Almost 2,000 financial planning "externs" are a week into an immersive training program to “apply classroom theory to real-life scenarios.” Scheduled as a two-month “externship,” the Financial Planning Association is running its first FPA Virtual Externship for 1,950 students and career changers, giving participants a chance to learn from multiple financial planning firms and soften the blow of canceled summer internships.
The program includes eight week-long modules, with participants learning from firms as far away as London. The group's first module was on investment planning. While not required, students will also have access to weekly sessions for engaging with "planners from a variety of backgrounds and experiences," hosted by the FPA Diversity and Inclusion Committee.
“Our community and chapters have really shown up to support the program, and all the externs who’ve joined,” says Hannah Moore, organizer of the externship, in a statement. “I am proud FPA saw an opportunity to teach and support the next generation of financial planners during this profound time, and we’ve created something that can guide them into our profession with confidence.”
TD Ameritrade Institutional, soon to be a part of Charles Schwab, and eMoney Advisor are partnering with the FPA to support the program.
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