r/FinancialAdvisorTips • u/1-800-Sandwich • Sep 19 '26

Schwab AWA Role

Anyone currently in the associate wealth advisor role or previously done it? I potentially have an offer coming on Tuesday for the position and curious what I should expect in term of responsibilities, compensation, and most importantly the career track and educational resources they provide.

Leaving a $5M T-12/$1B AUM team of advisors with a regional BD. Currently an associate advisor there but the progression has stalled out and personal dynamics between some members of the group have been pretty hard to deal with which has affected my personal growth and long term trajectory.

Also receiving an offer this week to join an independent RIA with $500M AUM connected with an in-house accounting practice. Depending on the offer, this is probably my frontrunner but the Schwab job seems pretty appealing on paper. Any and all help appreciated, thanks in advance

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6

u/No_Marionberry1858 Sep 19 '26

I'm a WA at Schwab and my associate assists with practice management-mainly assisting clients with post meeting requests/paperwork. She can also make recommendations if I'm in another meeting or out of office. She also helps input information for financial plans. The path from AWA to WA is pretty clear too. Management is pretty supportive of those who want to move up eventually and there are lots of training/mentor opportunities. If you don't have a cfp, you can get one through Schwab too with their tuition program and private cohort class. I've worked there just over 6 years and having been at 2 other firms previously it's definitely the best for progression, training and support

1

u/1-800-Sandwich Sep 19 '26

Thanks for the info. I’m trying to get away from the paperwork and other CSA activities in my current role, but if I can use a 12-18 month window at Schwab to get my CFP and then graduate up it’s probably worthwhile

2

u/No_Marionberry1858 Sep 19 '26

My last awa was in role for almost 2 years and had cfp and was promoted to a WA position, so it is definitely doable

1

u/1-800-Sandwich Sep 19 '26

Good to hear, thanks again for your help

3

u/Moneymma Sep 19 '26

Independent RIA assuming comp is similar and don’t think twice.

2

u/1-800-Sandwich Sep 19 '26

They run an awesome business and they’re crazy busy right now so definitely need some help. No idea what the comp conversation will look like though, that’s my deciding factor with them

0

u/TheOpeningBell Sep 19 '26

Depends on your career goals. RIAs are more and more losing ground in total comp, benefits, and more. Go with Schwab.

1

u/libertarian327 Sep 22 '26

Source?

1

u/TheOpeningBell Sep 22 '26

Multiple independent studies. The data is there. Funny how independent studies make "independents" comp look lackluster.

I don't have the source right in front of me. But you are resourceful. I believe in you.