The School of Business at Portland State University has entered a new partnership with Barron’s in Education, a financial education program from Dow Jones. Portland-based McGee Wealth Management is sponsoring a two-year site license to Barron’s, one of the nation’s premier financial resources, that allows free 24/7 access for PSU students, faculty and staff.
PSU is the first in the Pacific Northwest to join over 65 participating Barron’s in Education schools nationwide.
“Our collaboration with Barron’s and McGee Wealth Management gives our students greater involvement with the tools they need to succeed in the classroom and the workforce,” said PSU Master of Science in Finance (MSF) Academic Director Julie Hackett. “With access to Barron’s and Bloomberg, they are connected to two of the most trusted and current sources of business information."
In April 2019, The School of Business opened the Bloomberg Finance Lab, complete with 12 computers armed with Bloomberg Terminal.
“I am stunned by having access to Barron’s on top of Bloomberg Terminal,” said MSF student Thanh Nguyen. “This way we have real-time information to gain the type of skills and knowledge that are essential for our career development. Because of donors like McGee Wealth Management, PSU can provide meaningful resources that enrich the student experience.”
In addition to Barron’s digital subscription that provides in-depth analysis and market commentary, the Barron’s in Education program offers curated weekly content for faculty to incorporate into curriculum, student ambassador positions, guest speakers and webinars, connections with corporate recruiters, and opportunities for students to tour the Barron’s Dow Jones headquarters in Manhattan.
“Real-world engagement and experiential learning are core values of The School of Business,” added Hackett. “Opportunities like these allow our students to better see themselves in a variety of finance-related careers.”
"We are so pleased to bring Barron's in Education to PSU, with support from McGee Wealth Management,” said Joe Lanza, director of financial education at Barron’s Group. “All PSU business students, faculty and staff will have access to Barron's digital content along with experiential learning elements designed to help promote financial proficiency for the next generation of business leaders.”
In 2019, Barron’s named Judith McGee, CEO of McGee Wealth Management, to its Hall of Fame, an award honoring a group of advisors who exemplify long-term success and commitment to their clients. Barron’s in Education aligns with McGee’s steadfast desire to improve financial comprehension among younger generations. She chose to gift the program to PSU because of the university’s commitment to access, inclusion and equity.
“I’ve been a life-long advocate of supporting financial education in Oregon’s high schools, colleges and universities,” said McGee. “My colleagues and I are delighted to have the opportunity to bring the Barron’s in Education program to PSU. We believe that this program may open doors for students to a career in the financial services industry.”
McGee was a pioneer in the financial industry when in 1979 she was one of the first women in the western United States to become a Certified Financial Planner. On January 30 during a finance career panel, she spoke to PSU business students about her professional journey from a single mother of two working as an executive assistant to a nationally ranked wealth manager.
“You must learn the human element of finance to be successful,” said McGee, stressing that wealth management is a helping occupation. “Interpersonal communication, empathy and understanding are critical to truly knowing a client’s wants, needs and desires.”
She urged students to help clients make decisions based on long-term outcomes rather than immediate, emotion-based decisions.
About Barron’s In Education
The Barron’s in Education program partners with academia and engages students to join business leaders, top market professionals, C-level executives, business school faculty and highly successful investors across the Barron’s community. For more information, go to: go.dowjones.com/barronsineducation