Finance
Advice from Finance Majors
Johnny Komppa - May 2022 Graduate, Finance & Economics Major
"Prioritize getting to know both your professors and peers outside of the classroom. Oftentimes this results in meaningful friendships or relationships that could benefit your career in the future. Always take the opportunity to have a conversation with somebody who has been in your shoes."
Benjamin Hendel – May 2022 Graduate, Finance Major
"Be vulnerable to your classmates and teachers by asking a lot of questions. Everyone shares different perspectives, and you will learn a lot from each other once you make the effort. Prioritize gaining experience through internships and jobs during your four years. You will learn so much, and it will make you stand out when applying for jobs after graduation."
Rachel Rendall – May 2023 (expected) Graduate, Risk, Insurance, and Financial Planning Major
“Get involved as much as you can! Anything from joining business clubs or simply going to your professors' office hours can help you make some of the best connections with likeminded students and faculty. You may even find yourself acting as an executive member of a club and gaining valuable friendships and experience in the process!”
Emily Otto – May 2022 Graduate, Finance Major
"Visit your academic advisor, go to office hours, and utilize tutoring resources. There are so many opportunities available to help you succeed, take advantage of them! Also, you don't have to be perfect but always try your best. In the end, you'll make yourself very proud!"
Welcome to the Department of Finance at UW-La Crosse
The Department of Finance at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse is focused on the professional and personal development of our students. The finance major integrates real-world experience with traditional study through the use of:
- case studies
- management of investment portfolios, and
- interaction with local and regional business leaders
Students who successfully complete the program enter into the areas of insurance, banking, investment and trust services, personal financial planning, and corporate finance upon graduation. Our Finance graduates have a 97% job placement rate. The top employers of our graduates include:
- Baker Tilly Virchow Krause
- IBM
- Fastenal
- RSM
- Marine Credit Union
- Kwik Trip
- Kohler
- Clifton Larson Allen
- Northwestern Mutual
- KPMG
Unique features of the Department of Finance at UWL include:
- Student-managed investment fund
- Flexible program which allows for a concentration in Risk, Insurance, and Financial Planning or the convenient addition of a minor in Accounting or Economics, among other possibilities
- Student Directed Stock Valuation Analysis and Presentations
- Spring 2023 Spellman Fund Presentations
- Kwik Trip Integrated Core Program
Two Majors
- Finance
- Finance - Risk, Insurance and Financial Planning
Surround yourself with distinction. Surround yourself with UW-La Crosse!
2023 Financial Planning Symposium
UWL business students (left to right) Brooke Hartley, Tyler Mahnke, Hope Solfest and Ryan Rostkowski pictured at the 2023 Financial Planning Symposium.
Eleven students joined Finance Teaching Associate Professor Andrew Scott at this year’s Financial Planning Symposium in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, for two days of professional education and networking. Pictured above, students also heard from UWL alumni Nick Ziarek, Financial Planner and Partner at Shakespeare Wealth Management, and Kendra Gabriel, Financial Advisor at Merrill.
Life lessons, good investments and giving back
Alumnus Marc Gall, Rada Award recipient, shares insights in Q & A