<p><span class="p-body">Students in the <a href="https://www.sps.nyu.edu/homepage/academics/masters-degrees/ms-in-financial-planning.html">MS in Financial Planning</a> program at NYU SPS find themselves at the epicenter of one of the fastest-growing industries in the world with the demand for financial planners increasing every year. Victoria Guo is a current student who exemplifies hard work and a commitment to staying ahead of the curve in finance. We were thrilled to speak with her recently to learn more about why she chose NYU, and how the program is going so far.</span></p>

<p><span class="p-body">Victoria Guo's path to the Master's in Financial Planning program at NYU reflects her dedication to balancing both her personal and professional life with passion and focus. Originally from China, Guo has always been someone who embraces diverse interests to stay grounded. In her spare time, she enjoys yoga, dancing, and playing the piano, which she says help her stay &quot;active, creative, and balanced&quot; in both her academic and personal life. These hobbies are essential to maintaining her well-being as she navigates the complexities of her education and professional aspirations.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">Guo's decision to attend NYU was driven by the university's strong reputation in the financial world, particularly its strategic location in New York City, a global hub for finance.&nbsp;</span></p>

<p><span class="p-body">The extensive network of industry professionals both inside and outside of the classroom also promised invaluable opportunities for career growth and advancement.</span></p>

<p><span class="p-body">Since enrolling in the MS in Financial Planning program, Guo has thrived in NYU's inclusive and multicultural environment. &quot;The atmosphere at NYU is incredibly welcoming. Both the professors and my classmates have been friendly and supportive, creating a collaborative space where I've been able to learn and grow,&quot; she says. The sense of community and the program's academic rigor have made her experience at NYU deeply fulfilling. She appreciates the diversity of perspectives that the program offers, allowing her to broaden her understanding of global financial issues through collaboration with peers from all walks of life.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">Guo has had many hands-on learning experiences that have already proven to be valuable. In her <i>Retirement Planning</i> course, she gained practical experience using MoneyGuidePro, a widely-used tool in financial planning. &quot;That course gave me real-world insights into managing clients and crafting retirement strategies,&quot; she explains.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">In addition, her <i>Statistics</i> course introduced her to R, a powerful tool for data analysis, which has been crucial for understanding complex financial data. &quot;Working with R has provided me with technical skills that I can directly apply to my future career in financial planning,&quot; she notes. These hands-on learning opportunities have equipped her with practical tools that go beyond theory, preparing her to thrive in the industry.</span></p>

<p><span class="p-body">Guo credits the MS in Financial Planning program for giving her the comprehensive education she needs to succeed in her field. &quot;The curriculum has been both comprehensive and relevant, covering essential areas like tax planning, retirement strategies, and wealth management,&quot; she says. These courses and with NYU's industry connections and resources have helped Guo gain a deeper understanding of the financial landscape. &quot;The program has given me the tools I need to make a positive impact in the financial planning field,&quot; she adds.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">After completing her degree, Guo hopes to use her expertise to help individuals achieve their financial goals, whether by working for an established firm or starting her own financial planning practice. &quot;Ultimately, I want to contribute to creating a more secure and sustainable future for my clients by upholding ethical and responsible financial practices,&quot; she says.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">When asked about the most impactful class she's taken at NYU, Guo immediately points to her<i> Income Tax and Strategy</i> course. &quot;Since taxes are so closely tied to everyone's financial well-being, understanding them is crucial, especially given the complexity of US tax law,&quot; she explains. She praises the professor for making the subject accessible and engaging: &quot;I gained a solid understanding of tax regulations and learned valuable tax planning strategies.&quot;</span></p>

<p><span class="p-body">Guo is also quick to offer advice for incoming students. &quot;Be prepared to fully engage with the program,&quot; she urges. &quot;You will gain a lot from the experience, both in terms of knowledge and practical skills. Take advantage of the resources available—whether through professors, classmates, or networking opportunities.&quot; This engagement, she emphasizes, is what will help students make the most of their time at NYU and position themselves for long-term success in their careers.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">As Guo approaches the completion of her degree, she reflects on the journey with gratitude. Her time at NYU has not only equipped her with the technical skills and knowledge needed to excel but also helped her grow personally by fostering lasting connections with peers and mentors. Guo is confident that with her education and experiences, she will continue to thrive in the financial planning industry, making a meaningful impact on the lives of her future clients.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">Now is the time to start shaping the future of finance. Make your mark when you pursue an <a href="https://www.sps.nyu.edu/homepage/academics/masters-degrees/ms-in-financial-planning.html">MS in Financial Planning</a> at NYU SPS.</span></p>