University and TAFE students have their final shot at entering the 2019 AMP University Challenge with the opening of the Semester 2 round of competition today.

Entry is free and there is $10,000 in prize money on offer.

Head of Advice Education, Capability and Careers Rod Edge said the competition was a unique opportunity for students to give their careers a head start in an increasingly competitive jobs market.

“The AMP University Challenge is a chance to show off your talents in front of leaders in the financial services industry and gain national recognition,” Mr Edge said.

“It could be one of the best career decisions you ever make.”

The AMP University Challenge also seeks to encourage talented, young people to consider a career in financial advice and promote high educational and professional standards.

Competitors will receive a case study of a typical Australian couple and their financial challenges and will have to devise a financial plan for their “clients” to impress the judges.

The students with the top entries from the Semester 1 and 2 rounds will be brought to Sydney to compete in Finals Day at AMP headquarters in October in front of leading industry professionals and academics.

Mr Edge said students did not have to be a financial planning major to enter, though business and finance knowledge was an advantage.

“The winner or winners of the University Challenge will have to excel in areas everyone needs to succeed in their career: presentation and analytical skills, memory, strategy and the ability to think on your feet,” Mr Edge said.

2017 finalist Clive Moyo, who is now an adviser in training at AMP, said that the competition boosted his confidence and helped launch him on his career path.

“I found it really challenging and really good fun,” he said.

Students can enter the competition individually, but small teams often have the advantage.

Team members bring different strengths to addressing the case study, and to the challenges on Finals Day, which include a technical quiz, a formal presentation and a mock advice interview.

Enter now at amp.com.au/unichallenge/home