Next Gen & Career Changers
Quad-A’s Next Gen Development is your launchpad into financial services and wealth management. We connect students and career changers with internships, entry-level roles, scholarships, and free learning resources—plus real mentorship and networking with industry leaders.
Our mission is simple: equip you with the skills, coaching, and community to pass key milestones (like the SIE), land opportunities, and build a career in advisory and wealth.
Cultivating the Next Generation of Financial Leaders
About the Quad- A SIE Program- Read Before You Apply
Program Expectations
To ensure a successful experience, all participants are required to:
- Dedicate at least 5 hours per week to study and preparation
- Complete all assigned coursework, quizzes, and mock exams
- Attend all mandatory virtual cohort meetings and check-ins, including:
- Kickoff Call – May 4, 2026 at 12:30 PM CST / 1:30 PM EST
- Learning Session Sponsored by Wilson Wealth- Wednesday May 13, 2026 at 12:30 PM CST/ 1:30 PM EST
- Engage fully with your cohort community and program sponsor
- Maintain a minimum 80% score on all required quizzes and exams
- Sit for the official SIE exam between June 13 – June 27, 2026
Disclaimer
Participation in the Quad-A Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) Program is intended to provide educational support and resources to help candidates prepare for the SIE exam. However, successful completion of the program does not guarantee a passing score on the SIE exam or offer any assurance of future employment opportunities in the financial services industry.
The Association of African American Financial Advisors (Quad-A) reserves the right to modify, postpone, or cancel any part of the program at its sole discretion, including program content, schedules, or participant requirements, without prior notice.
All participants are expected to meet the outlined program expectations to remain in good standing throughout the duration of the program.
“This program has helped me feel like I truly belong in the finance world and find my footing. I’ve learned that the best way to fight imposter syndrome and that feeling of not knowing enough is to keep learning. Programs like this make that possible and accessible for students like me, and having the chance to grow and build my professional skills as a student has made all the difference.”
Jeremiah Lunis
OTC Derivatives Compliance Examiner at the National Futures Association, Quad-A 2025 SIE Certified Graduate
“I am truly grateful for this program because it helped me get my foot in the door in the finance industry and brought me one step closer to achieving my goal of becoming a licensed financial professional.”
Marvin Nwanekwu
Quad-A 2025 SIE Certified Graduate
Asia Dawson
Quad-A 2025 SIE Certified Graduate
Marcia Laguerre
Quad-A 2025 SIE Certified Graduate
“The SIE Cohort played a pivotal role in strengthening both my technical foundation and my confidence in pursuing a career in finance. It provided not only the knowledge needed to pass the exam, but also reinforced my commitment to entering the industry with a strong sense of preparation and purpose”
Joshua Siplin
2026 Quad A SIE Certified Graduate
“This program offers an amazing opportunity to complete the first step to becoming a licensed representative in the finance industry. As a participant, I received top class study materials and a cohort to learn alongside. The program’s short duration can push you, but even then that prepares you for future sponsored exams. Overall, I’m extremely grateful to the Association of African-American Financial Advisors for helping me achieve the first step on my path to being a registered representative.”
Joshua Salter
Quad-A 2025 SIE Certified Graduate
“This program has helped me feel like I truly belong in the finance world and find my footing. I’ve learned that the best way to fight imposter syndrome and that feeling of not knowing enough is to keep learning. Programs like this make that possible and accessible for students like me, and having the chance to grow and build my professional skills as a student has made all the difference.”
Jeremiah Lunis
OTC Derivatives Compliance Examiner at the National Futures Association, Quad-A 2025 SIE Certified Graduate
“I am truly grateful for this program because it helped me get my foot in the door in the finance industry and brought me one step closer to achieving my goal of becoming a licensed financial professional.”
Marvin Nwanekwu
Quad-A 2025 SIE Certified Graduate
“This program has made a huge impact on my confidence as I prepare to enter the financial industry. Using the resources provided and passing the SIE showed me that I truly belong in this space, I now feel qualified to be in any room because I’m certified. It also lifted a lot of weight off my shoulders, knowing that once I start my career in finance, I’ll be able to build on this foundation and earn additional licenses.”
Asia Dawson
Quad-A 2025 SIE Certified Graduate
“Participating in the SIE program through the Association of African American Financial Advisors had a meaningful impact on both my career goals and my confidence in the financial industry. The program opened my eyes to what a career in financial services can truly look like beyond job titles, and helped me understand the breadth of roles, responsibilities, and pathways within the industry.”
Marcia Laguerre
Quad-A 2025 SIE Certified Graduate
“The SIE Cohort played a pivotal role in strengthening both my technical foundation and my confidence in pursuing a career in finance. It provided not only the knowledge needed to pass the exam, but also reinforced my commitment to entering the industry with a strong sense of preparation and purpose”
Joshua Siplin
2026 Quad A SIE Certified Graduate
“This program offers an amazing opportunity to complete the first step to becoming a licensed representative in the finance industry. As a participant, I received top class study materials and a cohort to learn alongside. The program’s short duration can push you, but even then that prepares you for future sponsored exams. Overall, I’m extremely grateful to the Association of African-American Financial Advisors for helping me achieve the first step on my path to being a registered representative.”
Joshua Salter
Quad-A 2025 SIE Certified Graduate
Internships and career early career opportunities
Start building your future in finance today.
Through Quad-A’s Next Gen network, students and career changers gain access to internships, entry-level roles, and employer partnerships across leading firms in wealth management and financial services.
We work closely with our partner firms to match diverse, motivated talent with real-world opportunities that turn classroom knowledge into hands-on experience. Whether you’re preparing for your SIE exam or ready to launch your first role, Quad-A helps you step confidently into the industry.
Our University Partners
