On Friday, October 30th, I woke up bright and early and made my way to the ACES library at 7 am, to board a bus to go to Chicago. I was with about 30 other students on our way to Financial Planning Day in Chicago. We arrived at the Hyatt and listened to four students from the School of Labor and Employment Relations give us interview tips. We sipped on our coffees while taking notes. After this, business professionals started arriving, and we all started mingling. There were fee-only planners, insurance-based companies, brokerage firms and more! After some socializing, we grabbed lunch and settled in for a presentation by Caleb Brown. Caleb Brown, of New Planner Recruiting, gave a presentation on how to be an above average candidate and how firms can find these stellar candidates. His presentation encouraged firms to hire younger planners to attract younger clients, while he gave younger planners, like me, advice on how to get hired by going above and beyond. After Caleb’s presentation, Sophia Bera, of Gen Y Financial Planning, joined him in a panel discussion. The audience was allowed to ask whatever they wanted. The group took a short break after the panel discussion, and before speed dating! Ok, no one was actually speed dating, but we were speed networking! We started with one company and three minutes later moved on to the next. I learned about internships, series exams, the CFP exam and more! It was great to meet so many professionals in the industry. After networking, Sophia Bera gave a presentation on her work as a financial planner. Sophia works with younger individuals all around the country; this is possible because Sophia only communicates with her clients electronically. She utilizes different media platforms and can work with someone in California while she is at home! She discussed the importance of planning with the younger generation and not just the baby boomers!
 Sophia’s presentation would conclude University of Illinois Financial Planning Day, but my first college field trip was a success! I am so grateful that so many professionals took time out of their day to meet with students like me, and I am so happy the College of ACES, ACE department, and Financial Planning Club could put on this event!