Danielle P. Barrios, CFP®, '23SPS, Wealth Management

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

I discovered Columbia’s M.P.S. in Wealth Management program by searching for “Master’s degree and CFP®” on the internet. I knew I wanted a higher degree in the field of business and to attain the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designation. I had gained experience in wealth management by apprenticing with top financial advisors as a client service associate at leading financial services firms in Beverly Hills and Washington, DC. I aimed to become a financial advisor myself but recognized the need for further education and credentials to achieve that goal. Columbia's M.P.S. in Wealth Management not only fulfilled the prerequisites for the CFP® designation, but it also offered me a formal education in wealth management at an Ivy League university, aligning perfectly with my career aspirations.

How does this program differentiate from an M.B.A. (if applicable)? 

I was fortunate to have been accepted into both Columbia’s M.P.S. in Wealth Management program and a part-time M.B.A program at my undergraduate university. I debated between the M.B.A. and M.P.S., but upon sharing my goals with others in the industry, at least 4 people told me, “YOU don’t need an M.B.A”. I realized they were right. My passion lay in wealth management, and I wanted a deeper understanding of the field I already worked in. The M.B.A. offers a broader understanding of business concepts, a mile wide and a foot deep. The M.P.S. in Wealth Management, on the other hand, provides a specialized and comprehensive curriculum that covers financial planning, investment strategies, and estate management, which are essential skills in the wealth management industry. Focusing on wealth management was the logical choice for my educational and career journey.

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

16 months goes by incredibly fast. The program is intense, and to get the most out of it, you must be focused on completing the work and committed to your teammates on your group projects. Take advantage of every opportunity you can to make a connection with faculty members and fellow students, participate, and show up to everything: office hours, coffee chats, club meetings, etc. You only get one opportunity to do this, so make it count! 

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

The asynchronous nature of this program allows students to access lectures and course materials at their own pace, making it manageable to balance schoolwork with family and work commitments in any time zone around the world. Networking occurs through discussion forums, group projects, and virtual events, enabling students to collaborate and connect with classmates, faculty, and industry experts on wealth management themes. This flexibility encourages diverse interactions, fostering a global perspective and valuable networking opportunities. 

How were you able to build meaningful relationships in this online program? How did you engage with faculty, students, and guest speakers? 

Through discussion posts, group projects, Zoom calls, and the in-person residency, I was able to form true friendships with classmates from all parts of the United States and abroad. I made it my goal to attend as many virtual events as I could: office hours, coffee chats, guest speakers, you name it, I was there. I wanted to absorb as much as I could from the program, so I showed up when I could and participated by asking questions and sharing my experiences. As an alumna, I continue to attend virtual calls put on by the Wealth Management program, and I still keep in touch with many members of my cohort, some faculty, and even students from other cohorts. 

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

After completing the M.P.S. in Wealth Management, I soon passed the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ examination and officially became a CFP® professional. Holding the Master’s degree in Wealth Management from Columbia University and the CFP® designation opened doors for me that otherwise would have remained closed. Because of my qualifications and experience, I was selected by Morgan Stanley to enter the Financial Advisor Associate program, and I am now officially a Financial Advisor in the Beverly Hills office. Columbia’s M.P.S. in Wealth Management has undeniably changed the trajectory of my career and my life, propelling me into a promising future.