Over 2,000 Join Amplified Planning's 2025 Externship: New Data Reveals Who's Entering Financial Planning & Why

DALLAS, June 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- With over 2,000 participants from across the globe, Amplified Planning's 2025 Externship has broken new ground in its mission to train and empower the next generation of financial planners. Now four weeks in, The Externship is already providing deep insight into who's entering the profession and the challenges they face.

Launched in 2020, The Externship is an 8-week virtual experience designed to offer real-world exposure to financial planning for students, career changers, and aspiring professionals. This year marks the program's largest cohort ever, with 2,078 externs engaging with real recorded client meetings, additional training by proven experts in the field, and community-based learning.

"This year's growth signals something bigger than numbers. It shows that new talent entering the space is hungry for training, as well as purpose-driven careers in financial planning," said Hannah Moore, CFP®, founder of Amplified Planning. "The Externship gives them the access, confidence, and clarity they need to take their first step—or their next step—into this profession."

What's New in 2025?

The 2025 Externship features new clients whom Externs follow through the entire financial planning process, from onboarding to investment planning, college planning, estate planning, and more. Externs also get access to industry-standard tools eMoney, Morningstar Advisor Workstation, EncorEstate Plans, Redtail, and Asset-Map — which they use to complete assignments and deliver practice plans. The 2025 Externship also taps into even more industry mentorship, with over 60 expert speakers including J.D. Bruce, Anna N'Jie-Konte, Louis Barajas, Jerry Cobb, Susan Bradley, and many others. This is a level of exposure to the profession, client meetings, tools, experts, and networking that many in the program have never had. 

Notably, 44% of Externs have never seen a financial planning meeting before, and 83% of 2025 Externs are first-time participants.

Who Are the 2025 Externs?

New data paints a compelling picture of an increasingly diverse, mission-driven group of future planners who are entering the field from all stages of life and professional experience:

• Career: 
  • 39.5% are career changers
  • 28.3% are students or recent grads
  • 23.8% currently work in financial planning or financial services
• Age: 30.7% are 18–24 years old; nearly 50% are 25–44 years old
• Sex: 56.4% are men, 42.6% are women
• Race/Ethnicity: 40.5% identify as people of color, including 10% Black and 10% Asian — nearly 4x the industry average
• Education: 75% hold bachelor's or master's degrees; 15% have no college degree, signaling broader accessibility
• First-Gen College Students: Nearly 30% identify as first-generation college attendees

 Why They're Choosing Financial Planning

Extern survey respondents cite deeply personal motivations for joining the profession:

• 90% want to help people
• 80% are driven by a personal interest in personal finance
• 60% are interested in starting their own firm
• Work-life balance, entrepreneurship, and income potential also rank high

Many, however, face real barriers to entering this profession. According to The Externship's ongoing participant feedback:

• 39% struggle to find job opportunities that match their experience
• 28% cite low pay or financial instability early in their careers
• 22% note a lack of clear career paths

These concerns mirror recent findings from the FinServ Foundation + FP Transitions Aspiring Advisor Survey, which emphasized the urgent need for more transparent pathways, stronger mentorship and training, and inclusive hiring practices in wealth management.

Engagement at Scale

By the end of Week 1, The Externs generated thousands of forum posts and replies, reflecting high engagement and a hunger for connection. Hot topics include:

• How to transition into planning from other careers
• Navigating entry points into the profession
• Building networks and personal brands as a new advisor

"This isn't just education for our Externs. It's really transformation," said Moore. "The Externship is helping people see what's possible for themselves and their future in this field."

What This Means for the Industry

As the profession grapples with talent shortages, succession gaps, and a need for greater diversity, the 2025 Externship is a clear signal: The next generation is here, and they're ready to join us. Are we ready for them?

About Amplified Planning

Amplified Planning is a premier provider of financial planning education focused on preparing the next generation of financial advisors with real-world experience and innovative training solutions. Founded by award-winning financial planner Hannah Moore, CFP®, Amplified Planning is known for bridging the gap between theory and practice with a Client-Centered Financial Planning™ approach. Their flagship program, The Externship, offers aspiring and new planners immersive training, mentorship, and critical skill-building opportunities to excel in their careers. They also offer CORE, CORE+, and the Accelerator programs, all focusing on real client meetings and a supportive community. For more information on all of the programs that Amplified Planning offers, visit www.amplifiedplanning.com 

SOURCE Amplified Planning