AMP university challenge attracts record number of women
The financial planning university challenge, run through AMP's Horizons program, has attracted a record number of female entrants this year, with the competition winners announced last night.
A total of over 360 students from Australia's leading universities registered for the AMP University Challenge for 2015, with 108 students progressing in teams or as individuals to develop a scoped advice paper in response to a hypothetical client scenario.
AMP Head of Advice Recruitment and Professional Development, Amelia Constantinidis, said it was encouraging to see more young women considering a career as a financial adviser.
"It's a profession that provides flexibility, intellectually stimulating work, the ability to start your own business and the opportunity to positively impact people's lives," Constantinidis said.
"The judges had a tough decision, with all finalists producing quality work. It's exciting to see the strong talent and commitment from Australia's younger generation looking to a career in financial planning. It's a positive sign for the future success of the industry."
Three finalist teams and two individuals were flown to Sydney yesterday to take part in the final challenge, which involved a multiple-choice technical quiz, as well as a discussion paper presentation before a panel of AMP coaches and judges.
Patrick Rowe, a student from Deakin University in Victoria, was awarded the top prize by AMP's director of channel services, Michael Paff, at a reception at AMP's Circular Quay office last night.
Rowe received a $4,000 cash prize together with registration to attend the 2015 FPA Professionals Congress in Brisbane, as well as attendance to the 2016 AMP Advice Summit in Adelaide.
Deakin University also received a $2,500 grant from AMP to put toward financial planning initiatives.
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