<p><span class="p-body">Jasmine Lucas has embraced the opportunity to build her professional career while pursuing her passion for education and finance. With a background in marketing and data analytics, she found her way to New York City from Pittsburgh, where she had studied at the University of Pittsburgh and earned her MBA at Moravian University. Now, Lucas works full-time while pursuing her <a href="/content/sps-nyu/explore/degrees-and-programs/ms-in-financial-planning.html" target="_blank">MS in Financial Planning.</a> Her drive to make a meaningful impact in higher education and to close the financial literacy gap for students made her choice to pursue financial planning an easy one.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">We were delighted to catch up with Lucas to learn more about her career ambitions and experience at SPS so far.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">&nbsp;</span></p>

<p><span class="p-body">Though still in her first semester at NYU SPS, Lucas has experienced a whirlwind of opportunities here. &quot;I've already made a few meaningful connections, with hopefully more to come,&quot; she shared. Lucas is a member of the Financial Planning Club, which has allowed her to network with industry profes<span class="p-body"></span>sionals and attend valuable events, such as a recent session featuring guest speakers from the CFP Board. These experiences light her up and connect her to her passion for education planning, which she hopes to specialize in after graduation.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">Lucas's ultimate goal as a student is to focus on education planning and closing the financial literacy gap for students. She believes many students face the challenge of taking on large amounts of debt for higher education without the necessary financial knowledge to manage it effectively. &quot;I envision a future where every student at least has the opportunity to achieve a basic understanding of financial literacy,&quot; she said. With a desire to possibly pursue a doctoral degree in financial planning or behavioral finance, Lucas aims to impact the education system by integrating financial literacy into the curriculum for young adults.</span></p>

<p><span class="p-body">The flexibility of the <a href="/content/sps-nyu/explore/degrees-and-programs/ms-in-financial-planning.html" target="_blank">MS in Financial Planning</a> program has been a crucial factor in Lucas's ability to balance work, studies, and life in New York City. She appreciates the program's design, which allows her to take a mix of in-person and online courses while maintaining her full-time role. Lucas shared how the program's comprehensive curriculum has equipped her to tackle the diverse goals of people and businesses, reinforcing her ability to support clients' financial needs.</span></p>

<p><span class="p-body">Lucas's advice to incoming students reflects her thoughtful and balanced approach to life. &quot;My advice to any graduate student is to clearly define your ideal work-life balance and manage your time accordingly to achieve that goal,&quot; she explains. She also encourages students to explore New York City fully, from attending Broadway shows to trying new activities that push them out of their comfort zone. Lucas is well on her way to building a meaningful career in financial planning, enjoying every step of the way while making the most of NYC.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">Make your mark on the future of finance when you pursue an <a href="/content/sps-nyu/explore/degrees-and-programs/ms-in-financial-planning.html" target="_blank">MS in Financial Planning</a> at NYU SPS.</span></p>