North Columbus News

Students interested in business may not always consider financial planning as a potential career path. To address this, The Ohio State University College of Education and Human Ecology (EHE), alongside student organizations, is working to raise awareness about finance-related study areas.

EHE offers a major in consumer and family financial services and a minor in financial planning. Professor Caezilia Loibl noted that many students are unaware of the university programs that can lead to wealth management careers, saying these programs provide necessary certification access.

George Rooney, an EHE lecturer, highlighted that while personal finance is often discussed in media and education, its potential as a career path is less understood. He emphasized the benefits of increased exposure for students considering this track.

To promote finance careers further, the Student Financial Planning Association and the Undergraduate Finance Association have hosted the Finance x Financial Planning Career Fair for three years. These associations include students from both EHE and the Fisher College of Business. This year's event at Ohio Union attracted 530 students and 55 employers. Loibl explained that the fair aims to connect students with internships and entry-level positions in finance.

Audrey Planner, vice president of special events for the Undergraduate Finance Association, stressed the fair's value for freshmen and sophomores exploring career options. She mentioned workshops held before the fair to help students prepare their resumes and networking skills.

Student organizations also offer speaker series with industry professionals and free programs on finance courses, according to Braden Riehl, vice president of the Student Financial Planning Association. Riehl stated that these initiatives provide crucial information for professional development.

For undecided students contemplating a finance career, EHE's financial planning programs offer preparation for internships. Loibl remarked on how internships often reveal coursework needs: "It would be good to kind of get ahead of it — start the coursework and be prepared for the internship."

Further details about EHE's consumer and family financial services major and financial planning minor can be found on their website.