Frank Alvarez is a 2021 program completer from Fonda-Fultonville who says that the idea of project based learning is what drew him to PTECH.
Frank Alvarez is employed by Merrill Lynch as a Financial Solutions Advisor. In his role, he works with clients to help them understand their financial goals such as retirement and the most effective ways to position and invest their money.
“I liked that there was a non-traditional style of learning that emphasized working in groups,” said Alvarez.
During a recent Q & A session, Alvarez said PTECH taught him the importance of discipline and that sometimes you have to be comfortable with being uncomfortable to achieve great things. He reflected on his time at PTECH and how the education he received helped him to be successful in the future.
“PTECH helped to shape me into the person I am today because of the real life skills I learned while there,” he said. “The school helped me develop my interpersonal skills, presentation skills, and overall confidence which translated into success in college and into the start of my career.”
Frank Alvarez with his sister and father.
Alvarez is the first person in his family to graduate from college, a milestone of which he is incredibly proud. The opportunity to be able to accomplish this at no cost was a huge advantage.
“My graduation means a lot to me and my family, and it’s my way of setting a path for my younger sister to hopefully follow,” he said.
Upon completion from PTECH and SUNY FMCC with a degree in business, Alvarez furthered his education at Siena College where he received his bachelor’s degree in finance. Today he is employed by Merrill Lynch as a Financial Solutions Advisor in their Advisor Development Program. In his role, he works with clients to help them understand their financial goals such as retirement and the most effective ways to position and invest their money.
He hopes to one day be able to obtain his MBA or Certified Financial Planner designation and build a successful financial advisory practice.
