Brian Saroken, CFP, '25SPS, Wealth Management

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

Keep an open mind and be intentional about learning from everyone around you.

During the program, I had the privilege of learning from exceptional professors, but I gained just as much — if not more — from my peers. The insights shared by experienced financial advisors were invaluable, and hearing how professionals from different firms approached similar challenges broadened my perspective. Surprisingly, some of the most eye-opening moments came from those just entering the industry — their fresh viewpoints and thoughtful questions often sparked meaningful reflection.

The diversity of backgrounds and experiences in the cohort created a dynamic learning environment. So, my advice: stay curious, listen actively, and embrace the opportunity to learn from every conversation.

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

Initially, I was hesitant about the asynchronous format. But balancing the demands of running a large practice, raising a family, and navigating life’s unpredictability, I quickly realized it was the ideal structure. The flexibility of team projects allowed me to manage my workload around my schedule without compromising the quality of engagement or learning.

From a networking perspective, the asynchronous model was a major advantage. It enabled collaboration with professionals across the country — and even globally. I built meaningful connections with peers from Maryland to Texas, California to Boston, and beyond. Engaging with people from different markets and backgrounds gave me fresh perspectives on familiar challenges. Seeing the same business issues through the lens of a colleague in Las Vegas or Canada added depth to the learning experience that a local or synchronous format simply couldn’t offer.

This structure not only supported my professional and personal commitments but also expanded my network in ways I hadn’t anticipated.

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

While my practice was already well-established, I wasn’t necessarily looking to grow in size — but the program elevated my capabilities in ways I hadn’t anticipated. The depth of knowledge I gained made me a more confident, competitive, and effective advisor.

In fact, the program paid for itself before it even ended. A peer I met through the program referred a client who turned out to be an ideal fit for my practice — a direct and meaningful outcome of the network I built.

In another case, I was one of six advisors competing for a high-net-worth client. During a discovery meeting, I challenged a prior decision made by the client — a move I wouldn’t have had the confidence to make before the program, especially since it contradicted advice from their accountants and consultants. The strategy I proposed would have saved the client seven figures in taxes, and it ultimately positioned my team as the clear choice.

The program didn’t just enhance my technical knowledge — it sharpened my strategic thinking and expanded my professional network, both of which have had a lasting impact on my practice.

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

Managing someone’s life savings is a profound responsibility, and I believe I owe it to my clients to stay sharp, informed, and continually evolving. While I already hold several industry designations — CFP®, CIMA®, CPWA® — I was looking for something deeper. The M.P.S. in Wealth Management at Columbia offered exactly that: a rigorous, comprehensive dive into the complexities of wealth management, taught by and alongside some of the most impressive minds in the field.

I chose Columbia because I wanted to be at the top of my game. This program provided the ideal environment to refine my skillset, challenge my thinking, and elevate the quality of advice I deliver to clients every day.