Wealth Management Cohort
The wealth management industry is facing a growing need for new talent as experienced advisors retire faster than they can be replaced. The Wealth Management Career Development Cohort at Miami University's Farmer School of Business prepares students for careers in financial planning and wealth management by developing the technical, communication, and interpersonal skills needed to succeed. The program was built alongside industry professionals, providing students with mentorship, networking, and real-life experiences.
2026 Wealth Management Cohort
Information for Students
The Wealth Management Career Development Cohort is a selective, three- to four-year extracurricular program. The program identifies high-achieving students who have an interest in wealth management early in their academic careers, ensuring they have sufficient time to build their skills and their network.
Program participants receive guidance and training directly from industry professionals and Farmer School of Business alumni. Students who graduate from the program will be in-demand and prepared for careers at Registered Investment Advisory (RIA) firms, banks, and wirehouses.
Miami also offers a CFP® Board Registered minor in Wealth Management. Students in the cohort program who choose to declare the Wealth Management minor will satisfy their CFP® education by taking required financial planning courses, which makes them eligible to sit for the CFP exam upon graduation.
Program Outline
Year 1 – Build a Foundation
- Cohort Program Info Sessions
- Wealth Management Forum
- Industry Mentor Matching
- Job Shadow Experience
Year 2 – Immersive Experiences
- Internship Ready Workshop
- Wall Street Week Trip
- Firm Friday Series (local firm site visit, one Friday each month)
- Internship #1
Year 3 – Hands-on Experiential Learning
- Portfolio Challenge
- Skill-building Workshops
- Internship #2
Year 4 – Exam and Job Search Preparation
- Mock Interviews and Job Search Prep
- SIE and CFP Exam Preparations
The program is designed for first-year students, however second-year student applications may be considered if cohort capacity allows.
A new cohort of students will be selected during the spring semester of each academic year. The cohort will be made up of 12-16 students.
Students will submit an application form, along with an essay and a copy of their resume. Applications will open in early February.
Accepted students will have clearly demonstrated an understanding of and passion for the financial planning industry, a desire and dedication to pursue career and professional development outside of the classroom, and a curiosity for learning new things and immersing themselves in new experiences.
Students in the program can expect to spend approximately 3 hours each month on program activities. Students are expected to participate in all program activities unless their absence has been communicated in advance. Students who repeatedly miss activities may be removed from the cohort.
Participating Companies
- KeyBank
- Touchstone Investments
- First Financial
- TruePoint
- OneSeven
- Truist
- Waldron
- Livewell
- NEST Capital
- UBS
- Wealthspire
Information for Companies
The Wealth Management Career Development Cohort is intentionally built in partnership with the wealth management industry. Industry professionals and corporate partners play an active role in mentoring students, sharing their expertise, and creating experiences that connect classroom learning with professional practice. Partners gain early access to emerging talent while building relationships with Miami University faculty and other industry professionals that can lead to collaboration and new perspectives on industry challenges.
Mentorship
Mentors are matched with two to three students and meet with them regularly throughout their time at Miami. They provide career guidance, share industry perspectives, and help navigate possible career paths.
Career Forums and Capital Markets Speaker Series
Industry professionals are invited to speak at the annual Wealth Management Career Forum and Capital Markets Speaker Series. These events introduce students to career opportunities in wealth management, highlight emerging industry trends, and provide opportunities to engage with professionals across the field.
Career and Internship Workshops
Partners are encouraged to participate in career and internship preparation workshops, primarily for sophomore and junior students. These sessions help students prepare for internships by networking, researching employers, expanding their professional networks, and strengthening their interviewing skills.
Job Shadowing
Companies can host two to three rising sophomore students for an unpaid summer job shadow experience. At least a one week experience is suggested. These experiences help students gain firsthand exposure to the profession, better understand day-to-day work in wealth management, and begin planning for future internships.
Firm Friday Site Visits
Organizations located near Oxford are invited to host a Firm Friday site visit for approximately 12–15 sophomore students. These two- to three-hour visits give students an inside look at a firm's culture and operations while providing opportunities to connect with professionals across the organization.
Internships
Companies with summer internship programs are asked to reserve one or two positions for students in the cohort. Students complete the same application and interview process as other candidates and are expected to meet each organization's hiring standards.
Contact Us
Farmer School of Business 3075
800 East High Street
Oxford, OH 45056