Relationships have the power to expand perspectives and change lives. This was the case for Jorell Domingo, a former web developer who recently graduated from the Professional Fiduciary Management for Trustees certificate program at CSUF University Extension. A friend, who was a financial planner, recommended looking into it.
“Some of that work overlapped with what I had been doing for my own extended family,” Domingo said. “The timing felt right, so I enrolled in the Standards and Practices in Professional Fiduciary Management class and was hooked from the get-go.”
The Fiduciary Management certificate program is one of many offerings at University Extension designed for professionals looking to change or elevate their careers. Taught entirely online by experts in the field, this can be completed in five to six months. Through four required courses, students learn about the legal and ethical considerations in managing trusts, how to identify potential conflicts of interest and protect assets, implement investor policy statements, and maintain accounting records.
“We covered a lot during the program, including fictitious case studies based on real-world examples that exposed me to many responsibilities entrusted to a trustee or conservator,” Domingo said.
He gained valuable insight about putting the clients’ needs first, including how to run a practice and carry out each action with close attention to detail and thoroughness. Through seminars, Professional Fiduciary Association of California (PFAC) conferences, and meetings, he also found that the core of a successful fiduciary—and a successful professional—was the ability to build and cultivate relationships.
“I have embraced that idea and am building a network of individuals and organizations that I believe will provide the guidance and support I need as I turn to this new chapter in life.”
A tremendous source of guidance to Domingo was Monique Cain, CLPF, instructor of two courses in the certificate program. Cain is experienced in probate and fraud investigations, and complex high-net-worth trust administration.
“Not only were her classes challenging and thought-provoking, but the advice and guidance she provided outside of the syllabus—including conversations we had at meetings and conferences—proved invaluable to me,” Domingo said.
After completing the certificate program and while applying for the professional fiduciary licensing exam, Domingo worked part-time at Cain’s company. In addition to networking and attending continuing education events, he took class notes to enter the field with confidence.
“Other opportunities exist to earn the credit hours needed to apply to become a CLPF, but the coursework breakdown, along with the opportunity to interact with other students during office hours, as well as outside of class, is what truly sets this program apart.”
Domingo is now a California Licensed Professional Fiduciary and has launched his own practice, Alliance Fiduciary Services. Considering the journey he has been on over the last year, Domingo recommends that prospective students give the certificate program a chance.
“I will continue to learn as my career grows, but the program certainly gave me a solid knowledge base to start from,” he said. “This, in turn, gave me the confidence to explore this new career path.”
Registration for the Spring 2027 Professional Fiduciary Management for Trustees certificate program is now open. Register here.
Interested in pivoting or advancing your career with a professional certificate program? Discover more opportunities at extension.fullerton.edu.