Financial Planning Program expands, leads career education

The Financial Planning Program in the Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Department of Agricultural Economics has evolved into a leading force in the field, reflecting the growing demand for skilled financial advisers.

Launching nearly a decade ago as a certificate program, the program has transformed into a comprehensive major that equips students with the tools to navigate the complexities of personal finance.

The program’s significant growth was apparent recently when the department hosted the Financial Planning Career and Education Conference. The event showcased the program’s commitment to shaping the next generation of financial planners, bringing together over 400 students, industry professionals and educators.

Nathan Harness, Ph.D., instructional professor and director of the Financial Planning Program, has been with the program since its inception, playing an instrumental role in its development and expansion. He is focused on addressing a significant gap in financial education, recognizing the challenges many individuals face in managing their financial futures.

“By studying financial planning, you can open the door to a fulfilling career where you can make a real difference in people’s lives,” Harness said. “At our conference, students showcased their skills and built invaluable connections, reinforcing their ability to guide individuals toward achieving their financial goals.”

Empowering future financial planners

The conference featured a career fair where firms eager to hire interns and full-time employees connected with students looking to launch their careers. Students also showcased their skills during an elevator pitch competition, giving hiring managers a glimpse of their potential.

The event also included a series of speaker sessions featuring industry leaders, former students and inspirational speakers who shared insights on emerging trends in financial planning.

“The purpose of this conference is to help empower the next generation of financial planners to create a better and brighter profession,” Harness said.

The conference concluded with a recognition banquet and a networking reception where Harness and other leadership celebrated success and shared plans for the future of the program.

A strong support network

Over $6,000 in scholarships were awarded from the proceeds of the successful conference. Thanks to this support, Harness said, the program has ambitious plans to reach more students with financial planning education, with expectations to become the second-largest undergraduate financial planning major in the country by 2027.

Since introducing the financial planning minor, the program has experienced a remarkable 25% to 30% increase in enrollment each year. And interest in the major continues to rise, with a remarkable 415-plus applications for this year’s freshman cohort alone.

The program is well on its way to shaping the future of the financial planning profession, said Rudy Nayga, Ph.D., head of the Department of Agricultural Economics. But for Nayga, the program’s trajectory is about more than numbers.

“It’s about building bridges to the future,” he said. “We’re not just educating students; we’re preparing them to become the next generation of leaders who will guide families and businesses through life’s financial decisions.”

A holistic approach to learning financial planning

The department’s holistic approach with the program extends to providing experiential learning opportunities such as internships, which significantly enhance students’ employability.

“Our goal is to cultivate a passion for the profession through practical experiences,” Harness said. “Internships serve as long-term mentorships, and we’re working with industry partners to secure more opportunities for our students.”

Former student Carter Monrad ’24, the program’s first graduate, is a testament to the value of these opportunities. Now working as a financial planning analyst at Hartmann Taylor Wealth Management in Dallas, Monrad credits the program with helping him make a smooth transition from student to professional.

“The degree opened doors for me that I didn’t know existed,” he said. “The program’s emphasis on holistic financial planning gave me a solid foundation and made me confident stepping into my role. The connections I made as a student have continued to support me in my career.”

For current student Sydney Merecka ’25, the program’s focus on experiential learning was a selling point. Originally an economics major with aspirations of becoming a data analyst, Merecka’s career path shifted after taking the program’s Foundations of Money Education course.

“That class sparked my interest in financial planning,” she said.

An internship with CAPTRUST confirmed her newfound passion. Today, she serves as a senior undergraduate teaching assistant in the program.

“It’s incredibly fulfilling to help others develop the skills to guide people toward financial security,” she said. “The most important lesson I’ve learned is that financial planning isn’t just about money — it’s about people.”

To learn more about the Financial Planning Program, go to  https://financialplanning.tamu.edu/.