NexGen: The Next Generation of Financial Advisors

What is NexGen?

 

As Ryan Fleming, FPA-NCA president, stated in the January newsletter, one of the primary goals of the chapter in 2013 is to engage the next generation of professional. The chapter has created a board-level position for the NexGen Liaison to facilitate this effort. So, with a clear focus on integrating younger planners into our chapter, I thought it worth some time to describe what, and who, NexGen is. This article will focus on the “what” and a follow up article will address “who” NexGen is.

In short, NexGen is a vibrant community of young financial planning professionals. This organization comprised of young planners age 36 and under, strives to:

• Support, advise, and encourage one another in our professional advancement;
• Promote, foster, and direct programs that aid in the transfer of knowledge from the pioneers of financial planning to the future of the profession; and
• Explore issues common to younger planners and seek means of accentuating the positives and finding resolutions for the negatives.

NexGen members connect throughout the year in a variety of ways. The FPA NexGen Connect Community provides an opportunity for daily dialogue among members. Local chapters meet regularly, hosting study groups, speakers, and social events. In fact, the DC-metro chapter is one of the more active NexGen chapters in the country! Members gather at national FPA conferences, and host their own conference, called NexGen Gathering, annually. Gathering provides a medium to discuss all the topics and trends facing the future of the profession, allowing members to connect with peers, colleagues, and FPA leadership in an intimate, conversational setting. The 2013 Gathering will be held June 21-23 at St. John’s University in Minnesota. Click here to learn more.

The FPA-NCA chapter has already taken steps to better integrate NexGen members into our chapter. We held a very successful networking happy hour at On the Border in Tysons Corner in mid-March. Over 50 FPA and NexGen members attended and enjoyed connecting with one another. The feedback about this event was great, and we plan to have another later in the year! Keep an eye out for details. The NexGen group holds periodic study group meetings, intended to be informal discussions where members share their thoughts on everything from social media to client communication to investment strategies. We occasionally have guest speakers, and we would welcome the opportunity to hear from “experts” within the FPA-NCA chapter. The board is also considering other programming, such as a Career Day, to connect with the NexGen community. We would love your involvement, so plan to come and network or even interview students graduating from CFP® Board registered programs in our area!