The project headed by Dean Sundaram will
bring a new opportunity that builds upon
USFSP’s current offering - Bachelor of Arts/
Science in Finance. Dean Sundaram says of the
program, “It complements our current course
offerings.” Students graduating with a degree in
finance typically pursue careers in one of four
tracks: “The ‘investment,’ ‘financial planning,’
‘banking,’ or ‘corporate’ (CFO) track. Our
Wealth Management program focuses on the
investment and financial planning tracks.”
Allowing only 24 students per semester,
the program is geared towards KTCOB’s
elite, requiring success not only on their
current finance track, but also in prerequisite
investment-oriented coursework. The Center
will also provide opportunities for those
students not currently pursuing a degree
in finance, yet interested in learning about
“financial investments.” Hands-on wealth
management programs have been making
their way to college and university campuses in
recent years. “It is a common way now for most
universities to set up programs such as this,”
says Dean Sundaram. “We have never had the
opportunity here at USFSP, so we are very
excited to get it underway.”
As for how the program will compete with
those at other universities, Dean Sundaram
lets us in on a few key components of the
new program that are sure to catch the eye
of prospective students and companies in
the Tampa Bay Area. Students pursuing the
investment track will be prepared to earn the
Charted Financial Analyst (CFA) credential.
Dean Sundaram says, “One can be prepared to
take a level 1 CFA Exam right after college or
towards the end of their Bachelor degree, but
to actually earn their CFA, one will need two
years of work experience in the field. There
is a similar track for a Certified Financial
Planner (CFP). We are indicating to wealth
management firms in the area that our students
will be well prepared with both the knowledge
and skills necessary to succeed as a financial
planner.
It is not only the classroom curriculum that
USFSP has to offer. Program faculty and staff
are answering real life questions and giving
advice for real life situations. “Every person
that graduates from this university will likely
experience signing up for their company’s 401k
program. We are educating our students on
how to ask the right questions. How to find the
26 March 2018 • FLocal Magazine