I can't beleive starting at a firm that's "getting started" with investments is a good idea.

Here is the deal...

I think Cap One is probably a decent place to get a good start. I have friends on the bank side, and from what I am told, they are aggressivly growing their investment program.

let me just say a few words on a highly debated and controversal subject. For thoes of you looking to get started in the financial services industry, I think the bank channel is by far the best route to go. You have an automatic customer base that you can prospect from, as well as a staff of bankers who are "on your team" and may refer clients to you as well. This is what I would call leverage, and you are increasing your chances of sucess in a situation that has very low chances of succeding. Your alternative is working indy or wirehouse calling the business section of the phone book, because you are sick of checking the do not call list.  Working the bank route does have its limits(lower pay out and being at the mercy of management), but I think it is a great place to start, grow a practice, do good revenue, and as you evolve as an advisor and if you out grow the program, move on. Own your clients, build relationships, and bring them with you. Working the bank channel can be VERY lucrative too! You just have to have the talent.

And just a few works about me... I started as an advisor in 2000. Market was tanking. Down/volitile market is a great time to start because most advisors are spending all of there time serviceing the book and putting out fires, while you have the luxury of spending all of your time prospecting and closing business, because you do not have any clients to service!

I started in a bank channel, as pretty much an annuity guy. My first year in production I did 400gross. After a few years of doing that, the stress of living ticket to ticket, and being at the mercy of fixed annuity rates, started to take a toll on me. So I decided to change the direction of my business and focus on larger, more affluent clients, with an emphisis on investment products and comprenhensive financial planning. I also decided to focus on products with recuring revenue and fee based, because my goal was for a less stress full life with a more predictable income. Initally I did less gross, but after awhile it all kicked in and it all paid off!

 Dealing with the bank and with management had its issues: being resaigned from branch to branch is not fun. Fighting to keep YOUR clients when management moves you-- not fun. Dealing with idoit branch managers who have to make changes to justify there jobs and who only care about advisor head count- not fun. Oh, the battles I have had! Not to mention a comp plan that drastically changed every year!  But persistence and talent pay off, put your head down and work. Oh, and made pleanty of enemies too! 

 The business grew every year. I was always focused on the client and the relationship. My goal was to always own the relationship. Eventually I left and went wirehouse route. I now manage 200mill in assetts and make a very good living. I now sit in my office and watch the "trainees" at work. I am truly amazed, and give them all the credit in the world! The sucess rate is 1%.  I cant believe how tough they have it and I probably would be out of the buisiness if I had started that way. Using the added resources of the bank channel certianly gave me a competitive advantage.  Then again, I am amazed at anyone who is sucessfull in this field because I know how dificult it is to buid a viable business.

The one thing I would say, regardless of which bank program you choose or which channel you go, persistence is the key to sucess.