28 Mar Navigating Success: Sydney’s Voyage on the Financial ConNEXTion Educational Cruise
“The journey is just as important as the destination. The connections you make, the knowledge you gain, and the experiences you collect will shape your career in ways you never expect.” – Sydney Bridges
Sydney Bridges, soon to be a graduate of The University of North Florida (UNF), has charted a remarkable course from an initial interest as an actuary to a future professional in financial planning. A recipient of the Women’s Leadership Alliance’s Student Scholarship, Sydney’s passion for finance, leadership, and education has paved her way to exciting opportunities. Recently, she was invited to attend the Financial ConNEXTion Educational Cruise, where her curiosity about financial planning paths and commitment to excellence earned her a coveted spot. Her journey is a testament to the importance of adaptability, hands-on experience, and the value of seeking guidance from mentors.
Finding the Right Path
Like many college students, Sydney began her undergraduate journey with a different career path in mind. Initially drawn to the idea of becoming an actuary—a profession that seemed to align perfectly with her strong analytical skills and love for mathematics—Sydney soon realized that this numbers-driven role wasn’t quite what she had envisioned for herself.
“It wasn’t until my sophomore year that I realized I needed a path that allowed me to combine my analytical abilities with a more interpersonal role,” she reflects.
“I wanted to be in a position where I could connect with people, help them, and make a tangible impact in their lives.”
Her turning point came when she enrolled in a course titled “Introduction to Financial Planning.” Through this class, Sydney discovered a new world of possibilities. “Growing up, my family didn’t have financial advisors, so it never occurred to me that financial planning could be a career,” she admits. But as she explored the field, Sydney realized that it provided the perfect blend of problem-solving and personal connection she was searching for.
Diving into the Industry
With a clearer vision of her future, Sydney immersed herself in the financial planning industry. She actively sought out professional organizations and industry competitions to gain practical experience. One of her most valuable experiences was her involvement in the FPA’s 2023 Financial Planning Challenge and this year’s Financial ConNEXTion Educational Cruise. These events not only helped her begin to build a professional network but also exposed her to mentors who are willing to guide her on her path to success.
Held from February 17th to 22nd, the Financial ConNEXTion Educational Cruise offered an incredible platform for students to meet seasoned professionals and learn about the many facets of financial planning. The cruise combined education, exploration, and networking—allowing students to gain practical career insights while experiencing new cultures. The event featured several competitions, including the Career Exploration Competition and the Job Pitch Competition, which gave students the opportunity to hone their presentation skills and receive valuable feedback.
The Cruise Highlights: A Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity
For Sydney, the experience was nothing short of transformative. The seven-day cruise gave her a unique opportunity to connect with professionals in a relaxed, yet enriching environment.
“What stood out about the cruise was how different the networking was. Being on a cruise ship, everyone was relaxed and open to real conversations—beyond the usual ‘elevator pitch,’” Sydney recalls.
Her top three highlights from the trip include a three-course dinner on the ship, a group catamaran excursion in Cozumel, and late-night karaoke. But the professional highlights were even more significant: Sydney placed second in the Job Pitch Competition and third in the Oral Presentation for presenting her research.
The Research Behind the Success
It was Sydney’s research at UNF that earned her a spot on the Financial ConNEXTion Educational Cruise. As part of the Career Exploration Competition, Sydney conducted a comparative analysis between financial planners working in independent Registered Investment Advisors (RIA) and full-service broker-dealers. She interviewed 12 professional advisors to gain insights into the differences in income, flexibility, career growth, and overall sense of purpose between the two pathways.
Sydney’s research revealed critical distinctions between the two roles. “Independent RIAs tend to be smaller and more flexible, allowing for a more personalized experience with clients,” she explains. “On the other hand, broker-dealers often offer larger firms with strong brand recognition, but may have limitations on products due to conflicts of interest and fewer leadership opportunities.”
Through her findings, Sydney concluded that choosing the right career path in financial planning comes down to personal values and professional goals. “For me, I’m leaning toward an RIA or an RIA arm of a broker-dealer. It offers the growth potential and client-focused approach that aligns with my aspirations,” she shares.
Advice for Current Students
Looking back on her time at UNF, Sydney offers valuable advice to current students who are navigating their own paths.
“The most important thing I learned was to never underestimate the power of professional development opportunities,” she says.
Sydney completed three internships during her time at UNF, each one offering hands-on experience and exposure to different aspects of the financial planning industry.
Regardless of the field of study, she encourages students to make connections early, attend professional events, and get involved in organizations. “Professional mentors are everywhere, and they want to help you succeed. Take advantage of every opportunity to learn,” she advises.
For Sydney, the journey is far from over. As she prepares to graduate this spring, she’s excited to take the next steps in her career and continue making meaningful connections in the financial planning world. Her story serves as an inspiration to students everywhere—demonstrating that a clear vision, hard work, and the courage to embrace new opportunities can lead to incredible success.
“The journey is just as important as the destination. The connections you make, the knowledge you gain, and the experiences you collect will shape your career in ways you never expect.” – Sydney Bridges
