Turning Numbers into Impact: Owen Imel’s Summer at Wise Financial

Owen Imel, an economics and finance major with a minor in accounting, spent his summer interning at Wise Financial. Located in Indianapolis, Wise Financial is a financial planning firm affiliated with Northwestern Mutual. In Imel’s dual role as a financial planner and investment operations associate, he gained valuable experience supporting the firm’s planning strategies and investment processes.

His work included building financial plans to determine retirement timelines while managing investments to make those goals more attainable. He worked directly with clients by presenting financial plans, as well as behind the scenes, crunching numbers. Over the course of the summer, he refined key skills in portfolio management, tax strategies, and presentation. By his second week on the job, these skills were in full effect.

“My favorite moment was presenting to the owner and leadership team and them accepting my changes to our investment portfolio,” Imel said. “And then they said, ‘Okay, now go do it.’”

In addition to his full-time responsibilities, Imel was working toward two professional certificates totaling more than 200 hours of study: the Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) and Series 7. Sponsored by his employer, the SIE was his first step toward becoming a certified investment advisor, while the Series 7 will authorize him to sell bonds, stocks, and annuities.

Throughout Imel’s internship, he appreciated the opportunity to see processes from start to finish, witnessing firsthand the impact his work had on clients.

“Because while we didn't say we were a Christian company, or while it was never brought up, our biggest thing was service,” Imel said. “You are caring for these people; you’re loving towards everyone who comes in, and we try to treat them as a family. Once you join, that’s what we consider you.”

Looking ahead, Owen hopes to pursue a career in fund management and looks forward to helping his future clients achieve their financial goals.