I call on the advisor community and see a lack of numbers looming ahead. If you are good you will have opportunities as a large part of the advisors who joined the industry from 1998-2010 didn't have a fun or lucrative job, thus many quit and are doing something else. Thus, think long and hard about a UBS, Merrill, or Morgan Stanley type of scenario. The vast majority of offices would not hire you unless you came into an experienced team.

What part of the country are you looking at ?

I actually interned at a private wealth management office with one of the big firms as an undergrad, but am looking more at the actual investment management side (likely via equity research eventually leading to a PM role down the road) rather than a financial advisor role. Another thing I forgot to mention earlier is that I plan to start the CFA process by taking the Level 1 examination this summer, which I think could open some doors down the road, but I also want to try and find a job where I can learn in the meantime. Geographically, I am currently in Chicago with a slight preference to staying here, but am very open to moving for the right job.

Appreciate the advice, and please let me know if you think of anything else.

These would probably be more informational. My brother, ND '93, is a CFA and traded CMBOs for various banks (UBS, CSFB, others,) and has recently transitioned into wealth management. I also have a lot of VC and PE contacts. I'll drop you a note.