The Financial Planning program at the University of Georgia offers a variety of unique opportunities for students to explore the profession outside of the classroom. Hands-on experience and networking skills are essential for young professionals looking to succeed in the industry. Below are some of the ways students can get involved on campus and build their resumes.
Love and Money Center
The Love and Money Center (formerly the ASPIRE Clinic) is a unique, holistic training clinic that provides graduate and undergraduate students from the College of Family and Consumer Sciences with an opportunity to participate in applying classroom knowledge to a real-world setting. The Love and Money Center offers holistic counseling and education services to UGA students, staff, and faculty and Athens area community members. This is a great chance to gain experience as a financial service provider and make an impact on the community. Common areas of assistance include loan or debt management, budgeting, tax planning, investment education, retirement plans, and more.
Student Financial Planning Association
The Student Financial Planning Association (SFPA) provides you with networking and professional opportunities for students with an interest in financial planning. Open to all majors, the SFPA meets bi-weekly, and has featured lectures and discussions from featuring leading financial planning practitioners. SFPA members also attend and help host various networking events in conjunction with the Financial Planning Association (FPA), and the Atlanta chapter of FPA. This group allows for multiple leadership opportunities and involvement to help advance the profession, while also building your resume.
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance
During the Spring semester, students can participate in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, a collaboration with Georgia United Credit Union and UGA Extension to provide community members free income tax preparation, filing, and planning assistance. Students can sharpen their tax knowledge and develop client communication skills, both in-person and virtually, while assisting taxpayers seeking their help. Students will also receive course credit for their service. Students must have taken a class on federal income taxation or have instructor approval to participate. To volunteer for this clinic, you will need to register for FHCE 4235S (undergraduate) or FHCE 6900 - Palmer (graduate).
Mentor Program
The Financial Planning Mentor Program connects current junior, senior, and graduate students of the FHCE UGA financial planning program with financial planning alumni. Mentees receive guidance and advice on their professional development, knowledge on industry insight and the opportunity to meet and network with those currently in the industry. Both mentors and mentees have the option to select between two membership types that best fit their wants and schedules. Applications are accepted for both mentors and mentees year-round.
Money Dawgs®
Each summer, UGA Financial Planning graduate students host the annual Money Dawgs camp for kids ages 11-14. Financial Planning students teach kids valuable lessons in personal finances, teamwork, and communication through fun, hands-on activities. There are a variety of opportunities for students to get involved and further develop their communication skills through presenting financial topics.
FACS Ambassadors
Represent financial planning on campus as part of the FACS Ambassador program. The mission of FACS Student Ambassadors is to represent fellow students, facilitate relationships, and impact Athens and the UGA community through intentional service. These students represent FACS at a variety of events such as career days, recruiting activities, alumni functions, special visitation days, high school student activities, seminars and receptions. At all times, the student representatives act as true ambassadors of the College via their language, appearance and activities.