The Future of Financial Planning Is Bright
<p>Professor Toshi Mitsudomee's academic and professional career includes earning a PhD in Accounting and an MBA in International Business from Baruch College (CUNY). After that, Mitsudomee joined Hunter College as an associate professor and academic director for both the BS and MS programs in Accounting before making his way to NYU to teach in the <a href="/content/sps-nyu/explore/degrees-and-programs/ms-in-financial-planning.html" title="MS in Financial Planning program">MS in Financial Planning program</a>. </p>
<p>Before his academic career, Dr. Mitsudomee was a VP and general manager of Kyodo News International and served on the executive boards of several private companies. His extensive credentials include Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), Certified Financial Planner (CFP), and Certified Management Accountant (CMA). He also studied financial planning at NYU SPS.</p>
<p>Mitsudomee is determined to make an impact on the next generation of financial planners. He reflects, "I started at Hunter in 2000 upon receiving my PhD. After studying financial planning at NYU SPS and obtaining my Green Card, I began teaching at NYU in 2002." </p>
A New Chapter at NYU SPS
<p>Mitsudomee's love for teaching is evident in his approach to education. "I enjoy explaining difficult concepts using simple language and examples. Nothing makes me happier than seeing 'aha' reactions from my students," he says. His dual passion for teaching and research in accounting, finance, and economics enriches his classroom, boosting theoretical knowledge with practical applications.</p>
<p>He emphasizes the multifaceted nature of financial planning, describing it as both an art and a science. "We must understand the psychology and emotions of our clients to provide effective solutions," Mitsudomee notes. This holistic approach is crucial for preparing students to excel in a field that requires both technical skills and emotional intelligence.</p>
Student Experiences and Program Impact
<p><span class="p-body">Mitsudomee takes pride in the positive feedback from students, who appreciate the expertise and dedication of the faculty in the <a href="/content/sps-nyu/explore/degrees-and-programs/ms-in-financial-planning.html" title="MS in Financial Planning program">MS in Financial Planning program</a>. He especially appreciates the program's ability to foster academic rigor and real-world applications of industry teachings. "We organize and host career fairs and industry seminars, inviting recruiters and managers to share trends and job search tips. Our students are exposed to the real world of financial planning and wealth management," he explains.</span></p>
<p><span class="p-body">His innovative course development has been particularly impactful. "I combined theory textbooks with practical applications of programming and software solutions," Mitsudomee says. This approach ensures that students not only learn investment and personal financial planning theories but also gain hands-on experience with technology and software to develop and implement models, find solutions, and create visualizations.</span></p>
Successes and Challenges
<p>Mitsudomee's dedication to his students is evident in his meticulous course design and his commitment to their success. He proudly states, "During the last 10 years, none of my students failed the Final Presentation in Capstone courses." However, he acknowledges challenges, such as ensuring students have a strong financial background and keeping them engaged in online sessions. "Our mitigation plan includes bringing in subject matter experts and providing extra materials related to finances," he adds.</p>
The Future of Financial Planning
<p>Looking ahead, Mitsudomee identifies several key trends in the financial planning industry.<br />
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<p>"More than four million baby boomers are retiring every year, and millennials are inheriting massive wealth from their parents. People need financial planners to manage their money and wealth, but we are not producing nearly enough planners. I expect the demand to grow for quality schools, like ours, that provide necessary education."</p>
<p>Mitsudomee also emphasizes the importance of integrating technology into financial planning education, noting, "Our data analytics concentration will train our students in this area."</p>
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More than four million baby boomers are retiring every year, and millennials are inheriting massive wealth from their parents. People need financial planners to manage their money and wealth, but we are not producing nearly enough planners. I expect the demand to grow for quality schools, like ours, that provide necessary education."
Advice for Students
<p>For current and prospective students, Mitsudomee offers invaluable advice: "Develop your professional network. Attend external seminars, workshops, and receptions to get to know people in the industry. Your 'hard skills' will get you in the door, but your 'soft skills' will get you the job and help you thrive." He also stresses the importance of staying ahead of technological advancements. "New generations of financial professionals should achieve high proficiency in application software, acquire knowledge in programming languages, and gain experience with AI tools."</p>
<p>Mitsudomee's philosophy extends beyond technical skills. He encourages a lifelong learning mindset, reflecting the dynamic nature of the financial planning industry. "Cutting-edge technology and knowledge today will be obsolete in a few years. Keep an open mind, stay curious, and continually update your knowledge and skills," he advises.</p>
<p>Professor Toshi Mitsudomee's holistic approach to financial planning education at NYU SPS prepares students to excel in a rapidly evolving industry. Join the next generation of financial professionals by pursuing an <a href="/content/sps-nyu/explore/degrees-and-programs/ms-in-financial-planning.html" title="MS in Financial Planning">MS in Financial Planning</a> today.</p>