In a significant boost to the next generation of wealth management professionals, 10 students in the financial planning and wealth management minor at the Eli Broad College of Business were awarded $5,000 scholarships, made possible by the generous support of Clarkston Capital Partners. This was the second year in a row that scholarship funds were awarded.
Clarkston Capital Partners, a longtime supporter of the Broad College, is committed to fostering the growth of the financial planning industry by increasing access to education and career opportunities. As part of its ongoing support of the college, Clarkston Capital Partners not only funds scholarships but also hosts a variety of programs designed to enrich students’ academic and professional experiences.
Among these initiatives is a one-week summer education seminar for sophomores that offers an in-depth look at wealth management topics and provides valuable networking opportunities. Additionally, the company regularly hosts internships and career shadowing opportunities for students, helping them gain real-world experience and build connections in the finance industry. Most recently, Clarkston hosted scholarship students at their office in Rochester, Michigan.
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Clarkston Capital Partners hosted students at their office in Rochester, MI.
Clarkston talked with students about finance and wealth management as a career path.
Clarkston employees also shared their approach to their work, especially their focus on the human connection with their clients.
“Clarkston Capital Partners has been an invaluable partner to the college and our finance department,” Stephen Schiestel, Frederick S. Addy Professor of Practice in Finance, said. “Their investment in our students goes far beyond scholarships; they are deeply involved in shaping the future of wealth management education. Their support of the financial planning and wealth management minor is a testament to their commitment to increasing diversity and access in the financial services field.”
The scholarships are especially significant in light of ongoing efforts to diversify the wealth management profession. Currently, the industry remains predominantly male, with women making up just 40% of certified financial planners. Through initiatives like these scholarships, Clarkston Capital Partners and the Broad College hope to encourage more diverse students, including women, to enter the field.
Scholarship recipients had these different reasons for choosing the wealth management minor and how the funding from Clarkston Capital Partners will help them reach their goals.
“I chose the wealth management minor because I have always had a strong interest in finance, but I wanted to focus on an area that is more personalized and involved helping others make informed financial decisions,” finance senior Emily Biebel said. “I am very grateful for the minor as it has provided me with great opportunities, ranging from internships to scholarships.”
For many of the recipients, the scholarship will help alleviate financial barriers and allow them to focus on their studies and career development. The scholarship is also a testament to the growing recognition of the importance of supporting students from all backgrounds who aspire to become financial planners and advisors.
“The Clarkston Scholarship has significantly alleviated the financial stress in my life, which has greatly benefited my academic career. Wealth management is all about helping individuals and families relieve financial stress so they can focus on their careers and personal lives, and this is exactly what Clarkston has done for me during my time in school,” finance senior Brandon Klump said. “It has allowed me to worry less about student debt and focus more on my learning.”
As the wealth management field continues to evolve, partnerships between academia and industry leaders like Clarkston Capital Partners are crucial in ensuring that a new generation of financial professionals is well equipped to meet the challenges and opportunities of the future.
“I chose to go into the wealth management minor because as I grew up, I saw my family did not have the best financial planning for life goals. Once I saw that there is an option for a career to advise people and help them achieve their life goals, I jumped on the opportunity,” finance senior Ben Burgoyne said. “I have always enjoyed helping others, and I feel there is a great opportunity to do this in financial planning.
“Upon graduation I intend to work for a wealth management firm, to earn my Certified Financial Planner certification and to help friends, family and others I don’t know yet learn to save and plan for their financial future. I believe Michigan State has prepared me with much of the technical knowledge in this field, and I am excited to go out and gain real-world experience into the personal side of financial planning that can’t be learned from a textbook.”
Find out more about the minor in financial planning and wealth management at their website.
