HANNAH FETTERMAN

What drew you to the Consumer and Family Financial Services, and what do you enjoy most about the work?

The Consumer and Family Financial Services program provided me with the knowledge needed to become a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional. The courses required to sit for the CFP® exam are offered at Ohio State as a part of the Consumer and Family Financial Services undergraduate program. This field has allowed me to follow my passion of helping people by making a positive difference in their financial futures.

What role did your faculty and advisors play in shaping your college experience and career path?

When I started in the College of Education and Human Ecology, I was studying to become a teacher. I decided I wanted to make a change and sought direction from the Younkin Success Center professionals to help me determine what the best course of action would be to try to find my new major. Once I decided to switch my major from Education to Consumer and Family Financial Services, my advisor made the transition as seamless as possible. Throughout the rest of my college career, she helped me navigate the courses needed to obtain my degree, giving great advice along the way.

How did your professors help you gain real-world experience to reinforce what you learned in the classroom?

Many professors within the Consumer and Family Financial Services major were also professionals in the financial planning field around Columbus. It is extremely beneficial for my peers and me to gain real world knowledge from our professors who were practicing what they were teaching us daily. Also, these professors were able to direct us to internship opportunities that might be available at their firm or other firms around the area.

What projects and courses helped solidify your interest in financial planning and prepared you for your career?

Fundamentals of Financial Planning was taught by a professor in the financial planning field. He was very passionate about his work and was able to bring stories and experiences to the classroom which helped me gain a true passion for financial planning. Also, the capstone course for the Consumer and Family Financial Services major gave me the ability to do work similar to what I am doing in my professional career.

What did you learn that is unique about your program that gives you an advantage over other professionals in your industry?

You can obtain a business minor through the Fisher College of Business which can be achieved simply by selecting the appropriate classes within the Consumer and Family Financial Services program. This is a unique advantage that could separate one candidate from another.

What other opportunities did you take advantage of at Ohio State that prepared you for your career or supported your personal growth?

I joined the student Financial Planning Association (FPA) at Ohio State my sophomore year. They have meetings every other week and professionals from the financial planning industry are asked to attend the meetings as guest speakers. My senior year, I was co-president of the student FPA, which gave me the opportunity to invite professionals to come to the meetings. This provided me an opportunity to speak to the professionals one-on-one before the meetings.

What advice would you give to EHE undergraduates looking to go into financial planning?

Take advantage of all the opportunities available to you! There are so many clubs and internships around Columbus affiliated with Ohio State and could help you gain experience that will further your education and your overall financial planning career. Also, be sure to meet as many professionals in the field as you can while still in college. This could make your transition from college to a full-time job easier. Lastly, follow your passion and make sure you enjoy your career.