D.A. Davidson has been named a finalist for the Association of Washington Business’s (AWB) Washington Achieve Award. This award recognizes a “business that has excelled in creating, implementing or supporting a high-caliber education and/or workforce development system aligned with closing the employment gap.”
In an industry notoriously difficult to enter, D.A. Davidson continues to build upon its history of providing students, young professionals and “second career” candidates the opportunity to thrive in financial services. Offering internship and apprentice programs with considerable resources dedicated to their success, the firm recognizes the obstacles preventing individuals from securing positions in investment banking and financial advisory services.
Student Investment Program
Seeking to support young talent and―more specifically―support young talent’s entry into this business, D.A. Davidson’s Student Investment Program has provided resources and educational opportunities to students for more than 30 years. Launched in 1985, the program offers $50,000 per institution each year to 20 colleges in the Northwest and Pacific region to give students a chance to test their investing chops.
Geared toward providing upper-level college students a hands-on education in finance, stock research, portfolio management and investment topic while developing teamwork, decision-making, research and communications skills, the program has given thousands of students valuable insight into the investment industry. For those who aspire to a career in financial services, the opportunity to test their knowledge and judgment to achieve real-world results can be a priceless experience. The highest performing college or university team receives the opportunity to attend Davidson Institute, a major educational conference for the firm.
Summer Internship Program
D.A. Davidson’s internship program is designed to enable participants to gain exposure to the business―and ultimately secure analyst and advisor positions within the investment industry. Interns work alongside professionals in the Individual Investor Group. The program also offers the rare opportunity for a college student or recent graduate to obtain the highly-coveted FINRA Series 7 investment license.
Leveraging both their experience and exposure from the internship, a number of interns have completed the program and proceeded to build investment careers as analysts, advisors and more. Recognizing the pivotal impact of education and experience on individuals’ ability to secure positions and ultimately develop successful careers within the investment industry, it has been D.A. Davidson’s passion and honor to provide opportunities for both.
Apprentice Program
Introduced in early 2015, the three-year apprentice program provides a valuable learning experience and entry point into the investment industry and financial advisory services. D.A. Davidson’s Financial Advisor Apprentice program is designed for individuals who are interested in a career in the financial services industry and would like to gain the structure, tools, strategies and resources to build a foundation for a successful career as a Financial Advisor. The rotational training program exposes apprentices to a desirable and comprehensive experience within the industry, establishing a foundation from which one can build a successful advisory practice.
Winners will be announced at the AWB’s Evening of Excellence dinner on November 30.