Feature Stories 2018: Chase Reardon '20: Aspiring financial planner

I am studying finance at the Charlton College of Business. Because my goal is to become a financial planner/advisor, I knew that pursuing field-related internships could help me on my career path.

Taking steps toward career planning

In May, I started a summer-long internship as a financial analyst intern at the Costar Group in Boston's financial district. I am analyzing the risk of fixed income in the market. This internship has helped me learn a lot about finance and the markets at such a great firm.

Last summer, I also completed an internship with the Commonwealth Financial Network. Prior to this internship, I held a previous job at a bank where I networked with many business professionals. While there, multiple financial advisors referred me to the Commonwealth Financial Network, and said that a top-notch financial services firm could use a career-driven young business professional like me.

I applied for and gained a highly competitive internship. I was among the 22 interns selected for the Commonwealth Financial Nework’s Summer 2018 Internship Program out of 530 applicants. As part of the Technology Training team within the Technology Department, I used multiple databases to develop and update training materials for financial advisors. I also learned how important financial advisors are to the economy and their clients.

"As a financial analyst intern with Costar, I am analyzing risks of fixed income in the market. This internship has helped me learn a lot about finance and the markets."

Benefiting from professional networking

I am networking with many people in my field of interest and learning how to present projects that I work on for upper management. Both internships have increased my career opportunities because of their outstanding reputations in the financial services world. I can leverage the knowledge I've gained while working at both firms.

Balancing academics with employment

To complement my career goals, I have completed classes in estate planning, financial planning, retirement planning, and many other business courses. Accounting was my favorite class. During my sophomore year, Professor Christopher Jacobsen gave me the tools and resources to grow and strengthen my knowledge in the area of accounting, and I am very thankful to have him as a professor and mentor.

I've also worked with the UMassD housing residential and education department and really appreciate the knowledge and experience that I have gained here. I would like to personally thank everyone in the housing office (Brad Rohrer, Emily Alves, Lucinda Poudrier-Aaronson) for helping me along my journey at UMassD.

Preparing for the future

I plan to earn my Certified Financial Planner certification with the goal of becoming a financial planner/advisor.