Miracle Mile Advisors offers a fast track for aspiring financial professionals, an approach that enables the firm to deploy and retain young talent.

The Los Angeles registered investment advisory firm sponsors a six-month internship program each year for about six college students and young people not long out of school. Their lack of experience in the field doesn’t last long.

Miracle Mile interns aren’t relegated to rote tasks. They attend client meetings early on, exposing them to real-world situations that develop their skills and gives them a chance to stand out.

Sara Wendt excelled in that environment. She joined the firm as an intern in 2012. Later that year, she became an investment advisor and last year, she moved up to managing director. Along the way, she has been recognized as top advisor by Forbes and other publications.

“We put [interns] in a room where they’re learning on the fly,” said Matt Granski, president of Miracle. “That gave [Sara] the experience to become a very successful advisor at an early age.”

Another intern who stood out is now the firm’s director of finance while still in his 20s. Six former interns are on Miracle Mile’s staff of 65. After moving up quickly, they tend to stick around. “They’re infinitely loyal to you,” Granski said.

— Mark Schoeff Jr.