The CFP Mentoring / Internship Trainee Program

The Objective
To recruit, train and developed committed individuals who are pursuing the CFP program to become Certified Financial Planners and Licensed Investment Advisors or Representatives.

Duration of Program
Approximately 3 years for a full time Trainee. The duration can be shorter if the Trainee is already engaged in financial services and is pursuing an approved course in financial planning.

Benefits of the Program
At the end of the 3 years' program, the company will sponsor the qualified CFPs to be Licensed Investment Representatives. Selected CFPs will also be offered 'partnership/shareholder' opportunities. During the course of the 3 years' program, Trainees are further expected to earn high incomes because of their technical knowledge and skills, methodology used and the application of financial planning approach attained in their training and development. The Principles of 4Es (Education, Examination, Experience and Ethics) which are the requirements of the CFP mark are closely followed.


The CFP Mentoring / Internship Trainee Model

Year 1
Junior Trainee Planner (for those who has little or no experience).
Focus is on technical and product knowledge and applications; and the Marketing Function.

Year 2
Senior Trainee Planner (for those who have experience in financial services such as unit trusts, insurance and writing of wills). This is the highest entry point level for Trainees).
Focus on "sharpening" skills and financial planning activities in addition to the marketing of products and services.

Year 3
Manager (for those who have acquired the experience of writing plans).
Focus on Business Planning in addition to writing financial plans and the marketing of products and services.

Year 4
Those who have shown maturity and leadership will be invited to join the company as "partner and shareholder".


The Training Program
Training is usually held 3 times a week in the evening from 7pm to 9pm on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. Trainees are expected to commit strictly to the program in order to do well. At the end of each year, trainees are expected to attend at least 80% of all training requirements. A typical schedule is as follows:

Monday
Technical knowledge and workshop using the CTL Workbook and Program (see training program for details). This is the program "The Making of the Good Consultant".

Wednesday
Practical aspects of financial planning. Case Studies are introduced as part of classroom exercise and discussions to enrich the thinking process of trainees and assist in the strategic planning aspects in writing financial plans as they acquired skills and experience.

Thursday
Current Affairs and Market Updates. Trainees are updated about what is going on in the market place so that they are equipped with the latest news and information. Guest Speakers are regularly brought in to speak on the latest developments in the financial sector (see Training & Development for details).

Other training skills include computer applications, presentation skills, and joint-field work for junior trainees. Also included in the training schedule is a "Train-the-Trainer" program for senior consultants.


The CFP Trainee
Those who are interested in this program are required to email Mike Lee – Licensed Financial Planner (CFP), Practicing Chartered Secretary (FCIS) and Chartered Marketer (MCIM), who will be your Mentor at mikelee@ctla.com.my giving a brief resume and contact details.

Successful candidates for this program are likely to be those who have a strong desire to learn, plenty of patience and is "teachable". Other qualities include a pleasant and caring personality as the financial planning service is everything about "relationship", "confidence" and "trust" between planner and client.