Gage Smart
- Paraplanner
- Peterson Wealth Advisors
School Information
School: Missouri State University
College Major: Business
Years at College Works: 2023-2024
Career Information
Working For: Peterson Wealth Advisors
Title: Paraplanner
Industry: Finance
Brief Description of Duties / Responsibilities:
-Learn and conduct research about the financial planning industry -Study for key certifications and licenses -Assist in the research and construction of portfolios -Assist in the monitoring of actively managed portfolios -Prepare for and debrief client meetings -Add commentary to client meetings -General office operations”
What Has Been Your Proudest Accomplishment Post-CWP?Landing a paraplanner role, becoming the Financial Planning Association President at MSU, and leading a brand new professional project for the organization.
College Works Career Impact
In one sentence, what has CW meant to you?
College Works Painting was life changing from the skills gained, the memories earned, and most importantly, the people I became friends with.
How did your CW experience impact your career? Immediately after graduation? Now?
Although I have not graduated yet, I have already seen the career benefits of College Works Painting. To earn my paraplanner role, I interviewed against multiple other students in my cohort and eventually earned the job myself. Furthermore, I have heard many times at my office that my ability to learn things and interact with clients far exceeds expectations of a normal college student.
What do you want to tell your clients about what it meant to work with them and how it has helped you get to where you are today?
During July 4th week my exec year, it was over 100 degrees everyday, and we were behind schedule for the summer, and behind budget on the job. Of course I did not want to risk the health of my painters, so we took the necessary short days and breaks. I was always worried that the client would be upset with the length of time it took us to get her big project done, but in the end, she was extremely satisfied and even tipped myself and all painters $150 each.
What was the greatest lesson you learned from your CW experience?
Take responsibility and work hard. You get out what you put in.
How have the friendships and networks you built during CW affected you?
I plan on inviting multiple College Works Painting friends to my wedding and always love connecting with them when they are in town. The trips I took with College Works Painting and the friends I had were truly the best part.
If you had to come up with a one line slogan for CW, what would it be?
You get out what you put in
Advice
What advice do you have for potential CW participants? Current CW participants?
Potential participants: There is no better option than College Works Painting as a college student. DO NOT leave college with regrets. This is an extremely difficult internship compared to other options, but that’s why it is the best Current participants: My 3 keys to success- 1. Be organized and efficient 2. Listen to your DM and be coachable 3. Take your summertime management/leadership role seriously, try to make a difference in one of your employees lives/summer
Many college students struggle to choose between an internship specific to their target industry or doing CW. What advice would you give them on this subject if they wanted to enter your career field?
Degree specific internships WILL NOT give you the soft skills and responsibility that you earn at college works. Filling papers and getting coffee OR conducting your own marketing, sales, hiring, management? If you want the easy route, then take the degree specific internship, but if you want to become the best, then do College Works Painting.
What’s your best advice for someone interested in entering your career field?
“Get real world experience (College Works Painting). There are so many rules and regulations in finance that it is difficult to gain the skills needed to be successful early on. You cannot legally provide advice or complete certain transactions until you are licenses. That is why I am so happy I interned at college works so I was able to gain skills in sales, client relations, etc. Secondly, have patience but keep the same motivation that you had during College Works Painting. Financial planning is a longer learning process, longer sales cycle, and longer time before turning profits. Don’t give up. Work your butt off. “
What’s your favorite memory from CW?
Definitely when the winds blew over our room’s sliding glass door in Cancun at 4 AM.
Last words of wisdom?
Current interns: DO NOT SLOUCH THOSE 80 HOUR WEEKS EARLY SUMMER. Please take the extra time for phenomenal painter training and extra sales. You will be more profitable, have less stress, happier clients, and work way less hours in July. Get through it in the first couple weeks.