For senior Blane Heisler, financial planning is more than just a college major that requires crunching numbers and learning about the stock market. It’s setting important goals, attempting to predict the future and providing clients with the financial security that allows them to live a worry-free lifestyle.
Blane learned the importance of financial planning when his grandmother passed away. Not only did his family have to carry the burden of mourning a loved one, they were saddled with the realization that the family was financially unprepared to handle this kind of loss. To prevent others from experiencing this type of misfortune, Blane quickly knew financial planning was his calling. “Because of the different career paths available to pursue, the flexibility this industry provides and the ability to help individuals and families plan a successful financial future, I have fallen in love with the financial services industry,” Blane said.
Originally from Charlotte, Blane was familiar with The University of Olivet before enrolling. “The decision to attend The University of Olivet became apparent promptly after I visited campus and experienced the warm welcome from professors,” said Blane. “I’ve never been disappointed in my choice of major or college. My advisor, Tom Humphreys, is always available to communicate, whether it be a meeting in his office during the school day or a text when he’s at home in the evening. He’s pushed me to truly better myself and to take advantage of every opportunity Olivet has to offer.
In July, Blane traveled to New York to ring the NASDAQ closing bell, part of a scholarship he was awarded by TD Ameritrade Institutional, a company playing a large role in backing future financial planning professionals and programs. Blane, pictured above at the event, was one of 12 students selected nationwide as the recipient of TD Ameritrade’s NextGen Financial Planning Scholarship, the second Olivet student to receive the honor. Blane learned about the scholarship while attending a conference hosted by TD Ameritrade in Orlando, Fla., during his junior year. “Both events were amazing networking opportunities and career boosters,” Blane said. “I’m fortunate to attend a college that helps us get to these events and encourages students to engage in their field of study outside of a classroom.”
Blane’s excited for his future as well as the future of the financial planning industry and the financial planning program at The University of Olivet. The industry is in need of professionals, forming the perfect condition for soon-to-be college graduates like Blane or other students who are interested in learning about financial services. “Do not rule out a career in financial planning, with a great job outlook and the ability to help people achieve financial security, something they couldn’t do on their own and will truly appreciate, it is an impressive and rewarding career,” Blane said. “The financial planning program at OC is working hard to give us as students a top-notch education. An exclusive seminar has been created for financial planning majors as well as other financial planning groups on campus while I’ve been a student. All of Olivet’s students in the program are prepared to succeed with help from our advisers, resume workshops, mock interviews and career fairs.”
The University of Olivet’s financial planning major prepares students for careers helping others plan for their financial security. As part of the program, students gain practical experience preparing and presenting a financial plan, as well as preparing for the life and health insurance agents’ licensing examination administered by the state of Michigan. For more information about the financial planning major at The University of Olivet.