Training to prepare students for industry gateway exam, the Security Industry Essentials (SIE)
The new training developed by Fidelity Investments and Nashua Community College aims to prepare a layperson for a career in financial services. After 12 weeks in the part-time evening course, students are guaranteed an interview with Fidelity.
“Our Merrimack location has an ongoing need for candidates interested in our Customer Relationship Advocate (CRA) role where they assist our clients with everything from basic account maintenance to trading securities,” said Wendy Valeri, Fidelity’s Director of Candidate Experience.
Valeri explained how the training can open doors for candidates. “The CRA role is a foundational role at Fidelity, designed to train and prepare associates for promotions and career paths into higher level roles by including access to career coaching and personalized skill development. This role requires associates to obtain their Series 7 and Series 63 financial licenses. This course helps you get a jump start on that process by getting one of the three exams completed prior to applying, greatly increasing your marketability to a recruiter and hiring manager.”
The training series prepares attendees to sit for the Security Industry Essentials exam, known as the SIE, which is one exam required by financial regulators for anyone helping customers with their investments.
Previously, candidates pivoting to a career in the financial services industry had to pass all required exams shortly after their hiring. With the financial services training at NCC, students get the chance to prepare ahead of time for the SIE exam.
The training format is designed to accommodate working professionals. “When we were working with Fidelity to create this course, making a schedule that appeals to adult learners was important,” said Kim Eckenrode, NCC’s Career and Technical Education Pathways Director. “NCC has seen success in the two evenings a week format with individuals who need to balance work or family commitments with their desire to obtain the education and skills needed to help them go forward in their career.”
Every person who successfully completes the program will get an interview for a customer service role with Fidelity. Candidates who score over 75% on a course final can be sponsored by Fidelity to take the formal SIE, regardless of their employment status.
Interested candidates can contact Kim Eckenrode for more information at [email protected] or 603.578.8979.
