Paula Sweis, a student at Cal State Fullerton’s College of Business and Economics focused on international business, Titan Capital Management and the Personal Financial Planning certificate, was one of 30 college students participating in the AssetMark Gold Forum in 2025 in Phoenix, thanks to a scholarship funding her travel and attendance. The annual event features speakers, workshops and symposia focused on current trends in the financial industry. Sweis’ involvement was made possible through the Ascent Program for future advisors, which provides business majors focused on personal financial planning the opportunity to network with industry professionals, gain innovative insights, and witness firsthand the impact of financial planning on individuals and communities.

“One of the most valuable aspects of the conference was engaging with advisors and executives who have shaped the financial planning industry,” says Sweis, who is portfolio manager for Titan Capital Management. “Through conversations with advisors and executives from NASDAQ, J.P. Morgan Asset Management, BlackRock, Fidelity, and many others, I gained firsthand knowledge about succession planning, opportunity transfer, and the rising demand for business exit strategies. These discussions highlighted the evolving landscape of financial advising and the importance of staying ahead of industry trends.”

The Gold Forum emphasized the power of relationships and continuous learning. “AssetMark CEO Michael Kim’s words, ‘Your relentless focus on your clients makes you extraordinary,’ resonated deeply with me,” says Sweis. “It reminded me that financial advising is not just numbers and strategies but also the unwavering commitment to serving clients with care, integrity and innovation.”

Sweis sees a renewed commitment to lifelong learning, the drive to embrace change, and a deeper understanding of financial advising as major takeaways from her experience, which she plans to take with her into a career in investment banking, private equity and financial services. “Hopefully, I will attend the conference in the future, not as a student, but as a professional, to shape the future of the industry.”

This opportunity was made possible through Finance Professor HanNa Lim, who connected Sweis with the opportunity to earn a scholarship to fund attendance at the event.

For more on the Personal Financial Planning Program at Cal State Fullerton, read more articles about financial planning and research.