center for Military and Veterans Affairs, Phil Easton, CMSgt, USAF (Ret.), speaks with the 2025 Soldier-Citizen Award Recipient, Vice Admiral James Zortman, USN (Ret.), on how military experience can prepare individuals for a successful career in financial services. They cover a number of key topics including the traits commonly found in members of the military community that can lead to successful careers in financial services, the experiences of military families, and the importance of strong role models when pursuing a new career.

Phil Easton, CMSgt, USAF (Ret.), is the Managing Director of The American College of Financial Services Center for Military and Veterans Affairs. Prior to joining The College, Easton served as the Senior Enlisted Leader for the United States European Command, where he advised the commander on enlisted issues and provided leadership to the 82,000 joint service members distributed over 400 bases and facilities in an area of responsibility covering 51 countries. He promoted enlisted professional development through training and education to build partner nations’ capacity and improve interoperability.

Vice Admiral James Zortman, USN (Ret.), commanded at every level with distinction over his 34 years of military service. He oversaw the Naval Air Forces of the Pacific and Atlantic Fleets as well as the U.S. Carrier Task Forces during Operation Enduring Freedom, displaying incredible and impactful leadership. For his exceptional service, Vice Admiral Zortman was awarded the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit (four times), the Bronze Star, the Air Medal, and the Distinguished Service Medal, the Armed Forces third-highest medal.

Since retiring from the Navy, Vice Admiral Zortman has continued to lead in the private sector, having served as senior vice president at Northrop Grumman Aerospace, a member of the strategic advisory board of Airbus U.S. Space and Defense, Inc., Chairman of the Board for the San Diego Regional Economic Development Corp., and Chairman of the Naval Aviation Museum Foundation. Currently, he holds positions as Chairman of the Board for USAA and executive coach and senior advisor at Boston Consulting Group, where he leverages his innate leadership skills to empower the financial security of the military community.

Any views or opinions expressed in this podcast are the hosts’ and guests' own and do not necessarily represent those of The American College of Financial Services.

More on The American College of Financial Services Center for Military and Veterans Affairs

• Learn more about the Center for Military and Veterans Affairs
• Find out about The College’s career development services
• Meet Vice Admiral Zortman, USN (Ret.)

Bringing together ambassadors from across the country, the 2025 FinServe Summit offered two days of connection, collaboration, and strategic insight — all centered around one shared goal: elevating the financial services profession and empowering clients through specialized expertise.

Opening With Vision and Momentum

The Summit opened with remarks from Jared Trexler, chief marketing and strategy officer, who welcomed the 11 FinServe Network ambassadors, including several new members joining for the first time.

Trexler shared updates on The College’s latest initiatives and achievements before offering ambassadors an exclusive first look at The College’s new consumer awareness and engagement campaign. The ambassadors were among the first to view the campaign commercial, Specialists Need Specialists, Too, which marked a milestone moment in The College’s history. The commercial underscores The College’s commitment to helping clients understand the importance of specialized financial advice and the value behind professional designations.

Recipes for Success and the Future of Financial Services

The day continued with an engaging icebreaker during a “sourdough happy hour,” where ambassadors shared their personal “recipes for success” in financial services — and ate sourdough bread! Attendees filled out custom recipe cards highlighting all the ingredients that shaped their career, from the years of education required to the unique clients and communities they serve.

Conversation soon turned to the industry’s evolving landscape and the pressing issue of the advisor talent gap, sparking thoughtful dialogue among the ambassadors and College staff.

“We have found that this is really a second career industry,” said FinServe Network ambassador Terrell Dinkins, ChFC®, RICP®. “It was for me, and I succeeded partly because I had a cushion. [Financial services] is for people who can weather the storm. You have to ask yourself, ‘How long will my cushion last before I actually start making money?’”

The ambassadors compared the financial services industry’s talent and compensation gaps to those in the medical field, emphasizing the need for clearer pathways, better mentorship, and a strong value proposition for the next generation of professionals.

Strategy, Specialization, and the Road to The College’s Centennial

In keeping with tradition, the second day of the FinServe Summit began with an early morning conversation over coffee and breakfast with George Nichols III, CAP®, College president and CEO, and Trexler. The conversation offered ambassadors a candid look at The College’s strategic direction for 2026 and beyond.

Nichols reflected on the shifting expectations of consumers and the growing demand for personalized, specialized advice, reinforcing The College’s belief that specialization is the future of financial services.

“What I want is: if I’m the mountain, everybody wants to be me,” said Nichols. “I want The American College of Financial Services to be the standard of excellence in this profession of applied [financial planning] — and for everybody to want to be The American College of Financial Services.”

He continued:

“I look at the landscape of other players, and no one has what we have. Now, there are people who may do individual things better than us, but when you think collectively about what we're doing — and what we're building — I can't find another organization like it.”

—George Nichols III, CAP®

Nichols also previewed fundraising and engagement initiatives set to launch ahead of The College’s centennial, aimed to expand scholarship opportunities, program innovation, and more.

After breakfast, ambassadors participated in a rotation of interactive sessions led by members of The College’s marketing and communications team. Activities included social media content creation, individual interviews, and group panel discussions centered on The College’s core area of focus: specialization. The ambassadors also shared ideas for deepening collaboration with The College, offering feedback and strategies to help expand the FinServe Network’s reach and impact across the profession.

The Summit concluded with final remarks and appreciation from Trexler, who thanked the ambassadors for their dedication and partnership.

More From The College

• Learn more about the FinServe Network

KING OF PRUSSIA, PA – November 5, 2025 – The American College of Financial Services is proud to announce a partnership with Achievable, a leading provider of FINRA/NASAA securities licensing exam preparation programs, to deliver engaging, effective, and affordable exam prep for individuals seeking to enter or advance within financial services.

Through the partnership, The College now offers a suite of Achievable’s FINRA/NASAA securities licensing exam preparation programs, including the Securities Industry Essentials (SIE), Series 6, Series 7, Series 63, Series 65, and Series 66 exams, at a significantly reduced cost. Achievable's programs feature easy-to-understand online textbooks, personalized quizzes, and full-length practice exams, resulting in a 95% success rate according to data available on their website, achievable.me.

The collaboration strengthens The College’s position as a premier lifelong learning platform for financial professionals and empowers early-career learners, college students, career changers, and experienced advisors to build strong foundations for long-term success in the profession.

“This partnership with Achievable enables us to open new doors for individuals at any stage of their financial services career to expand their knowledge,” said George Nichols III, CAP®, president and chief executive officer of The American College of Financial Services. “The College has always stood for access, excellence, and lifelong learning, and this collaboration ensures that anyone with the drive to advance their knowledge and take that journey with The College has what they need to succeed.”

The Achievable partnership allows The College to engage a broad range of learners, including those 18 or older seeking a path into financial services, professionals pursuing Series 65 or Series 66 credentials to expand into fee-based advisory services, and organizations that want to invest in developing their teams.

“This partnership represents the next step in The College’s mission to be the profession’s educational platform for life,” said Jared Trexler, senior vice president and chief marketing and strategy officer at The College. “By integrating Achievable’s proven platform into our ecosystem, we are helping learners confidently step into the profession while also establishing the foundation for continuous education, from licensing to foundational designations and specialized credentials.”

In addition to serving individual learners, the partnership helps The College deepen relationships with financial institutions and RIAs that are seeking to recruit, train, and retain top talent. Corporate partners can rely on The College as a single source for employee development, from securities licensing exam prep to leading CFP® certification education, certificate programs, a subscription CE service, in-person educational experiences, and specialized designations such as the Retirement Income Certified Professional® (RICP®), Tax Planning Certified Professional® (TPCP®), and Chartered Life Underwriter® (CLU®).

This initiative reinforces The College’s commitment to expanding access to financial education, supporting professionals throughout their lifelong learning journey, and strengthening the financial services industry through credentialed and ethical leadership.

For more information about Achievable-powered securities licensing exam preparation through The American College of Financial Services, visit https://www.TheAmericanCollege.edu/Learn/Securities-Licensing-Exam-Prep.

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ABOUT THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF FINANCIAL SERVICES

The American College of Financial Services is the nation’s largest nonprofit and accredited educational institution devoted to financial services professionals. Nearly one in five advisors or agents is an alum of The College. The College offers a learning platform that includes professional designation, certification, and degree programs and encompasses early-career foundational knowledge as well as deep, specialized education in tax, retirement income, philanthropy, risk management, and more with the highest-quality combination of rigor and relevance. The College’s faculty represents the foremost thought leaders in the financial services industry. Its educational programs, research, and events offer professionals the opportunity to expand earnings, deepen relationships, and deliver improved client outcomes.

Visit TheAmericanCollege.edu to discover all the ways to gain expertise for every stage.

ABOUT ACHIEVABLE INC.

Achievable (https://achievable.me) is a leading provider of modern, data-driven exam preparation solutions. Trusted by learners worldwide, Achievable empowers students and professionals to excel on high-stakes standardized and professional qualification exams, including the FINRA SIE and Series exams, the CLT, GRE, and the USMLE. Through adaptive learning technology, engaging content, and actionable performance insights, Achievable delivers a personalized study experience that helps learners achieve their goals with confidence.

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Contacts

Sarah Tremallo
908-967-0381 / Stremallo@jconnelly.com

Jared Trexler
610-526-1268/ jared.trexler@theamericancollege.edu 

256 Today | Community Foundation of Greater Huntsville to Host Financial Seminar on Secure Act 2.0
September 19, 2025

Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy® (CAP®) Program Director and American College Center for Philanthropy and Social Impact Managing Director Paul Caspersen, CFP®, AEP®, MS shared key insights for financial advisors at a seminar hosted by the Community Foundation of Greater Huntsville.

MSN | The 'Ted Lasso' Effect: A Positive Outlook Really Can Strengthen Your Retirement Plan
September 21, 2025

This article about optimism in retirement planning references related research conducted by Wealth Management Certified Professional® (WMCP®) Program Director Michael Finke, PhD, CFP®.

InvestorsObserver | Americans Will Outlive Their Retirement Money, Warns BlackRock CEO
September 23, 2025

In this article about the risks of increasing retirement longevity, Professor of Practice Wade Pfau, PhD, CFA, RICP® shares retirement income planning tips.

The Adviser Magazine | Phil Sieg Retiring as Head of J.P. Morgan Advisors
September 23, 2025

WIth head of JPMorgan’s brokerage division Phil Sieg announcing his retirement, this article looks back on the advisor growth program he instituted, which includes acquiring The College’s WMCP® designation.

401kspecialistmag.com | Government Workers Likelier to Incorporate AI in Retirement Strategies
September 23, 2025

This article explores the impact of AI on retirement planning, referencing research conducted by Retirement Income Certified Professional® (RICP®) Program Director Eric Ludwig, PhD, CFP®, RICP® and and Chet Bennetts, CFP®, ChFC®, CLU®, RICP®, CLF®, director of the Chartered Financial Consultant® (ChFC®) and CFP® Certification Education Programs.

Rethinking65.com | How Financial Advisors Can Foster Client Trust
September 24, 2025

This article by Managing Director of the American College Cary M. Maguire Center for Ethics in Financial Services Azish Filabi, JD, MA, and Senior Director of Research and Operations Domarina Oshana, PhD, explores tactics for navigating client trust.  

InsuranceNewsNet | Retirement Confidence is High, Yet Many Make Financial Mistakes
September 25, 2025

This article about common retirement-related financial mistakes references The College’s Retirement Income Literacy Study and features insights from Eric Ludwig, PhD, CFP®, RICP®.

WealthManagement | Shaping the Future: Recruitment and Retention in Financial Services
September 25, 2025

In this interview, George Nichols III, CAP®, president and CEO of The American College of Financial Services, speaks to the advisor talent gap and how the firms can attract and retain new talent.

ThinkAdvisor | Meet the Luminaries Class of 2025 Finalists
September 29, 2025

The College has been named a Luminaries finalist for multiple categories, including Industry Disruption, Product or Service Innovation, and Thought Leadership and Education! Additionally, George Nichols III, CAP® has been named a finalist for CEO of the Year and Jared Trexler has been named a finalist for CMO of the Year.

ThinkAdvisor | 'Credential Stacking' Offers Diminishing Returns for Retirement Planners: Study
September 30, 2025

This article explores key insights from research conducted by Eric Ludwig, PhD, CFP®, RICP® and Chet Bennetts, CFP®, ChFC®, CLU®, RICP®, CLF®, which found that advisors who have obtained the CFP® mark and the RICP® designation demonstrated higher levels of income planning literacy.

Financial Advisor | Avoiding Mortgage Fraud
October 1, 2025

Steve Parrish, JD, RICP®, CLU®, ChFC®, AEP®, offers advice for advisors on helping clients avoid accidentally committing mortgage fraud.

RFG Advisory | EP09 - Game Film: Lindsey Lewis on Redefining What's Possible in Financial Services | RFG Advisory 
October 6, 2025

In this podcast episode, Managing Director and Chair of The American College Center for Women in Financial Services Lindsey Lewis, MBA, ChFC®, CFP® discusses launching a career in financial services, the gender gap, the future of the industry, and more.

MoneyWise | ‘Triumph of the Optimist’: The More Optimistic You are, the Better Your Savings are Likely to Be — Why Positivity is Tied to Greater Savings
October 7, 2025

In this article about the benefits of optimism in retirement planning, Michael Finke, PhD, CFP® shares insights from his own research on the topic.

Kiplinger | 6 Steps to Protect Your Retirement Savings
October 7, 2025

Wade Pfau, PhD, CFA, RICP® offers advice for retirement saving and planning in this article.

InvestmentNews | American College of Financial Services CEO highlights new campaign
October 7, 2025

In this interview, George Nichols III, CAP® discusses The College’s first-ever consumer awareness and engagement campaign, designed to showcase the value behind advisor’s specialized designations.

Dagens PS | Bevisat: Optimism gör dig rikare
October 8, 2025

This article from a Swedish outlet links Sweden’s growing concerns about retirement optimism to similar trends in the United States, featuring insights from Michael Finke, PhD, CFP®.

ThinkAdvisor | American College Debuts Advisor Search Website, National TV Ad
October 8, 2025

This article spotlights The College’s first-ever consumer awareness and engagement campaign, designed to help clients understand the effort, achievement, and expertise behind advisor’s designations.

BlueToad | Wealth Management Best of the Best 2025

The College is named one of WealthManagement’s Best of the Best 2025 for the inaugural, award-winning Horizons event.

Little Black Book | LBBOnline Every Specialist Needs a Specialist in American College of Financial Services Campaign
October 10, 2025

This article highlights The College’s first-ever consumer awareness and engagement campaign and accompanying campaign commercial, which focuses entirely on the value of specialized financial advice.

InvestmentNews | Revealed: The best wealth management professionals & advisors under 40 in the USA
October 13, 2025

Lindsey Lewis, MBA, ChFC®, CFP® has been recognized by InvestmentNews as a rising star in the financial services industry.

Roast Brief | Big Com Launches First-Ever National Campaign for The American College of Financial Services
October 13, 2025

This article speaks to the significance of The College’s debut campaign commercial, noting how it benefits both advisors and consumers by increasing awareness around professional designations.

Digital Journal | The College Raises Public Awareness of Financial Expertise Through National Ads that Engage Consumers Around Specialization
October 14, 2025

The College’s consumer awareness and engagement campaign, partnership with Big Com, and more are featured in this article.

InsuranceNewsNet | As Interest in LTC Insurance Declines, Families Exposed to Care Costs
October 14, 2025

This article about long-term care references research conducted by the Nationwide Retirement Institute and The College, which suggests many Americans currently underestimate how long they’ll live.

Digital Journal | The American College Executed a Times Square Campaign with PR to SKY
October 15, 2025

This article showcases The College’s consumer awareness and engagement campaign billboard, which debuted on the Nasdaq Tower in Times Square, NY.

VOCAL | Climbing the Wealth Management Ladder: Key Certifications That Elevate Your Financial Career
October 15, 2025

In this article listing the top financial planning certifications for advisors, The College’s Chartered Financial Consultant® (ChFC®) Program is recommended for professionals seeking practical, real-world knowledge in financial planning.

Straight Arrow News | A Clog in the Housing Pipeline: Baby Boomers Don’t Want to Move Out
October 16, 2025

Eric Ludwig, PhD, CFP®, RICP® offers insight into the current housing pipeline clog from a retirement planning perspective in this article.

ThinkAdvisor | Most Retirees Want to Front-Load Their Spending
October 16, 2025

This article by Michael Finke, PhD, CFP® explores how advisors can help clients enjoy their retirement savings early without compromising their quality of life later down the line.

Indie Agency News | Your Sourdough Took Years to Perfect. So Did Their RICP
October 16, 2025

This article spotlights The Colleges campaign commercial and its significance for both The College’s legacy and the industry, touching on the commercials’ witty humor and creative concept.

The New York Times | Moving in Retirement? Here’s How to Minimize Regrets.
October 18, 2025

Michael Finke, PhD, CFP® warns of the impacts of climate change on insurance and home price appreciation and depreciation, something retirees might need to consider when searching for a new home.

MSN | The Rubber Duck Rule of Retirement Tax Planning
October 22, 2025

Steve Parrish, JD, RICP®, CLU®, ChFC®, AEP® addresses common misconceptions about retirement tax planning in this article.

AOL | Will You Live to 100? The Odds May be Better Than You Think
October 22, 2025

This article references The College’s Retirement Income Literacy Study to illustrate how Americans underestimate today’s increasing life expectancy and retirement longevity.

MarketWatch | ‘I hate my current job.’ I’m 55, been working 32 years and have some retirement savings. But my bank savings ‘is shot’ and I have $12K in debt. Now what?
October 25, 2025

This article recommends The College’s consumer education programs to individuals who are struggling to manage their finances and plan for retirement.

KING OF PRUSSIA, Pa. — October 28, 2025 - The American College of Financial Services is a finalist in five categories for the 2025 ThinkAdvisor Luminaries Awards, the most received by any honoree this year. The finalist nominees include individual leadership categories as well as firm-level recognition for thought leadership and industry disruption.

Guided by its mission to uplift the profession and benefit society, The College equips financial professionals with the expertise and resources needed to navigate change and deliver lasting value to those they serve.

“It’s an honor to lead a well-respected institution that continues to provide insight and innovation — and it’s also an honor to be recognized alongside my colleagues as a leader in the financial space,” said George Nichols III, CAP®, president and CEO of The American College of Financial Services and finalist in the CEO category. “This recognition is about more than just the awards. It’s about pursuing excellence in service to the thousands of advisors we educate each year who go on to strengthen families, businesses, and communities.”

The ThinkAdvisor Luminaries Awards celebrate outstanding achievements by firms and individuals who demonstrate innovation, leadership, and a commitment to excellence in financial services. The College and its leaders have been recognized as finalists in the following categories:

• Firm Award: Industry Disruption
• Firm Award: Product or Service Innovation
• Firm Award: Thought Leadership and Education
• Individual Award: CEO of the Year (George Nichols III, CAP®)
• Individual Award: CMO of the Year (Jared Trexler)

“These nominations reflect the incredible breadth of work happening at The College,” said Jared Trexler, senior vice president and chief marketing and strategy officer. “This recognition speaks to the collaborative work of our faculty, staff, and leadership, all united by the belief that applied financial knowledge can transform both careers and communities.”

Founded in 1927, The American College of Financial Services is about to head into its second century of being at the forefront of financial education and advancement for professionals. The College provides designations, certifications, and graduate degrees that serve professionals across every stage of their careers. Its faculty and research centers are leading experts in areas such as retirement income planning, wealth management, insurance, and philanthropy.

The 2025 ThinkAdvisor Luminaries winners will be announced at the 5th Annual Luminaries Awards Gala in New York City on Dec. 4.

For more details and the full list of finalists, visit ThinkAdvisor Luminaries Awards.

About The American College of Financial Services

The American College of Financial Services is the nation’s largest nonprofit and accredited educational institution devoted to financial services professionals. Nearly one in five advisors or agents is an alum of The College. The College offers a learning platform that includes professional designation, certification, and degree programs and encompasses early-career foundational knowledge as well as deep, specialized education in tax, retirement income, philanthropy, risk management, and more with the highest-quality combination of rigor and relevance. The College’s faculty represents the foremost thought leaders in the financial services industry. Its educational programs, research, and events offer professionals the opportunity to accelerate through knowledge, grow through connections, and uplift through community.

Visit TheAmericanCollege.edu to discover how you can gain expertise for every stage.

Methodology

The ThinkAdvisor Luminaries Awards are judged by a distinguished panel and the publication’s editorial team, who evaluate nominations from across the financial services industry. Finalists are selected based on demonstrated leadership, innovation, and community impact. Key criteria include both quantitative and qualitative results, such as the number of advisors and clients affected, the creativity of the solutions introduced, and the measurable influence on firms, professionals, and the industry at large. Judges also assess nominees’ ability to achieve goals, display ingenuity, and uphold the highest ethical standards while serving the best interests of clients. Each nomination highlights 3–5 examples of achievements from the past 12–18 months, supported by materials that reflect the nominee’s commitment to excellence, advisor development, and industry advancement.

Within the next decade, 37% of today’s advisors are expected to retire, leaving behind a critical need for new talent.¹  As seasoned professionals move up the ranks into vacated roles, firms and prospective new professionals — especially Gen Zers — are uniquely positioned to help bridge the talent gap.

To meet the demand for financial services professionals and replace talent lost to retirement and turnover, the industry will need to attract an estimated over 740,000 new hires over the next decade.² But first, the industry and firms need a better understanding of Gen Z’s career motivations and expectations to successfully attract and retain them.

We surveyed over 1,200 Americans ages 18 to 27 — including undergraduate college students and recent college graduates interested in financial services, as well as early-career professionals already working in the industry — about their expectations, motivations, and experiences in financial services. The findings provide a roadmap for industry leaders seeking to grow their teams.

Want more insights on this topic?

Check out this interview with College President and CEO George Nichols III, CAP^®.

Key Findings

According to the CFA Institute, Gen Zers consider finance their top industry choice.³ While a large portion of Gen Z may be eager to launch their careers in financial services, many say their early workplace experiences fall short. The College’s Onboarding Gen Z Study⁴ reveals:

• 1 in 3 Gen Zers feel their workplace onboarding is ineffective
• 1 in 4  Gen Zers feel their workplace training is ineffective
• 1 in 4 Gen Zers feel job expectations are unclear

These early experiences shape how the next generation of professionals views opportunity, workplace culture, and long-term growth in the industry. Notably, Gen Zers with financial services education, certifications, or internship experience report feeling far more prepared to succeed. This underscores the importance of enhancing recruiting, interviewing, and onboarding processes with clearer expectations and stronger support — ultimately making a meaningful difference for both employees and firms.

Taken together, the findings reveal a generation that’s driven, adaptable, and eager to lead, but looking for clearer guidance and stronger support as they launch their careers. Explore the full study to see what today’s emerging professionals value most, and how firms can better attract and retain Gen Z talent.

See the Full Study

More Research From The College

• Gain insights for uncertain markets with our Advising Through Uncertainty Study
• See key takeaways from our Retirement Income Literacy Study
• Learn why comprehensive financial planners have an edge with clients in the Advisory Services Survey