UNI’s SIE exam preparation opens doors for students entering wealth management
UNI’s SIE exam preparation opens doors for students entering wealth management
The wealth management industry offers many career paths, but for those looking to manage investments and securities for clients, it all begins with the Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) exam. This entry-level test, offered by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), is a crucial first step for aspiring financial planning professionals.
Not only does the SIE exam serve as a gateway to internships and jobs in personal finance, but it is also a prerequisite for securities exams that allow professionals to manage investments.
At the Wilson College of Business, students interested in entering the personal finance industry can prepare for and take the SIE exam through the Business 3000 level in the Professional Readiness Program — free of charge for those who pass. Professors help students register and schedule their exams and guide them through the necessary study materials and support. The program is offered in spring, summer, fall and winter - with many students choosing to take over winter or summer when they're not focusing on full-time course loads.
This experience provides students with a significant advantage in the job market.
“If you pass the SIE exam, you can show your employer that you know your stuff,” said Steve Yerkes, a Certified Financial Planner (CFP), practitioner and Assistant Professor of Practice at UNI. “It demonstrates proactiveness and eliminates one step for an employee after they are hired. Paired with the wealth management emphasis in the finance major at UNI, we’re preparing students to enter the industry with confidence.”
Zach Morrison (‘24) knew he wanted to become a financial advisor since high school, which led him to choose UNI for its wealth management focus. He learned about the SIE exam from Yerkes and his father, who is also a financial advisor. Over winter break, Morrison completed the Business 3000 course as part of the Professional Readiness Program and passed the exam.
Now working at Baird Wealth in Sioux City, Morrison credits the SIE exam for giving him a fundamental understanding of securities and a competitive edge during job interviews.
Having completed the SIE exam really set me apart. Finance topics can be challenging, especially for students without prior experience. Having professors who take the time to ensure students understand the material is incredibly helpful.
Morrison’s employer, Mark Stuck, managing director at Baird Wealth, agrees that the SIE exam provides students with a crucial advantage.
“I am a huge fan of useful and applied education,” Stuck said. “When a new advisor joins us already having passed the SIE exam, it’s a huge advantage for both them and us. Additionally, having CFP prep as part of the university curriculum gives these students tremendous head starts in their careers.”
Rachel Clayberg (‘24) also passed the SIE exam this past winter and is applying what she learned during an internship at Ameriprise in Cedar Falls. The exam helped her secure a full-time job at Ameriprise after graduation, and she’ll continue working toward additional licenses and credentials to become an independent financial advisor.
She credits UNI with providing the wealth management fundamentals — such as securities, market structures, regulatory environments and risk management — that helped her pass the SIE exam and transition smoothly into her role at Ameriprise.
UNI teaches the curriculum, but they also want students to be immersed in the career. We learn from industry professionals who use real-world examples, and they make sure we have opportunities, take advantage of them and ultimately succeed in our careers.”
The author of this article Wilson College of Business, is allowing Baird to use, with permission. While current at the time of the date of this publication, this information is subject to change and ongoing interpretation. The opinions expressed are those of the author and not necessarily those of Baird. Robert W. Baird & Co. Incorporated.
