Advisory Team Associate; Cohort Program

job description summary: cohort program start date: july 13, 2027 focus partners is seeking high-potential graduating students to join the summer 2027 cohort program as advisory team associates (atas). This structured, cohort-based development program is designed to build the next generation of associate wealth advisors through dedicated financial-planning curriculum, applied learning, advisor-team experience, coaching, licensing support, and progressive readiness assessments. Atas will begin the program together while working within a local wealth management team and partnering closely with wealth advisors, associate wealth advisors, and other colleagues.

Program length and curriculum sequencing may vary based on academic preparation and demonstrated readiness, but all atas will work toward the same defined graduation standards. Atas who successfully complete the required training, licensing, assessments, and readiness expectations will be eligible to transition into an associate wealth advisor (awa) role and continue through the established career path, subject to role availability and business needs.

Atas are expected to work on-site three to five days per week, based on office and team expectations. Some travel may be required. Atas will be placed in designated offices with ongoing associate wealth advisor needs and may be considered for placement in another office after program completion based on business needs and individual preferences. As an ata, you will build technical knowledge, client-service capabilities, and professional judgment through a shared cohort experience, dedicated curriculum, applied work with an advisory team, coaching, and milestone-based assessments.

• actively participate in the cohort program experience, including structured curriculum, coaching, applied learning, competency evaluations, milestone reviews, and readiness assessments across the core areas of financial planning.
• apply program learning through supervised client-service and financial-planning assignments.
• gather and analyze client financial information and draft financial plans and planning analyses for review.
• assist with client meeting preparation, including agendas, planning materials, meeting notes, and follow-up activities.
• identify planning gaps, risks, or opportunities and appropriately escalat[e] matters requiring advisor guidance.
• develop foundational knowledge of investments, retirement, tax, estate planning, insurance, cash flow, and portfolio construction.
• coordinate with client service, investment, tax, estate, insurance, and other professionals to support client needs and incorporate approved guidance.
• maintain accurate client records and assigned responsibilities within the crm while following regulatory, compliance, privacy, billing, and documentation standards.
• build proficiency in the firm’s technology platforms and complete required licensing, training, assessments, and professional development activities.

• currently pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in financial planning, finance, accounting, business, wealth management, economics, or another related field.
• expected graduation date between december 2026 and spring 2027.
• enrollment in or graduation from a cfp board registered program.
• (preferred) foundational exposure to financial planning, investments, or wealth management through coursework, internships, campus organizations, or related experience.
• (preferred) candidates must have permanent authorization to work in the u.s.
• ability to complete required assessments and a digital video interview as part of the application process within 5 days of receiving the link.
• ability to work from and commute to the…