Oak Partners provides insight to the financial industry through Crown Point High School student internship program

Oak Partners’ mission is to help clients create and preserve wealth through education and professional advice that can create long-term success in the financial industry. Not only does this mission encompass wealth advisors but also students who are aspiring to find a career in the field.

By offering hands-on experience and mentorship, the firm helps students set and reach their academic and professional goals. Bridget Shoemaker, Wealth Advisor and partner at Oak Partners, was the company’s first intern 25 years ago. This experience helped Shoemaker find her love for this industry, and continues to help students discover their passions to this day.

“My work that summer exposed me to a field that I fell in love with; I truly love going to work every day,” Shoemaker said. “It all started with someone saying ‘yes’ and giving me the opportunity to explore a career in financial planning. Our internship programs are one of the ways we give back to the community. There are so many amazing young adults with incredible amounts of potential. Working with them is our way of saying ‘yes’ and potentially igniting a passion for our industry.”

Oak Partners is always looking for ways to grow the next generation of advisors in its firm. When experienced partners and wealth advisors can enhance the learning experience for these students, they get a more encompassing idea of what this field entails.

“Working directly with advisors and their teams provides an invaluable experience for students to learn the things that aren’t taught in a textbook,” Shoemaker said. “Whether it be working on a financial plan or a stock portfolio or participating in team meetings, our interns not only get to explore our field, they also get exposure to running a business and working with others.”

The internship with Crown Point High School is built to educate students in this field. One current student intern is Addyson Carpenter, who has been able to develop the mind of a professional through this experience.

“My internship at Oak Partners prepares me for the financial industry by giving me real-world experience and a better understanding of how the field actually works. I’ve learned how professionals interact with clients and coworkers, manage money, and make important decisions. It has also helped me develop skills like professionalism and time management,” Carpenter said.

In addition to developing practical skills, Carpenter’s experience highlights the importance of exposure to professional environments at an early stage. Internships like this build confidence while helping students refine their interests and better understand their future career opportunities.

While Carpenter has been introduced to a variety of skills throughout her internship already, she is hoping that once the internship is completed, she will have a clearer understanding of the day-to-day responsibilities of a financial advisor and the expectations that come with the role.

“I want to build a stronger work ethic and learn the skills and mindset it takes to succeed in a professional environment,” Carpenter said.

Programs like the one at Oak Partners demonstrate how businesses can play an active role in education by preparing students for the workforce. By emphasizing mentorship, collaboration, and real-world experience, the firm is helping students transition from academic learning to professional development.

Whether you are an aspiring financial advisor or someone who is simply looking to jump into the wealth management industry, Oak Partners prioritizes learning opportunities that prioritize a work-life balance and preparation for the future.

“I hope the students leave the program with a better understanding of what it really takes to run a business, work in a team environment, and most importantly find joy in serving others,” Shoemaker said.

For more information on Oak Partners, you can visit oakpartners.com.