Christine T. Weathington

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to prospective students?

The program is demanding in the best way, and you truly get out of it what you put in. If you commit to the coursework and are motivated to immerse yourself in the program, you will walk away with a deeper and more expansive understanding of the field, even if you’ve worked in wealth management for years. The curriculum stretched my thinking in ways I didn’t expect, and I was able to immediately apply what I learned to real client situations. The effort is significant, but the return is even greater!

What are the benefits of this asynchronous program from a learning and networking perspective?

The asynchronous setup made it much easier to balance work, school, and family, while still letting me fully engage with a challenging graduate program. It allowed me to prioritize and stay fully engaged in all aspects of my life.

From a networking standpoint, connection happens more naturally than you’d expect! Between Zoom discussions and collaborative group projects, you form meaningful relationships very quickly. There’s a unique bond that forms when you’re all working intensely toward the same goal and now many of my classmates are not only trusted industry peers but genuine friends.

How did your career change during and/or after earning an M.P.S. in Wealth Management?

The degree has elevated the way I serve clients with complex needs. I now approach planning challenges with a broader, more sophisticated toolkit and far greater confidence. One of the most valuable outcomes is having a network of classmates and professors I can reach out to whenever I need to test ideas or explore solutions. It feels like having an expert advisory board at your fingertips.

Beyond the technical skills, graduating from Columbia University is something I am incredibly proud of. It reinforces trust with clients and strengthens my professional credibility in a very real way.

Why did you choose the Master of Professional Studies in Wealth Management at the Columbia School of Professional Studies?

I initially enrolled to take the next logical step in my professional development, but very quickly realized the program would expand my world far more than I anticipated. Columbia offered exactly what I was looking for: exceptional instruction, a curriculum shaped by experienced industry practitioners, and an environment that encouraged deeper, more strategic thinking about the future of wealth management. It challenged me in the best way possible and gave me tools I use every day with clients. Choosing Columbia isn’t just a credential - it is a transformative part of my career.