Berkeley College Graduate Sets His Sights High on the Financial Job Market
Avi Harkishun of South Richmond Hill, Queens, NY, is well on his way to achieving his future goal of building a company in the financial industry. He graduated in 2018, having earned his Associate in Applied Science and Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration – Financial Services at Berkeley College in New York City.
Along the way, he maintained high grades, sought meaningful internships and worked at jobs that gave him relevant industry experience as an assistant budget analyst, a financial associate, and a private equity intern.
Today Avi is an Investment Advisor Representative with Primerica, Inc., a distributer of financial services to middle-income families in North America. He continues to learn by seeking additional credentials and licenses in his field.
“I help clients attain their financial goals and independence using various financial concepts and product solutions that educate them on how money works,” said Avi.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, growth for professionals as a financial advisor is estimated at 15 percent through 2026.
“At Berkeley College we have a program that puts our students ahead of the curve,” said Dr. Joanne Snider, DBA, CFP, ChFC, CLU, Assistant Chair, Accounting and Finance, Berkeley College Larry L. Luing® School of Business. “It’s intensive and distinct in that we offer an undergraduate degree that includes the courses required by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. in Washington, D.C.,” she explained. “Berkeley also offers the courses necessary for a corporate financial analyst. Students can specialize in personal financial planning, corporate finance, or both.”
An advocate in her field, Dr. Snider fostered a scholarship program for students in Financial Services to become members of the Financial Planning Association in New York.
Combining the prospects of increasing retirees in the field along with low unemployment rates, companies are searching for qualified candidates in the finance industry.
The article, “4 Reasons the Demand for Advice is Booming,” summarized the situation this way – “the effect is an investing public seeking more advice during transitional periods, trusting advisors at increasing levels, and craving human guidance.”
The views and/or opinions in this article are those of the individuals interviewed. The academic achievements and/or employment outcomes described in this article are specific to each individual and are not a guarantee of similar results for past or current students. For up-to-date and detailed information, please visit BerkeleyCollege.edu and view our catalogs at BerkeleyCollege.edu/publications.
