Choosing the right post-service career can be a complex process for veterans, active-duty military looking ahead, and their family members, each of whom face unique challenges.

Yet, with the right mix of knowledge, support, and sponsorship, there are many fantastic career paths available to those in the military community, including in financial services.

To help veterans, their families, and other military personnel find their way, The American College of Financial Services and its Center for Military and Veterans Affairs has created a unique guide.

In this guide, we cover:

• The challenges former service members may face as they transition to the civilian workforce
• The financial services industry and why it may be a great fit for veterans and their families
• What a lifelong financial services career may look like
• The resources available to help veterans with their transition to financial services

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In the world of research and advocacy, dedicated individuals and organizations play a pivotal role in bringing meaningful change to society. At the Center for Women in Financial Services, we are honored to acknowledge the profound impact of a generous donor, Mary Wright, whose vision and philanthropy have paved the way for developing a successful research enterprise, one that has shone brightly in media mentions and professional circles.

The journey towards transformative change began with Wright’s generous contribution to establishing an impactful research project in late 2020. Her support allowed the Center to conduct vital research exploring the unique traits of successful financial advisors. This visionary donation set in motion a series of events that have enriched our understanding of what contributes to success as a financial advisor and provided ample evidence for industry partners to better understand the unique needs of female professionals in the industry. The research earned six industry trade publications placements within two weeks of the launch and has appeared in white papers as well as numerous professional presentations reaching thousands of industry professionals.

The initial funding of the Traits of Successful Advisors research project laid the foundation for the Center’s research initiatives and contributed to the future research agenda. With Wright’s ongoing financial support, we established a research fellow position at the Center for Women in Financial Services, the esteemed Wright Fellowship. This fellow will work with our Research Director to collect data studying Gen Z perceptions of careers in the financial industry, their work attitudes, and strategies to attract more Gen Z women to the industry. Our research will enhance our understanding of Gen Z's work attitudes and interest in financial services. The fellow will play a crucial role in publishing findings, developing industry presentations, and creating educational materials for the financial services sector in Spring of 2024. We are grateful for Wright’s commitment to the Center and the mission to advocate, educate, and support the success of women at all levels within the sector.

With Wright’s continued support, the Center for Women in Financial Services is well-positioned to continue advocating and educating the industry on the critical need for supporting women in finance at every level. Our mission to break barriers and empower women in this field would not have been possible without the unwavering generosity of our donor, Mary Wright, who has enabled us to bring about lasting change in the industry.

In conclusion, we extend our deepest gratitude to our visionary donor, Mary Wright, for her commitment to our cause and her invaluable contribution to the success of our research enterprise. We look forward to continuing our work, striving to create a more equitable and inclusive financial services sector, and making a lasting impact on the lives of women in this industry. Together, we can bring about positive change and inspire future generations to follow suit.

In a strategic move towards enhancing accessibility and amplifying impact, the Center for Women in Financial Services is gearing up for a shift from a singular Women Working in Wealth Summit & Awards Signature Event to a series of dynamic micro-events hosted at various locations across the nation. This evolution aligns seamlessly with the broader vision of The College: to elevate the profession's expertise through specialized financial knowledge and education.

Diverse Avenues, Richer Understanding: The New Landscape

The decision to migrate to smaller, targeted events reflects a commitment to championing professional diversity and transforming avenues of access to financial expertise. Recognizing the disparities in the services clients expect versus what they receive, The College is determined to bridge this gap. With participation in events such as the NAIFA Women’s Fly-In in Washington DC, FA Magazine’s Invest in Women in West Palm Beach, FL, and the IN Women Advisor Summit in Chicago, the aim is to foster a more inclusive representation within the financial services sector.

Opening Doors to Career Success: A Commitment to Diversity

At the heart of this transition is the goal to tackle advisor shortages and increase diverse representation within the industry. The micro-events, strategically located across the US, provide a platform to attract, recruit, and retain advisors from all backgrounds. By connecting with organizations like Women in Insurance in Financial Services (WIFS) and participating in initiatives like the CFP Board Diversity Summit in Washington DC, The College aims to create innovative programming that opens doors to career success for a broader spectrum of professionals.

Holistic Planning for Every Stage: A Focus on Retirement Education

Recognizing the pressing need for comprehensive retirement planning, The College is prioritizing the deepening of retirement expertise among financial professionals. The micro-events offer a unique opportunity to disseminate vital retirement planning knowledge. This focus is not limited to a specific age group; it extends to every American seeking financial security. By participating in events like the Carson – Excell Represent, The College is actively contributing to a holistic approach to retirement planning at every age and stage of an individual's wealth-building journey.

Empowering Individuals, Transforming the Future

As The Center for Women in Financial Services aligns itself with The College's overarching vision, it sets the stage for empowering individuals and transforming the future of the financial services sector. By hosting micro-events in key locations and participating in diverse industry summits, The College is not just responding to changing needs but actively shaping a new era of financial specialists. The focus on education, diversity, and retirement planning reflects a commitment to bridging gaps, opening doors, and ultimately, empowering a more inclusive and knowledgeable financial community. The journey from one signature event to numerous micro-events marks a strategic leap towards a future where expertise is diverse, knowledge is inclusive, and financial strength is within reach for all Americans.