My experience in the Woodbury School of Business was phenomenal. I am so proud of how career-oriented this school is and how amazing the teachers were in providing real-world applications to what we learned every day. The PFP program went above and beyond in finding amazing opportunities for their students, and I was able to take part in several.

I was a financial coach at the Money Management Resource Center for two semesters. I competed in the IARFC national competition, where I created a financial plan and presented—virtually—to a panel of judges in the semi-finals. The PFP program organized luncheons with several in-state financial advisors. There were speed-networking events that helped boost my confidence in interacting with professionals and helped me build a great network that I continue to tap into. The Personal Financial Planning Student Association gave me a leadership opportunity that allowed me to give back to my program and my peers while also connecting with professionals on a higher level. I went to three financial advisor conferences out of state and one hosted by UVU. This provided me the opportunity to network with thousands of financial advisors and ultimately lead to my current career. And there were a lot more activities (there was an event almost every week, or so it seemed) that got me in contact with professionals in my field.

Tax Planning with Hyrum Smith and Financial Counseling with Ryan Law were two of my favorite classes. All of my professors were my favorite, but most of all Luke Dean. He not only introduced me to this program, but he encouraged me every step of the way. He helped me get my first internship at Ameriprise Financial and encouraged me to participate in a National competition—as a NEW student! He believed in me. That is what I needed most. I could never thank him enough for what he has done for me and this school.

At the end of my fall semester, I was juggling four job offers at once, and that’s a testament to the opportunities this school provided me. Before the Woodbury School of Business, I was the quiet, introverted kid in class; I never talked in the classroom. I was originally going to school to be an actuary. Luckily, Luke Dean showed me the light to the PFP program. I found a passion for helping people with their finances. The opportunities that the school provided gave me confidence. I went from being a “nobody" in school to introducing myself to hundreds of professionals in conferences, competing nationally, speaking to audiences, and taking on leadership positions. Not to get too sappy, but my entire life was changed by this program.

At one of the conferences that the Woodbury School of Business helped me attend in Washington, D.C., I met a financial advisor at Mariner Wealth Advisors (currently #5 on Barron's list of top Independent Advisors). That advisor offered me a job (only days after the conference) in their new Scottsdale, Arizona office. I was their second hire for the new location. I accepted the offer before the end of fall semester to start at the end of spring semester (graduation). The business school helped me secure an amazing, high-paying job, before I even started my last semester of school. I couldn't be more grateful for the opportunity that my school gave me.

I am now part of a team of eight in one of the fastest growing locations within the company, training to be a wealth advisor. Mariner Wealth Advisors is one of the largest registered investment advisors (RIA) in the country, headquartered in Kansas, with office locations across the country.

My advice to students is take every opportunity you can. Apply for the job, even if you don't feel like you qualify. Compete in competitions, even if you don't feel like you know enough. Serve your fellow students. Help each other out because they are your most valuable network. PUSH yourself out of your comfort zone! Succeed in school as much as possible, but also focus your attention on what comes next. The Woodbury School of Business allows students to TAKE opportunities. I was late to classes sometimes because I had job interviews, but the teachers supported me and made sure I got caught up. I did well in the classroom, but more importantly, I knew when there were things more important than missing class. And the teachers know it too. They put my career first, so I did too. I am incredibly proud of the Woodbury School of Business, and it profoundly changed my life.