Financial Advisor for which firm?

I'm in an interesting position where I'm ready to pull the trigger and take a shot at some of the bigger names in financial planning/advising.

With your experience, can you tell me which Financial Advisory program is the best?

I'm debating between Morgan Stanley, Merrill Lynch, Wells Fargo, and UBS.

I'm a 22 year old student. I've been working my way up the ladder from 2 previous companies to earn my experience and wisdom for the past 2 years (still signed on with the 2nd company). Currently 6, 63, life/health/accident licensed. Salesmanship and cold market approaching hasn't turned me away yet, I want to stay in this career for the long haul and be a success story.

Information worth noting: I'm having a BBQ dinner this saturday with my sister's friend. My sister's friend has a husband who is a FA for Morgan Stanley, so I might have the opportunity of knowing someone on the inside before I go through my first job application attempt.

Once again, I'm debating between Morgan Stanley, Merrill Lynch, Wells Fargo, and UBS. I'm leaning towards Morgan Stanley. Your thoughts?

 
Best Response

I'd say as long as you don't go Edward Jones or one of those other bottom feeder companies you will be good. Also, something else to note, you want to join an experienced team with a solid client book. That way you will be learning the business under experienced FA's. All 4 companies you mentioned above should give you this opportunity. Edward Jones is a company where you hear the horror stories (cold calling strangers, going door to door knocking). Your job from the start at EJ is to bring in assets. You have to look at it from an employer's and customer's standpoint. Nobody is going to give their savings to a 22 year old with hardly any experience. And an employer shouldn't expect a 22 year old with hardly any experience to bring in assets. Leads? Possibly. Of course, part of the job is sales and eventually you will have to bring in cilents, but another part of the job is learning and gaining the experience. The 4 companies you listed all have solid framework for new employees. Just ask the right questions during the interview.

PM me if you have any questions (I come from a family of FA's)

 

Nesciunt nulla tempore minima. Amet quia et reprehenderit et. Enim facere accusamus inventore quis dolorem explicabo et. Deleniti inventore et iure iusto. Odit enim et omnis aut.

Vero et ipsa id quia. Quasi est sed qui qui repellendus voluptatem sit. Enim quos fuga voluptatum laborum officiis quo ipsam. Maxime praesentium aliquam rem sunt illo corporis.

Career Advancement Opportunities

March 2024 Investment Banking

  • Jefferies & Company 02 99.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 19 98.8%
  • Harris Williams & Co. (++) 98.3%
  • Lazard Freres 02 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 03 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

March 2024 Investment Banking

  • Harris Williams & Co. 18 99.4%
  • JPMorgan Chase 10 98.8%
  • Lazard Freres 05 98.3%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.7%
  • William Blair 03 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

March 2024 Investment Banking

  • Lazard Freres 01 99.4%
  • Jefferies & Company 02 98.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 17 98.3%
  • Moelis & Company 07 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 05 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

March 2024 Investment Banking

  • Director/MD (5) $648
  • Vice President (19) $385
  • Associates (86) $261
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (13) $181
  • Intern/Summer Associate (33) $170
  • 2nd Year Analyst (66) $168
  • 1st Year Analyst (202) $159
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (144) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
99.0
4
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
5
kanon's picture
kanon
98.9
6
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
9
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
10
numi's picture
numi
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”