A financial planning ‘pioneer’ at Texas A&M

Before walking on to the floor of Reed Arena for the May graduation commencement for the Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Aggie graduates gathered in a separate room and organized themselves by major. While others convened with many peers at the sign designated for their major, Carter Monrad ’24 stood alone.

“It took a second for me to put it together,” he said. “In that moment, I realized I was not just the only one with my major at that ceremony, I was the first to graduate with a degree in financial planning from Texas A&M University.”

The path to financial planning

For Monrad, becoming an Aggie was a lifelong dream. He initially pursued a degree in agricultural economics, a choice that combined his passion for business and agriculture, interests he had developed through his involvement in FFA during high school.

But after taking an introductory financial planning class, Monrad found himself captivated by the field. Encouraged by Nathan Harness, Ph.D., director of the Financial Planning Program and a professor in the Department of Agricultural Economics, Monrad switched his major. This change led him to be the first student to graduate with a degree from the new program.

While the program is new to the College, Monrad had a strong connection to financial planning through his family.

“My father has a financial planning practice, so I grew up knowing about the industry and seeing the positive impact it can have on people’s lives,” he said.

This background gave Monrad a unique perspective and a solid foundation when he decided to pursue financial planning as a career.

The power of a financial planning degree

Monrad’s interest in financial planning and his desire to help others find financial freedom and success not only led him to the newly established program, but it also helped put him on a solid career path.

The program at Texas A&M is designed to align with the Certified Financial Planner, CFP, Board’s educational requirements. Students receive a comprehensive education in retirement planning, investments and financial fundamentals.

Since his first week of work as a financial planning analyst at Hartmann Taylor Wealth Management in Dallas, Monrad said he has experienced the benefits of the program.

“Several topics have come up that I had an extensive background on already because of the program,” Monrad said.

“The curriculum gives graduates like Monrad a significant advantage, allowing them to enter the workforce with a solid foundation and a head start on meeting CFP exam requirements,” Harness said. “This foundational knowledge is crucial for the long-term goal of becoming a proficient and independent financial planner.”

To students considering a career in financial planning, Monrad offered this advice: “If you’re interested in finance and want to help people, major in financial planning. It’s a people-oriented career.”

Student life beyond the classroom

Outside of the classroom, Monrad was deeply involved in campus life. He served as president of his fraternity and was a Fish Camp counselor for three years, helping incoming freshmen adjust to college life.

“Being a Fish Camp counselor was one of the most rewarding experiences,” he said. “Helping new Aggies find their place at Texas A&M was incredibly fulfilling.”

Additionally, Monrad was a member of the 12th Man Foundation Collegiate Council, serving as an ambassador to encourage student involvement and education on the mission of the 12th Man Foundation.

“The spirit and community at Texas A&M are unmatched,” he said. “I’ve always felt at home here, surrounded by a community that feels more like family than anything else.”