Frequently Asked Questions - Students

As much as we'd like to, we probably won't be able to answer every question we receive regarding student and recent graduate opportunities at Edward Jones. However, we have compiled a list of many of the more commonly asked questions and answers.

Internship, Co-op and Rotational Development Program Questions

Financial Advisor Questions

The answers to specific Financial Advisor questions are available in our Starting A Financial Advisor Career section.

General Questions

Application Questions

Career Fair/Campus Visit Questions

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Internship, Co-op and Rotational Development Program Questions

Q: Are recent graduates eligible for the Rotational Development Program, Internship or Information Systems Co-op?
A: You must be a senior to be eligible for the Rotational Development Program. For internships and co-ops, we seek students that are either a sophomore or junior status.

Q: When can I apply for Rotational Development Program and internship opportunities?
A: RDP and Information Systems intern/co-op recruiting begins in September and concludes in November each year. Summer internship recruiting runs from January through March.

Q: Do you provide housing for interns?
A: Currently, Edward Jones provides housing assistance for its interns.

Q: Do you offer headquarters internships other than during the summer?
A: All Edward Jones headquarters internships are available during the summer; however, we do make exceptions based on business need and student availability.

Q: Do any other divisions besides Information Systems offer a Co-op position?
A: Not at this time.

Q: Does Edward Jones offer branch internships?
A: At this time, Edward Jones does not offer a centralized branch office internship program. If you are interested in this opportunity, please contact a Financial Advisor in your area about the possibility of becoming a branch intern. 

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General Questions

Q: Are all of the positions you recruit for in St. Louis?
A: At this time, the Rotational Development Program positions are hired for both St. Louis and Tempe. The Information System Intern/Co-op positions we recruit for are only in St. Louis. Our Canada and U.K. offices recruit one to three full-time hires per year from those areas. These associates spend the first part of the rotational program in St. Louis before returning to their respective homes and their final placements.

Full-time headquarters opportunities are available in St. Louis, Tempe, Canada and the U.K. within our headquarters divisions. Nationwide branch opportunities are available for recent graduates interested in becoming a Financial Advisor.

Q: How much does a recent college graduate hire typically earn?
A: Edward Jones does not disclose salary ranges, but as a full-time headquarters associate, you will be compensated in several different ways: Salary/Hourly pay, profit sharing, 401k match and a comprehensive benefits program. See Benefits & Compensation for more information.

Edward Jones Financial Advisors start with a base salary and eventually move to a net commission structure with the potential for partnership offerings. See Compensation for more information. 

Q: Do I have to take the Series 7 or any other exams before coming to work at Edward Jones?
A: Rotational Development Program associates are required to take and pass the Series 7 test within six months of employment. Don't panic: over 90% of our rotational associates pass the first time because of our excellent training and support.

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Application Questions

Q: What's the best way to apply for a position?
A: We target multiple universities for our university recruiting program. Participation in on-campus events (career fairs, information sessions, etc.) is the best way to apply. If you do not attend one of our target universities, the best way to apply is to use our online résumé process. Résumés submitted through this process are available to the recruiting area within 24 hours. Mailed, faxed or e-mailed résumés must be processed manually and may not be available to our recruiters for several days.

We do not accept résumés for our Financial Advisor positions. If you are interested in becoming a Financial Advisor through either our PASS Program or our traditional training program, go to the PASS Program or Get Started section to learn how to apply. 

Q: What areas of a candidate's background do you review before they are hired?
A: The financial services industry is a highly regulated industry, so we must carefully review candidates prior to hire. This process includes fingerprinting, a background investigation and a securities license check (if applicable).

Q: I have an account with another securities firm. Am I allowed to keep that account?
A: All full time associates are required to maintain any securities trading accounts at Edward Jones. You will be required to move the account to Edward Jones or close it. This does not apply to interns or co-ops.

Q: Do you have a minimum GPA requirement?
A: Yes, the minimum GPA required is a 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale). We also look for students who possess strong analytical, marketing, leadership and communication skills.

Q: Why do you want to review my unofficial transcript if I'm interested in a headquarters position?
A: We consider multiple factors when reviewing a candidate's folder (major, work experience, leadership, etc.) and the transcript provides us with quantitative details about your overall education. We carefully assess our business needs in each department. Your transcript, coupled with the classes you've taken, shows our hiring team the exposure you've had to finance, communication, business, math, management, etc. It not only enhances your résumé but also is a big help in making sure we recruit the right person for each position. 

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Career Fair/Campus Visit Questions

Q: What should my expectations be for the career fair?
A: Please bring an updated résumé to the fair so our representatives can review it and assess your qualifications on-the-spot. You'll also receive an informational brochure and get a chance to ask questions about Edward Jones and our hiring process. Remember that our time for each student is limited, so come prepared and keep the conversation focused. 

Q: What is an information session?
A: Our presentations are tailored to the schools and students we're recruiting. We provide a well-rounded overview of our business, discuss campus hiring and our future growth. We'll also answer any questions you may have about a particular job or division. Information sessions provide an excellent networking opportunity for students.

Q: What should I wear to a career fair, information session or an on-campus interview?
A: For the career fair, we know you may be stopping by between classes and you're not able to wear a suit so there is no mandatory dress code. We want to remind you, however, that first impressions are important. We prefer a business casual approach to our information session. For an on-campus interview and any on-site interview with Edward Jones, we expect you to arrive in professional business attire.   

Q: If I don't attend one of the schools that Edward Jones visits, can I still apply for a position?
A: Yes. Please use our online résumé process to apply for a position. If you know someone at Edward Jones who will refer you as a candidate, please contact that person and ask them to do so. Also, remember that we have a very limited number of opportunities for our on-campus hiring but that many other divisions at the firm have entry-level positions that you can apply for upon graduation. We do not accept résumés for our Financial Advisor positions. If you would like to apply for this role, click here.  

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