Texas Tech Personal Financial Planning’s Spring Career Days Head to DFW
Texas Tech’s School of Financial Planning took a bold step this spring, and students are already calling it a defining moment in their careers.
By moving its annual Spring Career Day from Lubbock to the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) metroplex, the program transformed a traditional recruiting event into an immersive professional experience. Over several packed days, more than 40 students connected with 11 employers, completed more than 100 interviews, participated in five site visits at leading firms, and attended the annual Financial Planning Association DFW Conference.
“I can confidently say it was one of the most energizing and formative experiences of my time at Texas Tech,” Personal Financial Planning student Nolan Galyean reflected. “The School of Financial Planning took a bold step by moving Spring Career Days to Dallas-Fort Worth — and that decision created an experience that brought the classroom directly into the profession.”
Hearing conference presenter and industry leader Michael Kitces speak about the evolving landscape of financial advice, alongside breakout sessions on artificial intelligence, charitable giving, fiduciary responsibility, and innovation, reinforced why many students are pursuing the Certified Financial Planner path.
“The conversations around innovation, fiduciary responsibility, and client impact made one thing clear — this profession is evolving, and I am excited to be part of its future,” Galyean added.
The conference also gave employers and alumni an opportunity to engage deeply with the next generation of planners, strengthening ties between academia and industry.
Beyond interviews and conference sessions, students visited some of the profession’s most respected firms. Galyean described the experience as a chance to see how different organizations structure advice, operations, and client relationships, which helps connect classroom theory to real-world practice.
At Vanguard, leaders shared insights on launching careers in advice and wealth management in a visit that included small-group meetings and a professional panel.
“These students were impressive, capable, and prepared. I feel fortunate that our profession’s future is in their hands,” said George Centeno, head of Vanguard's central region and DFW office.
SFMG Wealth Advisors, a firm with strong Texas Tech alumni ties, also welcomed students to its office for an afternoon of connection, conversation, and a behind-the-scenes look at life at a Registered Investment Adviser firm. The visit left their advisors excited about the impact Texas Tech students will have on the future of wealth management.
In addition to Vanguard and SFMG Wealth Advisors, students also visited employer partners and program supporters Cain Watters & Associates, Lee Financial, and TIAA.
The success of Spring Career Days in DFW was powered by faculty, employers, and alumni partners committed to investing in students. The strong alumni presence made the experience especially meaningful, as former Red Raiders poured back into the program that helped launch their careers.
The final evening brought participants together for a celebratory dinner featuring an alumni slideshow and student reflections of gratitude, which was the perfect ending to an unforgettable few days.
As Galyean summarized, “I know I will look back on this week as a defining moment at the start of my career in financial planning.”
By bringing students directly into the professional ecosystem of DFW, the Texas Tech School of Financial Planning did more than host a career event; it built a bridge between education and industry, ensuring the next generation of planners is not only prepared but also inspired.
Students look forward to their next career day event, Opportunity Days, in September, when they will join employers and alumni to celebrate the program’s 40th anniversary.