National Financial Professional Development Program

The Lincoln Financial Professionals Trainee Program and Financial Professional Development Program

What does a career in the Financial Planning Industry look like? There is no better way to experience it, than to be a part of it! After an initial in-depth training our trainees are paired with a seasoned financial professional, which will give them hands-on experience in multiple aspects of the career. From reaching out to clients, sitting in on client meetings, or creating investment and financial planning proposals, our interns gain firsthand knowledge of what being part of a financial planning practice looks like… all while getting the required licenses to become a financial professional. After being in this industry for almost 20 years, I can honestly say this is a one of a kind experience, unrivaled by other firms!

What does it look like on a daily basis?

• Setting appointments with existing Lincoln clients and managing meeting logistics.
  
• Completing marketing projects for individual financial professionals.
• Running financial planning, retirement and investment illustrations for client meetings.
• Assisting with preparations for client events such as seminars, benefit fairs and client appreciation events.
• Preparing Morningstar reports, retirement income plans, investment solutions and financial condition models.

About You

• You have a desire to be your own boss and manage your own career trajectory.
• You are a self-starter that doesn’t need hand holding but you seek out, accept and appreciate training and coaching.
• You are outgoing, someone that cares about others and builds relationships and rapport easily.
• You have strong MS Office skills and are a quick-study with computer programs you are unfamiliar with.
• You are never afraid to pick up the phone, whether it is to call a customer to or get information from Lincoln’s home office.
• You are tenacious when it comes to follow-through, and details rarely slip through your grasp.
• You must be driven, self-disciplined, have a ton of energy and enjoy a fast-paced environment.

Requirements

• Prefer candidates that are in their 3rd or 4th year of undergraduate studies, or have completed their degree and are open to being a part-time or full-time trainee participant.
• Must be committed to the entrepreneurial career of a financial professional.
• Aptitude for sales and customer service.
• Demonstrated success in work and/or school.

What will you gain? 

• A personal brand and marketing tool kit ready to take into your new career as a financial professional
• Help with creating approach scripts and pitches for your natural market and centers of influence 
• A comprehensive budget analysis to ensure you are financially prepared 
• Scheduling and time management guidelines
• General product knowledge 
• Paperwork processing exposure
• Networking skills and potential practice opportunities 
• Relationships that will help you get through your first few years as a new financial professional

“My experience is that most people learn by doing and that’s exactly what our trainee program is all about. Whether it’s reaching out to our existing clients, shadowing a financial professional for the day or working on an investment proposal, our trainees gain hands-on experience every step of the way. Our trainees receive training and coaching throughout the process while simultaneously expecting them to add value from day one by getting them involved in important projects. If you are interested in the Financial Planning Industry, this type of program is a can’t miss opportunity.” 

– Brandi Stahl, ChFC®, CRPC
AVP, Regional Director, CFB and FPG West Region

 Trainee Program Stats

Since the program’s inception in 2008 41% of interns in the history of the program have stayed with Lincoln in some capacity 36% of trainees in the history of the program have transitioned into financial professional roles.

Check out the success stories below:

Our newest trainees-turned financial professionals

Trainee Class of 2019

Trainee Class of 2018

Trainee Class of 2017

Trainee Class of 2016