Finance Society Hosts Insightful Session with Raymond James’ VP of Wealth Management

The Finance Society in the East Texas A&M University College of Business recently hosted an engaging and informative session with guest speaker Jeff Olsen, Vice President of Wealth Management and Financial Advisor at Raymond James – a leading financial services firm with approximately 8,800 financial advisors in the United States, Canada, and overseas that serves corporations, institutions and minimalities through significant capital markets, banking and asset management services.

Faculty members led by Regents Professor Dr. Srinivas Nippani, Dr. Singru Hoe, Dr. Chu Chen, Dr. Pratima, and Dr. Sharier Azim Khan attended the event along with 20 students who were eager to gain valuable insights into the world of finance and investment strategies.

Olsen led a discussion on the critical role of risk management through diversification and long-term planning. He offered a comprehensive analysis of how inflation, interest rates, and geopolitical events shape investment strategies, stressing the importance of staying informed about macroeconomic trends.

The session provided valuable insights into investment strategies and gave Accounting & Finance students an excellent opportunity to network. Olsen emphasized the need for a rational, disciplined approach to investment decisions, cautioning against emotionally driven choices. He also highlighted the potential opportunities that can arise during market downturns and times of economic uncertainty, underscoring the importance of maintaining a proactive and adaptable strategy.

The event was highly interactive, with many students sharing their own investing experiences and seeking advice on personal strategies, making it a truly engaging and beneficial experience.

Nippani, Regents Professor Faculty Coordinator for Finance, praised the event, stating, “The Vice President of Wealth Management and Financial Advisor at Raymond James, Mr. Jeff Olsen, explained his formula for managing wealth and advising the audience. The students were spellbound by his presentation. The event was a significant success, both in attendance and in reinforcing the concepts the students learned in their finance classes at ETAMU. The students were very motivated after hearing him speak.”

Kaci Goggans, President of the Finance Society, also expressed enthusiasm about the session, saying, “Jeff Olsen provided great insights on the basics of Financial Advising. I enjoyed how interactive his approach was with the audience; it allowed me to be able to ask more questions, which generated more knowledge. I am grateful he took the time to speak to us and provide valuable insights into the world of Finance.”

Pratima, Faculty Advisor for the Finance Society, emphasized the importance of such events, stating, “Events like these provide students with a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world financial expertise. Mr. Olsen's insights on risk management, macroeconomic trends, and disciplined investing not only reinforced key finance concepts but also empowered students with practical strategies for navigating complex financial landscapes. Such experiences inspire and prepare students to make informed decisions in their careers.”