About Merkle Retirement Planning
• At Merkle Retirement Planning, we are dedicated to guiding our clients through retirement. We are a small but mighty team of passionate individuals who work together to achieve our goals. We believe that collaboration and communication are critical to success.
• We foster an environment where all team members are welcomed and valued.
About Merkle Retirement Planning's internship program
• The Merkle Retirement Planning Internship Program provides exposure to the financial planning industry—specifically retirement planning—while blending sales processes with client servicing support. This combination ensures interns receive a well-rounded education on various aspects of the business. Interns are integral to our team’s success and have access to resources and mentors throughout the internship program.
• Through the internship program, interns can interact with clients in the office and at Merkle Retirement Planning-sponsored client events. Interns will gain exposure to various planning software platforms and build upon their professional skills.
Location, Availability, and Hours
• This internship is an in-office-only program at Merkle Retirement Planning headquarters located in Grimes, IA.
• This internship will run from September 2026 to May 2027.
• Interns must be available to work 10-12 hours per week during the school year and during normal business hours, with flexibility for occasional Merkle Retirement Planning-sponsored client events outside of normal business hours.
Qualifications
• Junior or Senior at a local college or university pursuing a bachelor’s degree in finance, financial planning & counseling, business, or a related field is preferred.
• Excellent customer service skills and etiquette.
• Demonstrates an elevated level of professionalism and enthusiasm to learn.
• Reports to the office punctually and dressed appropriately.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently.
• Strong analytical skills.
• An interest in financial literacy, planning software, and financial tools.
• Proficient with related computer applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.)
Responsibilities
Sales & Planning
• Work under the mentorship of members of the Planning team to learn and understand fundamental financial planning concepts, such as income planning, investment strategy, health care, long-term tax strategies, and estate plan review.
• Attend 2-3 client meetings per week.
• Prepare with the financial advisor or independently before client meetings and follow up after as time allows.
• Take notes during meetings and dictate interactions and follow-up items in client management software.
• Collaborate with financial advisors to develop strategies or talk through meetings attended that week.
• Attend regular Planning team meeting.
• Attend Planning team training as schedule allows.
• Observe the Planning team's performance on Retiring Today TV shoot days, as the recording schedule allows.
Client Servicing
• Work with the Client Servicing team to support and maintain client portfolios, prepare for visits, process documents, and facilitate unique projects as the team needs.
• Prepare client paperwork.
• Scan and analyze prospective client documents.
• Organize and analyze client data and documents.
• Input data into various planning software as needed.
• File and process client paperwork and documents, including account applications, service requests, and forms.
• Attend the weekly Servicing team meeting.
Misc.
• Attend Merkle Retirement Planning-sponsored events – as schedule allows.
