Financial Planning Majors at National Conference

Financial planning majors Shelby Amatangelo and Denajo Amaro, accompanied by Dr. Barry Mulholland, visiting professor of practice and faculty advisor, joined 56 financial planning students from 28 colleges at the 2018 National Learn, Inspire, Network, Collaborate (LINC) Conference. The event is hosted annually by TD Ameritrade in Orlando, Fla., for independent registered investment advisors.

The LINC conference, held Jan. 31-Feb. 3, provided these students with an opportunity to explore different job opportunities in the industry and network with more than 3,000 financial advisors, industry professionals and experts. Pictured above, from left, are Tom Nally, president of TD Ameritrade Institutional; Shelby Amatangelo and Denajo Amaro, and Kate Healy, managing director of Generation Next, TD Ameritrade Institutional.

At one session, students heard a talk by Emmy-winning actress Viola Davis from ABC’s “How to Get Away with Murder.” Davis spoke about her past, growing up in a very poor family and area, and how she overcame adversity in the entertainment industry as an African-American woman.

Following Davis’ talk, a panel discussed women and diversity in the workplace.

Various networking events allowed students to meet advisors looking for student interns and new hires. The students also participated in smaller breakout sessions and sat in on panel discussions on investing and financial advising.

“I got to connect with advisors from across the country and speak to TDA employees, including Tim Hockey, CEO and president of TD Ameritrade,” said Amatangelo.

“Overall, the conference was an incredible experience. I learned a lot about the industry, new technology and client interactions.”