For Brandon Arnold, a Columbia School of Professional Studies Master of Professional Studies (M.P.S.) in Wealth Management student, seeing the direct impact his work has on clients’ lives is the most exciting part of the job.
“Our advice often helps them achieve their financial goals and pursue their dreams,” Arnold said. “Financial literacy can truly change the trajectory of a family’s life for generations.”
As an associate wealth advisor at The Colony Group, a registered investment advisory firm based in Boston, MA, Arnold works directly with two senior advisors to serve high-net-worth clients in all aspects of financial planning, including investments, tax, insurance, estate planning, and retirement planning. Seeking to grow in his career, Arnold applied and was accepted to the M.P.S. in Wealth Management program. He also is one of two recipients of the 2024–2025 Wealth Management Advancing Diversity Fellowship.
In a recent interview, Arnold expressed the value of bringing diversity to the wealth management field, both for the sake of understanding the needs of a diverse client base and for bringing financial literacy to communities who have historically not had access to wealth management resources.
Q: What led you to the M.P.S. in Wealth Management Program?
I decided to pursue the Columbia M.P.S. in Wealth Management program because I was looking for the best training the industry has to offer. I wanted a program that would challenge me and elevate my skills, and Columbia stood out because of its rigor and credibility. At this stage in my career, this program provides the perfect foundation for my growth as an advisor.
Q: How has your experience in the program been so far? What has been meaningful for you?
The program has been incredible. Everyone involved (students, professors, and administrators) has put forth so much effort into ensuring the experience is valuable. The opportunity to engage with and learn from industry leaders has been transformative. We’re not just absorbing information; we’re applying insights from their real-world experiences to better serve our clients.
Our professors are all successful practitioners juggling demanding careers, yet they make time for us whenever we have questions or need guidance. For example, the opportunity to discuss the complexities of the wealth management industry with Prof. Bill Woodson, or the nuances of financial planning with Dr. Michael Kothakota, has been invaluable. Many of my cohort members are remarkable, and working alongside them on project-based learning assignments has been amazing. By leveraging everyone’s unique thoughts, ideas, and professional experiences, we’re able to learn exponentially from one another.
Q: What does it mean to have this fellowship for advancing diversity in the Wealth Management field?
I’m incredibly grateful for this fellowship, as it was the catalyst that allowed me to join this world-class program. Without it, this opportunity might not have been possible for me. By having opportunities such as the Advancing Diversity Fellowship available, we’re broadening the talent pool and ensuring that the industry reflects the diverse backgrounds of the clients we serve.
As a recipient of this fellowship, I feel a strong sense of responsibility to be a role model for others from diverse backgrounds. Representation matters, and I hope my journey encourages others to see wealth management as a viable and rewarding career path.
Q: What would you like to see for the future of the wealth management industry?
One change I hope to see is ensuring that financial education and advice become accessible to historically underrepresented groups. Financial literacy can truly change the trajectory of a family’s life for generations. Personally, financial education has been transformative for me, and I hope to share that knowledge with others. I hope that as the field grows, we can disseminate this knowledge more broadly, making it accessible to everyone. The impact of this kind of access has the power to change lives and transform communities.
Q: And finally, what motivates you?
At its core, wealth management is a helping profession. Most of us pursue this career because we’re passionate about helping people achieve their financial dreams and goals. In the future, I hope to mentor young professionals from diverse backgrounds who are looking to seek a career in the wealth management industry. I’ve had such great mentors throughout my life (both personally and professionally) and understand the significance a great mentor can have on someone.
About the Program
A 16-month online program with asynchronous instruction, specially designed to accommodate working professionals, Columbia University’s Master of Professional Studies in Wealth Management program is taught by distinguished faculty with deep applied experience in their respective fields. Additionally, it is a CFP Board Registered Program designed to help students meet the educational requirements for CFP® certification.
The fall 2025 application priority deadline for the M.P.S. in Wealth Management program is February 15. The final deadline is June 1. Learn more here.
