One of the primary goals of the Financial Markets Program is to provide "hands-on" learning. Through not only the Financial Markets Lab, but through experiencing the financial industry first hand and real time.
2025-2026 Financial Planning Program Cohort
The following are the participants in the Financial Planning Program for the 2025-26 academic year.
Corey Bengston
Corey is participating in the CFA Global Research Challenge and also serves as the president of the Entrepreneurship Club. Outside of the classroom, he enjoys playing various sports, such as golf, pickleball, and hockey, with friends. He also enjoys outdoor activities, exercising, and spending time with family and friends. Corey is set to graduate in May with a BBA in Financial Markets Finance and Financial Planning. After graduation, he plans to pursue a career in the financial services industry with an interest in wealth management, equity research, or financial analysis.
Tristan Bock
With a strong foundation in finance and passion for helping others achieve their financial goals, Tristan is poised to make a meaningful impact in the world of finance. Through his studies and experiences, Tristan has developed a keen understanding of financial markets and planning and is excited to bring his expertise to clients and help them navigate the complexities of personal finance. Tristan is double majoring in Financial Markets Finance and Financial Planning and is dedicated to pursuing a career as a financial advisor.
Trevor Bowe
In the summer of 2024, Trevor interned at Wolf Tree Wealth Management, an experience that fueled his interest in wealth management. This past summer, he interned at Orgel Wealth Management as a private wealth management analyst. In addition to participating in the Financial Markets Program, Trevor is participating in the CFA Global Research Challenge and serving as the treasurer of the UMD Bulldog Investment Club. Outside of school, he enjoys spending time with family, bow hunting, and hiking. He is pursuing a BBA in Financial Markets Finance and Financial Planning and is set to graduate in May. Following graduation, he plans to pursue a career in the financial services industry.
Jacob Gillespie
Jacob serves as a student director of the Financial Markets Program and president of the UMD Bulldog Investment Club. He is competing in the CFA Global Research Challenge. He is also a member of the University Honors Program and Beta Gamma Sigma. This past summer, Jacob gained valuable experience interning as a transaction advisory analyst at Redpath & Company, where he focused his attention on middle-market buy-side and sell-side mergers and acquisitions due diligence. Outside of school, Jacob is an avid outdoorsman, who enjoys hiking, traveling, and playing music. He is set to graduate in May with a BBA in Financial Markets Finance, Finance and a BA in Accounting. After graduation, Jacob plans to pursue a career in investment banking or corporate development.
Preston Jorland
This past summer, Preston interned as a research analyst at LoCorr Funds, an alternative investment platform with approximately $3 billion in assets under management. Preston’s buy-side experience also includes a role as a private equity analyst with Dark Alpha Capital. This year, Preston is competing in the CFA Global Research Challenge and serves as director of career development for the UMD Bulldog Investment Club. Outside of school, he is an avid marathon runner and fitness enthusiast who also enjoys chess, golf, traveling, reading, and leading Bible study. Preston is set to graduate in May with a double major in Financial Markets Finance and Financial Planning.
Caleb Kroeger
Caleb chose the Financial Markets Program for its emphasis on real-world experience and the opportunity to develop his financial analysis skills by learning from some of the most experienced professionals in the field. He is majoring in Consumer Insight Analytics (CIA) and Financial Markets Finance. Caleb has a strong passion for problem solving, leadership, investing, and music. After graduating in May, he will join Delta Airlines as a financial analyst.
Jake LaChance
Jake serves as a student equity analyst for The Bulldog Fund LLC, a $5M+ student-managed investment fund), and as a private equity analyst intern with Isleview Equity. Jake is actively involved in the UMD Bulldog Investment Club as vice president of marketing and is participating in the CFA Global Research Challenge. He spent a semester studying abroad in Florence, Italy, gaining exposure to international finance and business. Outside of academics, Jake enjoys golfing, fishing, hiking, and spending time outdoors. He is pursuing a BBA in Financial Markets Finance.
Tyren Mattick
This past summer, Tyren interned with the Minnesota State Board of Investments as a private markets analyst supporting the due diligence process for private markets investments. This year, he is participating in the CFA Global Research Challenge and is the captain and treasurer of the UMD men’s lacrosse team. In his spare time, Tyren enjoys weightlifting, disc golf, and hiking. Tyren will graduate in May with a BBA in Financial Markets Finance and Financial Planning. After graduation, he plans to pursue a career in capital markets with particular interest in equity research and investment banking.
Carter Nachreiner
In addition to his involvement in the Financial Markets Program, Carter is an active member of the UMD Bulldog Investment Club and is a participant in the CFA Global Research Challenge. Last summer, he interned with OnPoint Financial Planning, where he gained valuable experience in research and wealth management. Outside of school, Carter enjoys working out, playing basketball, and reading thought-provoking books. He is on track to graduate in May with a BBA in Financial Markets Finance and a minor in accounting. After graduation, Carter plans to pursue a career in the financial services industry.
Isaiah Peters
Last summer, Isaiah interned in the finance department of Outagamie County in Appleton, Wisconsin. He currently serves as the secretary of the UMD Bulldog Investment Club and will compete in the CFA Global Research Challenge this year. He enjoys playing and watching sports in his free time. Isaiah will graduate in May with a BBA in Financial Markets Finance and Financial Planning. After graduation, he plans to pursue a career in the financial services industry.
Caden Pigsley
Caden interned at Fortress Financial, a wealth management company in Rochester, Minnesota, this past summer. He is participating in the CFA Global Research Challenge this year. In his free time, Caden enjoys golfing, spending time outdoors, and hanging out with family and friends. He is pursuing his BBA in both Financial Markets Finance and Financial Planning and will graduate in May. He is looking to attain his Certified Financial Planning (CFP) designation after graduation.
Blake Rinehart
Blake was part of the investment team as an intern for a wealth management company this past summer, where he conducted due diligence. He is participating in the CFA Global Research Challenge this year. Outside of school, Blake enjoys golfing, pickleball, watching football and hockey, and hanging out with friends. He is set to graduate in May with a BBA in Financial Markets Finance and Financial Planning and plans to complete his Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) certification after his undergraduate study. Blake looks forward to a career in the financial services industry in portfolio management.
Will Seymour
Will lived in Charleston, South Carolina, this past summer, working as a corporate finance intern for Zaxby’s BEC, Inc. He is one of the founding members of the UMD Finance Club and currently serves as the club’s president. He is competing in the CFA Global Research Challenge this year. Outside of school, Will enjoys spending time outdoors, playing golf, football, snowboarding, skating, and spending time with family and friends. He is on track to graduate in May with a BBA in Financial Markets Finance.
Brandon Trudell
Brandon was an investment analyst intern at the Sawmill Trust Company this past summer. In addition to participating in the Financial Markets Program, Brandon is the team captain in the CFA Global Research Challenge, serves as social media officer of the UMD Bulldog Investment Club, and works part-time at Grandma’s restaurant. Along with spending time with his wife, Brandon enjoys working on cars and snowboarding. He will graduate in May with a BBA degree in Financial Markets Finance. After graduation, he plans to pursue a career in the financial services industry as a buy-side or sell-side research analyst.
Wesley Villegas
Wes interned at RSM (Accounting) and Okabena Investment Services (Finance) gaining valuable hands-on experience. He currently serves as the vice president of the UMD Bulldog Investment Club. He is very excited to be competing in this year's CFA Global Research Challenge. Outside of school, Wes enjoys meeting new people, staying active, and trying new things to push himself outside of his comfort zone. When not working in the Financial Markets lab, Wes can be found on the basketball court or on the golf course. He will graduate in May with a BA in Accounting and BBA in Financial Markets Finance. He is interested in a career in high finance, especially equity research.
Ethan Vogt
Ethan interned at Disciplined Growth Investors (DGI) as an investment analyst. He currently serves as the education officer for the UMD Bulldog Investment Club. Outside of school, Ethan enjoys hockey, golf, tennis, and snowboarding. He is pursuing a BBA degree in Financial Markets Finance and has a minor in Economics. After graduation in May, Ethan plans to pursue a career in the financial services industry.