<p><span class="p-body">As one of the fastest-growing industries in the world, financial planning is primed for students to step into the center of it. The <a href="/content/sps-nyu/explore/degrees-and-programs/ms-in-financial-planning.html">MS in Financial Planning</a> program at NYU SPS is designed to do just that, with industry professionals as instructors and ambitious students enriching it year after year. Joshua Murray is a current student who recently spoke with us about his experience in the program so far and where he sees himself in the future.</span></p>

<p><span class="p-body">Originally from Utica, NY, Murray's interests are varied, ranging from music to cooking, hiking, and even video games. His deep love for creating and listening to music is one of the many ways he keeps himself balanced amid the challenges of academic life. These interests highlight his well-rounded personality, helping him approach his studies and his career from a fresh perspective.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">After temping at Fordham last spring, Murray started thinking about NYU after conversations with his colleague, Luis Pena, who had accepted a position there. Murray reflects, &quot;He put me on to the opportunities at NYU, and upon researching, I found that the opening at the&nbsp;<a href="/content/sps-nyu/about/academic-divisions-and-departments/division-of-applied-undergraduate-studies.html" target="_blank">Division of Applied Undergraduate Studies (DAUS)</a> offered this combination of an amazing fit for my administrative career's progression and the potential to continue my education that was just too perfect to pass up.&quot; That perfect fit has allowed Murray to pursue his MS in Financial Planning while simultaneously growing in his professional life. The tuition remission benefit has also been a significant part of what makes NYU such a strong choice for him, allowing him to further his education in an accessible way.</span></p>

<p><span class="p-body">As a student, Murray has found his time at NYU to be both fulfilling and transformative. The support and inclusivity of SPS have helped him find his place within the program. &quot;SPS has done a great job of being accessible and accommodating to me and my unique needs and path,&quot; Murray shares. He emphasizes how NYU SPS fosters a learning environment that accommodates diverse students with varied professional experiences. Murray reflects on his role as an administrative professional at DAUS where he helps his colleagues spread the word about NYU's invaluable resources for students and how it feels to now be on the other side of that work. &quot;To now fully feel like a living example of how right they are is an incredible feeling,&quot; he notes.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">One of the standout aspects of Murray's experience has been how friendly and supportive the program has been to someone transitioning from a non-financial background. &quot;I'm coming in with very little experience in financial work, but I don't feel left behind at all,&quot; Murray explains, expressing how welcoming the program has been to those making a career pivot.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">Though Murray hasn't yet engaged in hands-on learning experiences, he's looking forward to his upcoming Capstone course. He's also keen to connect more deeply with his classmates, hoping to find opportunities to engage with his cohort beyond the classroom. His studies are already preparing him for success in his field.</span></p>

<p><span class="p-body">His confidence in being well-prepared for his future role is growing with each class. He appreciates how the coursework is tied closely to real-world applications, preparing him for the practical aspects of financial planning.</span></p>

<p><span class="p-body">As Murray works through his degree, he's considering various career paths within the financial sector. Originally, his goal was to become a financial analyst, but the program has opened his mind to other possibilities. &quot;I'm honestly in the process of answering that question,&quot; he admits. His coursework has encouraged him to explore different opportunities within the financial industry, leaving him open to discovering what space might suit him best. With NYU SPS preparing him thoroughly for any number of roles, Joshua feels ready to navigate the next steps in his career with confidence.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">For incoming students, Murray's advice is to &quot;take full advantage of all the resources you can find. There's always more than you think available to make things work for you.&quot; He encourages students to be proactive in seeking support, too. As someone who has been on both sides—as a staff member of DAUS and now a DPB student—he says, &quot;I can confirm that the faculty and staff around you are genuinely dedicated to seeing to your success.&quot;</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">Perhaps most importantly, Murray urges students to celebrate their own stories. &quot;Reach out to whoever in your division is in charge of amplifying student stories,&quot; he advises, adding, &quot;I promise you have something going on that's worth celebrating.&quot;</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">With Murray's varied interests and growing expertise in financial planning, he is poised to make a meaningful impact in his field.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">Opening one door will lead to many others. Your next big opportunity could be pursuing an <a href="/content/sps-nyu/explore/degrees-and-programs/ms-in-financial-planning.html" target="_blank">MS in Financial Planning</a> at NYU SPS.</span></p>