How saying yes shaped Cole Carpenter’s path in finance

For Cole Carpenter, a senior Financial Planning major, from Mount Pleasant, Mich., choosing Central Michigan University felt a logical next step.

“I chose Central Michigan University because it has always been home to me,” he said. “Because CMU played such a meaningful role in my life growing up, it felt natural to attend the university that had already given so much to me and my community.”

Now Carpenter has turned that foundation into a college experience defined by leadership, competition, and real-world application.

Finding direction through experience

“I chose personal financial planning because I have always enjoyed working with people, helping others, and understanding how money can shape major life decisions,” he said.

That interest expanded through the Student Managed Investment Fund.

“Through my experience in the Student Managed Investment Fund, I developed a deeper interest in the broader financial side of decision-making, including macroeconomic trends, risk management, asset allocation, and forecasting.”

Real work, real impact

Carpenter’s internship at Dow brought that learning to life.

“I worked in Portfolio Investments as a Treasury Intern, where I was given the opportunity to help build a fixed-income investment portfolio that would ultimately go live and help support Dow,” he said.

“Knowing that the work could affect both the company and the people within it made the experience especially meaningful to me.”

His work led to a major outcome.

“I also had the opportunity to present my work to Dow’s Portfolio Investment Chief Investment Officer, which led to the approval of a $10 million allocation into the portfolio I created.”

Leading and competing

“Since transferring to CMU, getting involved on campus has been one of the most meaningful parts of my college experience,” he said.

Through the Financial Planning Association and Student Managed Investment Fund, Carpenter stepped into leadership and national competition.

“One of the highlights of that experience was helping our team win a national financial advising competition at the University of Florida,” he said.

Now co-chair of the Student Managed Investment Fund, he helps manage a $4 million portfolio.

“This role has given me hands-on experience in fixed income, risk management, and asset allocation, while also helping me grow as a presenter and leader.”

Support that creates opportunities

“When I think about support at CMU, my mind immediately goes to our alumni,” he said. “That network played a meaningful role in helping me secure both my internship at Dow and full time offer with GM.”

He also credits faculty.

“Professor [Brad] Taylor brings real world experience from his time as a CFO into the classroom and challenges students to meet a high standard while still creating an engaging environment,” he said.

Advice and what’s next

“Be willing to fail. Seek out the harder path and embrace challenges. Stay persistent and as cheesy as it sounds, dream big and manifest daily,” he said. “Be willing to say yes to opportunities, networking, and meeting new people.”

“Success is not just about who or what you know, but about how you treat the people you surround yourself with.”

After graduation, Carpenter will join General Motors as a financial analyst, with long-term goals of stepping into leadership and making an impact through financial decision-making.

“My involvement in FPA and SMIF gave me incredible opportunities to grow through travel, leadership, networking, and competitions,” he said. “More than anything, those experiences helped shape my college journey and shape my time at CMU.”