Commonwealth Financial Network®

Professional Development

More than a mere employee benefit, Individual Development is one of the four core tenets of our company’s mission statement. Empowering each employee to realize his or her full potential through professional and individual growth is part of the DNA of our firm. Some of the tangible proof of how we live that mission includes:

A tuition assistance program that reimburses up to 100 percent of the cost for approved courses
The fact that we are among the few remaining firms that still sponsors and subsidizes the obtaining of FINRA licenses and industry designations
A commitment to hire and promote from within our ranks, as evidenced by 54 of more than 400 employees achieving promotions in 2008
A monthly luncheon, where members of our Executive Management team share the firm’s strategic plans with small groups of employees—and provide employees with the opportunity to offer their ideas

In the last year, we’ve offered 159 different classes on-site, as well as 19 new online learning programs and a host of advanced topic and certificate training programs for various groups—for a grand total of 4,600 training hours. You’ll find a wealth of opportunities here to grow, learn, advance, and have fun. Here’s a look at a sampling of what’s yours for the taking.

Succeeding at Commonwealth

Common Knowledge, a week-long orientation for new staff members designed to provide a strong foundation for their Commonwealth careers and to help them feel part of the community right from the start
The Buddy Program, which pairs each new hire with a staff “buddy” to help ensure a smooth professional and social transition
The Ambassador Program, an opportunity for any staff member to learn more about another department, its functions, and its positions through that department’s “ambassador”
The Commonwealth Managers University, where those newly promoted receive help in making the transition from peer to leader
The Commonwealth Leadership Institute, advanced management development training for managers, supervisors, and team leaders

Industry credentials
Dozens of company-sponsored preparatory classes are held on site throughout the year for those preparing for FINRA Series 7 and 24 securities exams, and other financial industry designations, licenses, and certifications. We are one of the few financial services firms sponsoring entrance fees for securities exams.

Industry knowledge
From Lunch and Learn sessions to formal training seminars, you can become more informed in any area of interest, ranging from compliance to alternative investments to long-term care insurance.

Information technology
From workshops on becoming more proficient in Excel or Outlook to assistance in helping you become a Certified Usability Analyst (CUA)—Commonwealth works hard to make sure we attract and keep the best and the brightest. We’re proud to have been named a Computerworld Best Place to Work in IT for the past two years and #1 for Training in 2007.

Professional skills
We offer everything from Franklin Covey and Dale Carnegie courses to our own writing skills and project management skills workshops. The opportunities to add to your skill set and marketable talents are many and varied.

Personal interest
Commonwealth employees have taken advantage of such classes as personal financial planning, study tips and techniques, self-defense, and a primer for first-time homebuyers.

Wellness
Our commitment to helping the individual thrive seeks to make the mind/body connection as well. We do all we can to help employees make positive, proactive decisions to improve their quality of life, inside and out. Experts have led on-site sessions on healthy eating, managing stress, ergonomics, and more, and employees can also take advantage of on-site Weight Watchers meetings, lunchtime fitness sessions, tips on balancing work-life stresses, after-work yoga and Pilates classes, and CPR training.

Fun
You never know what you’ll discover to expand your interests and spice up your life. We’ve had cheese-making workshops, wine appreciation classes, and everyone looks forward to our annual Entrepreneur’s Showcase, where our in-house artisans display and sell handcrafted gifts and goodies.