Pros
Decent training, decent "mentors", good for getting started in the field and getting licensed. Some VPs are really good, some aren't as helpful to new advisors.
Cons
They have 403 plans at schools as a natural market, but schools aren't always accessible. Sometimes you have to find excuses to get in and walk around the schools to prospect. Some don't let advisors in at all. Many times, there is a feeling school staff dont want you there. Equitable doesn't have a strong wealth management business outside of annuities. You can broker through LPL Financial to handle brokersge accounts which aren't annuities. Would be nice if Equitable invested in marketing for once. Equitable doesn't have a great reputation and is known as an insurance company as opposed to wealth management. Technically you can be an advisor here, but everyone really starts out as a 403(b) salesman. Some individuals long for more sophisticated financial planning abilities and growth potential.