The revamped Financial Management Association held its first meeting of the year on Nov. 4 with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management Assistant Vice President Dell Stine speaking to the larger-than-expected group of students.
Justus Lindsey, president of the Financial Management Association, said about 55 people attended the meeting in Dillard.
”The goal for the FMA this year is to build the membership back up,” Lindsay said. “It was initially for finance majors but is suited for business majors too.”
Group leaders said they plan on having two field trips to allow for members to gain wider knowledge and experience for after college.
Stine has been involved with Merrill Lynch for nine and a half years and has been the assistant vice president for the firm for six years now. He gave insight to the students how an investment company like Merrill Lynch works.
Stine, who said he hates rejection, said his company handles about $1 billion of business in the area, specializing in large accounts and working on a commission basis.
“It’s not just a job, it’s a career,” he said. According to Stine, students planning to work for Merrill Lynch or similar companies should be prepared to build a career, not just have a job, due to the level of commitment involved.
Alan Reynolds, a senior in business, said, “The talk from Mr. Stine was very interesting, and I was able to learn a lot about the company. It was good to hear about the information on the process of getting particular certificates, its stuff you don’t normally think about.”
And Stine had some advice for students, something Lindsey said was at the heart of FMA’s mission, “giving students the opportunity to understand what to expect after college,” including how to manage their personal assets and learning skills such as teamwork.
“It comes down to teamwork skills,” Stine, who has been in the industry since 1984, said, adding that “You need to start investing in your late 20s or early 30s.”
David Grates, senior in finance, “The talk interested me because I am looking at pursuing a similar pathway to the guest speaker.”
And Zach Moore, junior in finance, “Dell Stine was insightful and relevant to what I want to do in the future, plus I had some spare time to kill.”
The group’s next meeting is Dec. 2 at 3 p.m. in Dillard room 189.
Justus Lindsey — president
Ariel Douglas — vice president
Alvin Garcia — secretary
Jordan Griffin — treasurer
Danielle Thomas — treasurer
Bryan White — director of development
Ricky Randall — director of public relations #311
Elisa Pierre — SGA senator
