Pros
It should be noted that this position and the experience working with Wells Fargo Advisors is entirely dependent on the Advisor(s) you work for. My experience was working with a Top 100 producer nationally, in a small team environment. This is the best case scenario for the position. The other option would be to work for multiple advisors, which I didn't have experience with, but seemed far less enjoyable/engaging. In general, I found the position to be a good opportunity to understand retail investment management from an operations stand point and build good communication skills. This job, like any other, gives only as much as your are willing to invest yourself. - Small team environment allows for experience working with many other tasks outside of a role that is traditionally administrative/sales support. - I was able to build and maintain meaningful relationships with an affluent ($1-$5mm) client base and understand how to provide this segment of the retail market meaningful service. - Daily contact with clients helps to build a foundation of "soft" skills. i.e. Professional communication in-person/over the phone/email, pro-active problem solving, confidently cold-calling (which isn't initially fun, nor is it for everyone, but its highly valuable.) - Some days can be long, but for 90% of the time work stays at work
Cons
As mentioned before, your own experience depends greatly on the advisor you work for. Advisors for the most part have large egos and can be difficult to deal with. Pay from the branch is moderate at best. The only way to get substantial upside it to negotiate profit sharing agreements with the Advisor. Compliance is often rigid and at times seems like their job is to stop you from doing yours. There isn't too much of a career path as a Registered Client Associate. Either you stay in your current role, getting 2% pay raises annually or you try to become an advisor yourself or partner with your current advisor Some clients can be a pain, but again, it depends entirely on the book of business. This is a non-exempt position and their is plenty of time I worked 50-60 hours weeks and was only paid for 40. This was not mandatory but in on my team there was an expectation of executing regardless of hours needed.