AMP announces that Bonnie O’Donnell from the University of Wollongong, has won the 2022 University Challenge. This was the 12th edition of the event, with students required to deliver advice to reduce financial stress in their community.
AMP University Challenge is a national financial planning competition for tertiary students that aims to identify promising new talent and promote high standards of education and professionalism among the next generation of advisers.
More than 1,600 students from 16 universities across Australia have participated in the challenge since it commenced in 2011, with many going on to join the financial advice profession.
Winners receive $5,000 in prize money, with AMP Chief Executive Alexis George and AMP Director of Advice Matt Lawler on-hand to talk to the finalists. The final placings for this year’s event, judged by a panel of industry experts, were:
1st place: Bonnie O’Donnell (University of Wollongong)
2nd place: Sarah Hoffmann, Garth Andrew and James Flannery (Deakin University)
3rd place: Jarrod Walter (University of Wollongong)
4th place: Max Lucas, Scott Westerweller and Lincoln Krieger (Deakin University)
5th place: Aeneas Lam and Thanh Le (TAFE NSW - Higher Education)
Winner Bonnie O'Donnell, said:
“I see financial advice as a fantastic career option – a belief which has been reinforced by my experience with the University Challenge. Thank you to AMP for supporting up-and-coming students who are looking to get into financial advice.
“I work full time as a firefighter for Fire Rescue NSW, I love this job because of the opportunity to give back to the community and help people when they're going through stressful experiences. I am going to apply this same attitude to my role in the financial advice profession.”
AMP Director of Advice Matt Lawler, said:
“Well done to the more than 85 students from around Australia who participated in this year’s event, and a particular congratulations to our finalists, and eventual winner Bonnie O’Donnell.
“We hope all of those who’ve taken part in the challenge have been inspired to go on to join the financial advice profession, which can be life changing for clients and incredibly rewarding.
“Promoting financial advice as an industry and creating more career pathways to bring through the next generation of talented and educated advisers is one of the most important issues facing the financial advice industry.
“The University Challenge, which has now been running for more than 10 years, together with the scholarships we have provided universities, are important ways AMP is helping achieve this.”
