How can financial institutions help social media influencers turn unpredictable earnings into long-term financial security?
Two University of Windsor business students tackled that question in a BMO Private Wealth case competition, earning first place with a strategy tailored to the needs of content creators.
Odette School of Business students Izzy Kekelj (left) and Nabiha Mahboob celebrate their first-place finish in the BMO Private Wealth Case Competition, held at the University of Windsor on Sept. 25. Their proposal focused on helping social media influencers and content creators manage their finances and build long-term financial security. (SUBMITTED BY IZZY KEKELJ/University of Windsor)
Odette School of Business students Izzy Kekelj and Nabiha Mahboob earned the top prize at the Sept. 25 competition, hosted at the University of Windsor.
The university was one of only 10 schools across Canada selected to take part.
Their proposal, "BMO Creator Wealth," focused on helping influencers manage the financial challenges of careers built around brand partnerships, sponsorships and other fluctuating sources of income.
"We wanted to find a way to help them manage that uncertainty and plan for their future," said Kekelj.
The team proposed a strategy to help creators organize their personal and business finances, invest early and build long-term financial security. They also envisioned an all-in-one digital platform to simplify financial management.
For Kekelj, who hopes to pursue a career in private wealth management, the competition offered a chance to explore an emerging market and connect with industry professionals.
Turning an innovative idea into a realistic business strategy proved challenging.
The students had to consider how BMO could implement their solution, how much it would cost and whether the investment would be worthwhile.
"Working together was key to developing a stronger solution," said Kekelj. "We team researched our ideas, considered different perspectives and challenged each other's assumptions."
Mahboob also saw the competition as a chance to apply her academic background to a real-world problem. Drawing on her experience in computer science and finance, she helped assess potential client groups before identifying influencer entrepreneurs as a growing market with distinct financial needs.
"I wanted to apply my business skills to a real-world scenario," said Mahboob, adding that she valued the opportunity to learn about private wealth and receive feedback from industry professionals.
For Kekelj, the victory also offered an opportunity to showcase the talent and potential of UWindsor students on a national stage.
"I genuinely believe we have so many talented and hardworking students here who don't always get the recognition they deserve," she said.
The event also connected students with BMO Private Wealth professionals through networking, a panel discussion and an information session about careers in the industry.
For Mahboob, hearing from industry professionals provided insight into career paths and opportunities for professional growth.
"It was very valuable to hear about their journeys and gain insight into Private Wealth as a business," she said.
Joseph Murtagh, an Odette undergraduate student and lead organizer, said the competition marked the university's first time hosting a BMO Private Wealth case competition.
Organized by the John Simpson Odette Student Investment Fund (JSOSIF), the event brought industry professionals to campus to evaluate students' solutions to a real-world business challenge.
"The event created valuable opportunities for students from different programs and years of study to connect with industry experts," said Murtagh. "I hope it will establish a lasting relationship between BMO and the university, opening doors for future Odette students interested in careers in finance."
