UF Warrington expands wealth management program with Charles Schwab Foundation partnership
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – University of Florida Warrington College of Business students interested in pursuing a career in wealth management will now have expanded access to professional development opportunities thanks to a new partnership with Schwab Advisor Services and the Charles Schwab Foundation. The multi-year grant will help strengthen Warrington’s current Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) Board registered wealth management program and build a pipeline of talent ready for careers in the registered investment advisor industry.
“Warrington is committed to providing our students with the resources they need to be competitive as they begin their careers,” said Saby Mitra, Warrington College of Business Dean. “With the investment in our program from our partners at Schwab, our students will have greater exposure to hands-on learning opportunities, enabling them to transition into careers across the wealth management industry. We’re grateful to Schwab Advisor Services and the Charles Schwab Foundation for partnering with us to enhance Warrington students’ experience.”
The independent advisory industry is a growing field, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting about 25,600 openings for personal financial advisors per year, on average, over the next decade. By coupling the current Warrington CFP® wealth management curriculum with Schwab’s multi-year grant, the college plans to triple the amount of current students who can engage with corporate events and professional development programming, helping to bring more well-prepared talent to the registered investment advisor industry.
“In our Wealth Management program, we emphasize strong industry engagement as it brings the most relevant content to our students while also building their professional network,” explained Max Dolinsky, Director of Undergraduate Finance Major Professional Development. “By partnering with Schwab, we are establishing a relationship with a trusted leader in the independent registered investment advisor (RIA) industry. This partnership will enhance the resources provided for the students through Schwab’s client network of well-established RIAs. Schwab is empowering our program to continue developing young talent that will fill the shortage in the RIA industry.”
Specifically, Charles Schwab’s investment will allow Warrington students to annually attend registered investment advisor industry conferences and competitions and access industry-related software for training and certifications.
In addition, Warrington’s CFP® wealth management program will develop a financial planning competition for southeast schools, create training programs for wealth management licensing, host annual career events focused on the registered investment advisor industry, and add program staff to support the increased number of students and engagement activities.
“It’s an honor to be partnering with the University of Florida Warrington College of Business to support students pursuing careers in the wealth management industry,” said Bernie Clark, head of Schwab Advisor Services. “The next generation of leaders will play a pivotal role in influencing the direction of the industry, and we’re proud to provide additional resources that will help students to recognize their value and actualize their impact.”
