Financial planning is more than just crunching numbers. It’s also about helping people. That’s where Olivet’s financial planning program comes in. The major combines classroom teaching with hands-on professional experiences to produce successful graduates in a quickly growing field. In today’s world, financial advisers are more important than ever.
“Financial planning is the process of helping individuals achieve their financial goals by efficiently and effectively managing, investing, protecting, distributing and transferring their wealth,” Areerat “Poy” Lertchaipitak, Ph.D., assistant professor of business and financial planning, said. “Due to the complex financial products and regulations, financial planning professions are in high demand.”
According to the U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook, demand for financial advisers is estimated to increase 15% from 2016 to 2026. Olivet’s program is designed to keep up with this trend with experiences in and out of the classroom.
“The financial planning program provides students with knowledge, skills and connection opportunities,” Professor Lertchaipitak said. “In addition to offering a variety of financial planning courses such as investment, retirement planning, tax planning, life and health insurance, and estate planning, the financial planning program supports students’ attendance at several national financial planning conferences each year.”
Rising senior Andrew Todd had the opportunity to go to TD Ameritrade’s National LINC Conference in San Diego, California, this year.
“At the conference, I was able to speak to and network with financial planners from all over the United States from dozens of large companies,” Andrew said. “I also attended several sessions teaching me about the key skills for effective communication and interaction with clients. Overall, the LINC Conference was a massive opportunity for my future career and I highly recommend prospective students to look into it. While at Olivet, the financial planning major has provided me with interview skills and quality resume building.”
Rising senior Stewart Manges also stresses the opportunities to grow offered in the financial planning program.
“There is so much opportunity and so much to learn about the financial services industry,” Stewart said. “Companies are always in search of qualified candidates for internships and careers. Also, there is always room to grow and learn more, and there are opportunities to better our understanding of the field we are pursuing.”
Not only does the major prepare students for their professional lives, but it also gives them a leg up in their personal lives.
“Financial planning is a great program that makes you ready to take on a career and helps you make a plan for your financial future as well,” Stewart said.
To learn more about the financial planning major, contact the Office of Admissions at 800-456-7189 or admissions@uolivet.edu.
Menu