Graduate Student Combines Financial Planning with Passion for Nutrition and Dietetics

Ricardo Blancohermosillo Earns RD and CFP® Designations Through Texas Tech Programs

Graduate student in the College of Human Sciences, Ricardo Blancohermosillo, is currently pursuing his master's degree in Personal Financial Planning. Ricardo's academic background is unique for most Personal Financial Planning students, having a bachelor's degree in Nutrition and Dietetics.

"I have always had an interest in retirement planning, taxes, and investments but to learn it I had to have some sort of structure so I looked into the financial planning program," Ricardo said. "I then was fortunate enough to come across Dr. Bill Gustafson. After a two-hour conversation involving both nutrition and financial planning, he convinced me to join the program. The next semester I was enrolled in my first few graduate classes while simultaneously finishing the nutrition and dietetics undergrad program."

Since starting his journey at Texas Tech University, Ricardo has completed not only his bachelor's degree in dietetics but also the Texas Tech Dietetic Internship program. He recently earned his Registered Dietitian (RD) credential with plans to earn his Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) designation following the completion of his master's in Personal Financial Planning.

"The reason I chose to pursue both was to ensure I had greater job field flexibility," Ricardo said. "I wanted to make sure that I learned information that I could apply on a daily basis into my life. Nutrition is the basis for sound health and financial planning gives me the knowledge to ensure I am on track to reach my financial/life goals."

In addition to having greater flexibility in his career path, Ricardo's RD credential is an achievement that will set him apart from other nutritionists. Due to individuals being required to complete an accredited undergraduate program in dietetics and the dietetic internship, it is quite the academic feat to have earned the RD credential.

Looking to his future after graduation, Ricardo has his eyes set on the CFP® exam.

"The CFP designation is the gold standard in the financial planning industry and whoever is authorized to use those marks have gone through rigorous coursework and have also agreed to adhere to a high bar of professional standards," Ricardo explained. "I plan on taking the CFP exam in July of this year."

For Ricardo, what really stands out about his graduate school path to financial planning is the instructors, each well respected in the program.

"They all have extensive experience in the field which they integrate into their classes and have varying teaching styles that hold your attention and makes you want to engage in class conversation," Ricardo said. "This program prepares students well for future employment in the field with a very strong base of both technical and communicative knowledge."

Studying both nutrition and financial planning have made quite the professional conversation starter for Ricardo when meeting individuals in both fields. The experience of the dietetic internship offered Ricardo the experience of working in a team environment, utilizing counseling skills and working to maintain professional relationships—all of which translate into the field of financial planning.

"I am exploring my options and looking for the best fit, which for me would ideally be a career where I am constantly facing clients and helping them reach their goals—could be financial or health goals," Ricardo said.