The program continues to showcase financial planning for the next generation of practitioners.

DENVER (April 25, 2022) –To open the doors of the financial planning profession and build a pipeline of new talent, the Financial Planning Association® (FPA®) will host the FPA Virtual Externship again this summer. In partnership with eMoney Advisor, the College for Financial Planning®—a Kaplan Company, and Schwab Advisor Services in partnership with Charles Schwab Foundation, the eight-week program will be held from June 6 through July 29. Registration is now open until May 27. 

With nearly 500 participants completing last year’s program, the FPA Virtual Externship provided a diverse range of attendees with an intensive learning experience that explored all facets of financial planning. More than 37% of participants in the 2021 Externship were female, and a combined 65% were under the age of 39, with 30% between the ages of 19 and 24. And while 10% were already CFP® professionals, more than 42% said they were considering earning CFP® certification.

“There has been a lot of talk over the years about the need to build the pipeline of new talent coming into the financial planning profession. While the FPA Virtual Externship was created to fill the internship void caused by the pandemic, I believe the Externship has had a far greater impact on the profession's future,” says 2022 FPA President Dennis J. Moore, MBA, CFP®. “The Externship has not only introduced the next generation to financial planning as a potential career path, but it has positioned students and career changers to thrive once they take the next step in their career journeys.”

The FPA Virtual Externship allows Externs to “see” financial planning in action—and build the confidence, skills, and connections they need to master it. Those attending who are currently working toward, or planning to work toward, CFP® certification will receive 180 hours toward the Standard Pathway for CFP Board’s Experience Requirement and eMoney certification.

“This is our third year hosting the FPA Virtual Externship, and the impact of this program will continue to grow,” says Hannah Moore, CFP®️, organizer of the Externship. “The Externship is one of the best ways FPA members, students, and career changers can see financial planning in action. There are dozens of different career options, and Externs can see inside real-life client meetings and learn from some of the best in the profession.”

This summer, the curriculum will focus on specific areas of financial planning and will be led by practitioner mentors who will provide their unique view of financial planning. The eight-week program will focus on the following content areas:

  • Investment Planning
  • Insurance and Risk Management Planning
  • Cash Flow Planning
  • Student Loan Planning and College Planning
  • Retirement Planning
  • Tax Planning
  • Estate Planning
  • Navigating Your Career
  • Real-world Applications for Planning Software

Externs will access a library of recorded lessons that dive deep into unique approaches to financial planning, plus get real-world assignments, in-depth tutorials, walkthroughs, and live office-hour opportunities with top financial planners. Also, this year, Externs will get an inside look at real client meetings and planner/client relationships.

"We all have a responsibility to cultivate the next generation of diverse talent,” said Bernie Clark, Head of Schwab Advisor Services. “The FPA Virtual Externship provides experiential learning for future financial professionals and during a time of unprecedented change as we adapt to a more hybrid way of working. This program has created access to a career in financial planning and opened up opportunities to attract and recruit talent.”

By the end of the eight-week program, participants will be able to articulate various philosophies in financial planning and identify their own philosophy that positions them to serve their clients best. With support from eMoney, the College for Financial Planning® — A Kaplan Company and Schwab Advisor Services in partnership with the Charles Schwab Foundation, and in-kind support from CFP Board, Externs will see more than 25 firms and experts at work and will access dozens of deliverables and processes from seasoned practitioners.

“At eMoney, we are committed to supporting the next generation of financial planners with technology that will allow them to create dynamic financial plans, demonstrate real-life scenarios, and strengthen client relationships,” said Celeste Revelli, CFP®, director of financial planning at eMoney. “We are thrilled to partner with FPA for the third year in a row and increase access to a career in financial planning.”

“The College for Financial Planning is honored to be a part of the FPA Virtual Externship for a second year,” says College President Dirk Pantone, CPA, CFP®. “The College is committed to supporting careers in financial planning that expand access for Americans to receive qualified and ethical advice which ultimately makes a difference in peoples’ lives. FPA has put together a great program that helps participants advance their careers, whether they are just starting to explore financial planning as a profession or looking to take their career to higher levels.”

The FPA Virtual Externship is $199 for FPA members. Those interested in learning more and registering can visit www.FPAExternship.org. Program applicants can apply for an FPA Virtual Externship Scholarship through the Externship website.

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About the Financial Planning Association

The Financial Planning Association® (FPA®) is the leading membership organization for CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM professionals and those engaged in the financial planning process. FPA is the CFP® professional’s partner in planning by helping them realize their vision of professional fulfillment through practice support, learning, advocacy, and networking. Learn more about FPA at financialplanningassociation.org and on Twitter at twitter.com/fpassociation.

About eMoney Advisor, LLC
eMoney Advisor, LLC (“eMoney”) provides technology solutions and services that help people talk about money. Rooted in holistic financial planning, eMoney solutions strengthen client relationships, streamline business operations, enhance business development, and drive overall growth. More than 96,000 financial professionals across firms of all sizes use the eMoney platform to serve more than 4.5 million households throughout the U.S. For more information, please visit: emoneyadvisor.com.

College for Financial Planning® — A Kaplan Company

Founded in 1972, the College for Financial Planning®—a Kaplan Company provides accessible and flexible degree, non-degree, and continuing professional education programs to students nationwide. Shortly after its founding, the College introduced the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification, which is now the world's most recognized and respected financial planning credential with more than 90,000 certified professionals.

In addition to its CFP® Certification Professional Education Program, the College also offers a master's degree in personal financial planning and financial analysis, and professional designation programs that provide more in-depth knowledge of the finance industry, with specializations ranging from asset management and retirement planning to sustainable, responsible, and impact (SRI) investments. The College for Financial Planning is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association. More than 195,000 students have graduated from the College's programs. For more information, visit kaplanfinancial.com/wealth-management.

About Charles Schwab

At Charles Schwab we believe in the power of investing to help individuals create a better tomorrow. We have a history of challenging the status quo in our industry, innovating in ways that benefit investors and the advisors and employers who serve them, and championing our clients’ goals with passion and integrity.

More information is available at www.aboutschwab.com. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and LinkedIn.

About Schwab Advisor Services

As the industry’s leading custodian for independent registered investment advisors (RIAs), Schwab Advisor Services is dedicated to helping advisors achieve their business goals. For more than 30 years we have supported firms of all types and sizes and earned the trust of over 7,500 advisors. Visit advisorservices.schwab.com. Schwab Advisor Services serves independent investment advisors and includes the custody, trading, and support services of Schwab. Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.

About Charles Schwab Foundation

Charles Schwab Foundation is an independent nonprofit public benefit corporation, funded by The Charles Schwab Corporation and classified by the IRS as a charity under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Foundation is neither a part of Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (member SIPC) nor its parent company, The Charles Schwab Corporation. Its mission is to educate, volunteer and advocate on behalf of those in need so that everyone has the opportunity to achieve financial well-being. More information is available at https://www.aboutschwab.com/citizenship.