CFP® Symposium connects students with financial planning professionals

On March 25, the Schmidthorst College of Business hosted its inaugural Certified Financial Planner® (CFP) Symposium in partnership with the Charles Schwab Foundation, marking a milestone in the college’s commitment to financial planning education.

Announced last year, the collaboration with the Charles Schwab Foundation supports student learning through hands-on experiences, connections with industry professionals, particularly in wealth management and registered investment advising, and opportunities to attend national conferences to further explore the profession.

The day began with the first meeting of the college’s newly formed CFP Advisory Board, which brings together faculty, industry professionals and partners to help guide the strategic direction of the CFP program. The advisory board will play a key role in advising curriculum, strengthening industry alignment and expanding experiential learning opportunities for students.

“The CFP Board brings valuable industry perspective directly into our program,” said LiuLing Liu, professor of finance. “Its guidance will enhance the student experience by shaping coursework, experiential learning and professional development opportunities that prepare students for successful careers as Certified Financial Planners.”

The event brought together 25 financial firms and over 50 certified financial planners representing organizations such as KeyBank, New York Life and Northwestern Mutual. Students interested in pursuing CFP careers spent the day building professional connections and learning from a panel of experienced practitioners, including Mark Kangas of NorthStar Financial; Kristen Kartisek of Sequoia Financial Group; and Chris Walling, owner of Stratos Wealth Partners. Panelists shared insights on career pathways, industry trends and the skills needed to succeed in an evolving financial services landscape.

The afternoon concluded with a networking reception that allowed students to connect directly with participating firms. The event allowed students to engage directly with employers, explore internship and full-time opportunities, and gain a deeper understanding of the range of roles available within financial planning.

Since the launch of the partnership with the Charles Schwab Foundation, interest in the college’s Certified Financial Planner concentration has increased, with almost 200 students enrolled in the track. 

“Our goal is to create learning experiences that extend well beyond the classroom,” said Dean Percival. “The CFP Symposium allowed our students to engage directly with practicing professionals, explore career pathways and see firsthand how a CFP designation can open doors in the financial services industry.”

Building on the success of the inaugural event, the Schmidthorst College of Business will host its second CFP Symposium on Sep. 14, 2026.