Robert Kinzer
Literacy Institute for Financial Enrichment
Largo, MD USA
"Get a vision. Shoot for the moon and if you miss, you fall upon the stars. But at least have a plan."
Career Roadmap
Robert's work combines: Numbers, Education, and Teaching / Mentoring
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Advice for getting started
When I started working in financial institutions, most of my peers had more advanced degrees. They were MBAs, CPAs, and certified financial analysts, while I had a sociology degree. I initially felt inferior because they had more education than I did. I overcame that fear and doubt just by gaining experience, learning how to put out a good product, and building confidence.
Here's the path I took:
High School
Bachelor's Degree
Sociology and Anthropology
University of the District of Columbia
Certification
Certified Financial Education Instructor
National Financial Education Council
Here's the path I recommend for someone who wants to be a President:
Bachelor's Degree: Finance
Learn more about different paths to this career
Life & Career Milestones
My path in life has been direct
1.
I earned a basketball scholarship to Penn State, later transferring to Texas A&I before heading to Europe to play professionally.
2.
After five years of professional basketball in England and Scotland, I had to pivot and find a new career path.
3.
I became a stockbroker, earning my Series 7 certification, which opened my eyes to the financial world.
4.
I transitioned into banking, joining the FDIC as a senior financial analyst and later as a community affairs specialist.
5.
I spent 30 years at the FDIC, teaching financial literacy across the country while working to regulate and supervise banks.
6.
In 2017, I retired from the FDIC but continued my passion for financial education as president of LIFE (Literacy Institute for Financial Enrichment), a nonprofit I co-founded.
7.
I also serve as vice chairman of Prince George’s County Public Schools’ financial literacy advisory committee, ensuring students graduate with money management skills.
8.
Today, I continue teaching financial literacy through workshops, my nonprofit, and my book, “The Other Side of the Hoop.”
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Myself:
I need to get an advanced degree in order to compete with my peers.
How I responded:
When I started working in financial institutions, most of my peers had more advanced degrees. They were MBAs, CPAs, and certified financial analysts, while I had a sociology degree. I initially felt inferior because they had more education than I did. I overcame that fear and doubt just by gaining experience, learning how to put out a good product, and building confidence.
Experiences and challenges that shaped me
One of the bigger struggles I've encountered in my career is racial discrimination. I've been left wondering why I wasn't selected for a position despite being qualified. It's held me back at times but I stayed motivated and found success regardless.