Financial Adviser, Northwestern Mutual
Hoang, who graduated cum laude with a Business Administration degree, says her degree gave her the knowledge, resources and connections to help people with their financial planning needs. “It helped me build character, business acumen and find the passion for what I do now,” she says. She says she is proud her work will impact families and businesses now “and last … on into the following generations.” She was recently selected as one of 60 representatives nationwide to attend a special fast-track program for young advisers in Milwaukee. While there, she took part in the challenge course.
What do you enjoy about your current position/profession?
I enjoy learning each person’s story, their drive and their desires, and knowing that I have a hand in helping them get to where they want to be or helping them relieve financial stress through planning, protecting, providing and preserving what’s important to them.
Where do you see yourself professionally in the next five or 10 years?
In the next five to 10 years, I hope to be the first female managing director of Northwestern Mutual Dallas. We have 11 local offices currently. My vision is to open up a downtown Dallas practice with a diverse set of advisers who are catalysts inspiring others to accomplish their needs, wants and dreams.
What unexpected experience or event has shaped and/or influenced your current professional life?
I think it was hard for my mother to share with us stories of her coming to America but as she has grandkids now, stories come out bit by bit. She shared with me that she would not be in America today and provide our family with the opportunity and freedom we have if it hadn’t been for two medical professionals who sponsored her to come from Vietnam to America. So I have strong desire to give back to the medical community with what I do here at Northwestern Mutual.
What has happened in your life that has impacted your current profession?
I transferred form Mary Hardin-Baylor University, where I played volleyball, to UT Dallas and simultaneously local community college to be able to pay for school. I would take two classes at UT Dallas and two classes at a community college. I had the opportunity to invest in 2009 in a family-owned personal training studio with my sister, Julie Hoang, who also is a UTD alumna. Now I have part-ownership in three studios. That early financial struggle and opportunity forced me to grow up quickly as my cash was invested in the business. I got to see the inside of a first-time business and contributed to the long-term vision and growth of that company. Many of the professionals who were clients of ours are now my clients at Northwestern Mutual. I once asked why would they be a client of mine at Northwestern Mutual, and they would say: “Your integrity, passion and caring nature.” I was so grateful to hear those words.
What characteristics do you look for when hiring people into your workplace?
We look for someone who has a lot of grit; those who are curious, caring of others and desire independence.
Why did you come to UT Dallas?
I had a number of family members who went to UTD and it was aligned with what I was looking for. I have a tendency to take life really seriously and UT Dallas was what I wanted. Being with so many people really wanting to learn, and learn as much as possible, was great and UT Dallas was small enough that I felt the teachers really cared. I enjoyed being able to be a part of something that was growing.
What is your favorite UT Dallas memory?
I was asked to be a part of FSA – better known as Filipino Student Association – because of my athletic nature but I am Vietnamese. Participating in Goodphil Games really was one of my favorite memories and I developed lifelong friendships. (Goodphil Games is a three-day competition among the 13 Southern Intercollegiate Filipino Alliance universities across Texas and Oklahoma.)
Did a UT Dallas professor inspire you? Who was that and how was that person inspirational?
I think my counselor was the most influential in explaining my personality test scores and really helping me understand what I would love doing. Both personal trainer and financial planner were on my results. I still have those test results with her handwritten notes.
Has something about your UT Dallas education surprised you since graduating?
You always hear that people never use their college degree and every day I use a ton of things I learned. I remember sitting in finance class; international business and reading the case studies; and business law. I actually use these bits of knowledge daily!
What advice do you have for college students hoping to succeed professionally?
Figure out what you are good at, what you love doing, what you hate, and what you want your lifestyle to be like – then glue it all together and you will find what you are looking for to succeed. That’s how I found comprehensive financial planning at Northwestern Mutual Dallas.
What makes an effective leader?
The ability to listen others, appreciate others’ complementing skill sets, and always being open to improve or learn from others.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Being active, reading, volunteering and learning new skills. I am forever curious and I think that’s what helps me improve in every aspect of life.
