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  • More than Crunching the Numbers: Northwestern’s CFP Certificate Program
type: Faculty topic: SPS News program: Professional Development

More than Crunching the Numbers: Northwestern’s CFP Certificate Program

Thomas Canale teaches in Northwestern’s CFP program.

In his Introduction to Financial Planning course, career wealth management advisor Thomas Canale meets students from various professional backgrounds. “The most important thing I can tell you is don’t limit yourself from an opportunity to be in this profession because you don’t have a finance degree,” Canale said. “Some of the best financial planners I know had degrees that were so dissimilar from finance and I am so happy that they had to courage to enter the field anyway.”

Broad Focus in CFP Certificate Program

His course, part of the Northwestern University CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Certification Education Program, is as focused on understanding client needs as learning how to gather and analyze the numbers. Taking a broad approach to financial planning, Canale helps career changers and financial professionals alike begin preparation for the CFP® Exam.

Desiring to be an entrepreneur from a young age, Canale participated in the Northwestern Mutual post-graduate internship program after completing his bachelor’s degree at Marquette University. This kicked off a rewarding career building a successful financial planning practice.

Teaching the CFP Certificate Program at Northwestern SPS

Now, with more than 20 years of experience, he has a wealth of knowledge to offer Northwestern SPS students.

“A combination of client facing experiences, earned designations, and industry awards help position me as a credible subject matter expert,” said Canale. “However, the true value I bring to students is in sharing relevant stories that have helped shape my thoughts as to how an exceptional client relationship should be.”

He added, “I help individuals with various backgrounds recognize that human behavior is a critical skill a financial planner needs to possess. Understanding what people care about, who they care about, and why they care about it is the essence of financial planning. It is much more than the numbers and rate of return.”

Putting Clients First in CFP Certificate Program

The Northwestern University seven-course CFP certificate program offers flexible classes on campus and online for working professionals. The certificate includes courses in areas such as insurance, investment, estate, and income tax planning, as well as financial plan development and presentation. Canale further noted that the CFP certification can be important in establishing oneself as a financial planner.

“The CFP certification will bring students recognition as a credible expert, but the most important lesson they need to learn is how to develop trust with their clients. Once trust has been established, a judgment-free, mutually beneficial long-term relationship can exist.”


Northwestern University School of Professional Studies offers many degree and certificate programs, with evening and online options available. To learn more about how Northwestern University's Certified Financial Planner certificate program prepares graduates to advance their careers, fill out the form below and we will be in touch with you soon.  

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February 13, 2018
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