How Firms Can Help Gen Z Succeed
Our findings indicate that to engage and develop the next generation of financial professionals, firms must first infuse their recruiting, interviewing, and onboarding processes with clearer expectations and stronger support. Here are some suggestions about how to put these ideas into practice at each step of the onboarding process.
During Recruitment
Build a strong foundation by seeking candidates who demonstrate a commitment to learning and development through their education, certifications, or prior experience
Expand access to roles with paid internships, scholarship pipelines, and targeted outreach helps capture the attention of committed and driven candidates
During Interviews
Set realistic expectations about the interview process, including rounds and timing
Ensure candidates understand both the responsibilities of the role and the realities of the industry
Prioritize transparency to build trust and help align with long-term career goals
During the First 90 Days
Prioritize open communication with clarity, connection, and confidence
Use buddy systems, regular check-ins, and early exposure to shadowing and microlearning opportunities to build skills fast
Foster peer networks and mentoring circles to provide critical support
Provide recurring feedback, “stay interviews,” and decision transparency to signal that employee input matters
Study Methodology
For the Onboarding Gen Z Study, researchers from The American College of Financial Services surveyed 1,205 Americans aged 18 to 27 in a 53-question online survey conducted from October to November of 2024. Respondents included undergraduate college students, recent college graduates, and early-career professionals who either indicated a baseline level of interest (above five out of 10) in financial services or who had been employed for less than three years in the industry. This study intentionally oversampled Gen Z respondents from all racial groups except White to allow for more robust subgroup analysis. All population-level findings are weighted to align with U.S. Census benchmarks.
About The American College of Financial Services
Founded in 1927, The American College of Financial Services is the nation’s largest nonprofit educational institution devoted to financial services professionals. Holding the highest level of academic accreditation, The College has educated over 200,000 professionals across the United States through certificate, designation, and graduate degree programs. Its portfolio of applied knowledge also includes just-in-time learning and consumer financial education programs. The College’s faculty represents some of the foremost thought leaders in the financial services industry.
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The American College of Financial Services is committed to equal access to its educational programs, facilities, and employment for all persons, regardless of race, color, sex, disability, age, religion, national or ethnic origin, or any other protections afforded by applicable laws. Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, CFP® (with plaque design) and CFP® (with flame design) in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board's initial and ongoing certification requirements.
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