My Journey as a Financial Advisor Intern at Savant
My Journey as a Financial Advisor Intern at Savant – When I first began reaching out to University of Georgia alumni on LinkedIn, I was simply hoping to learn more about the finance industry. What I didn’t expect was to connect with someone whose perspective on their work helped shift my perspective. That conversation with an advisor in the Huntsville office of Savant Wealth Management sparked my interest in an area of financial services I hadn’t considered: comprehensive, fiduciary-based financial planning.
I applied for the internship to better understand this field and to learn from professionals committed to fiduciary financial planning and services. My experience at Savant helped provide meaningful exposure to this approach.
A Warm Welcome
From day one, I stepped into a friendly, engaging office environment. My manager took the time to introduce me to each team member, giving me a sense of the collaborative spirit that would define my experience. It wasn’t just about the tasks; it was about the shared values and strong sense of purpose driving the team.
Meaningful Work
One of my main responsibilities was preparing client communications for accounts not scheduled for in-person or virtual meetings. While that may sound straightforward, it demanded close attention to detail and strong analytical thinking.
I reviewed investment allocations, ran performance reports, calculated required minimum distributions (RMDs), and checked that legal documents were up to date. Every case was unique and required thoughtful consideration and clear communication. This wasn’t about checking a box—I believe it was about helping reinforce trust.
Lessons in Growth
I helped develop two important skills during my internship:
Self-reliance. Whether I was navigating internal systems or troubleshooting issues, I learned to first approach problems independently. When I did need support, I found it in teammates, who always made time to help guide me.
Intellectual curiosity. I asked a lot of questions—about everything from RMD rules to the nuances of trusts—and my team encouraged me to keep exploring. No one ever made me feel like I was asking too much. In fact, they welcomed my curiosity. I came to understand that in this field, learning never stops—and that’s a good thing.
Team Culture
The team culture was supportive and inclusive. My manager embodied servant leadership—demonstrated through consistent engagement and integrity, always willing to support the team, no matter how busy he was.
Weekly traditions like “Manageable Lunch Mondays” brought the entire office together for good food and even better conversation. The camaraderie was genuine because people truly cared about one another.
Reflections on My Internship Experience
For those interested in financial planning and learning in a collaborative environment, I believe this internship can help offer a valuable experience.
I’m grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow through this experience, and it helped clarify the professional path I plan to pursue.
This statement was provided by a previous intern of Savant. The views and opinions expressed are their own and reflect their personal experience as an intern. This content is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as a recommendation of Savant’s advisory services.
Senior, University of Georgia