Explore student-managed investment funds
Did you know that many business programs and universities give students hands-on experience in portfolio management by allowing them to oversee real investment funds?
We’ve compiled a comprehensive database of over 800 student-managed investment funds (SMIFs), where business students can develop practical skills highly valued in hedge fund, accounting, and investment banking jobs. Explore this resource to discover detailed information about each SMIF, including assets under management (AUM), group size, member requirements, and key details about what is an investment fund.
SMIFs are like in-house business internships, helping shape finance career paths and opening up a wide range of job opportunities for aspiring investment professionals.
What is a student-managed investment fund (SMIF)?
A SMIF, or student-managed investment fund, is a specialized type of investment fund managed by finance and business students. A SMIF typically consists of a portfolio that includes capital invested by students themselves, as well as contributions from private donors, corporations, foundations, and the university. At some universities, students are even entrusted with managing assets for private investors, further broadening their exposure to real-world finance.
SMIFs provide undergraduate and graduate students pursuing business and finance degrees with invaluable applied experience in investment fund management. Gaining skills in the field offers a distinct advantage when pursuing finance careers and MBA job opportunities. Students involved in these investment funds make real-time decisions that directly impact actual investors, fostering a deep understanding of portfolio management. In fact, some SMIFs have an AUM totaling tens of millions of dollars, highlighting the real stakes and responsibility entrusted to student fund managers.
Who can join a SMIF?
Students interested in portfolio management can apply to join their university’s SMIF, often considered a prestigious stepping stone toward entry level finance jobs and MBA jobs.
Most SMIFs operate within student organizations focused on connecting members with opportunities in the financial sector. These organizations aim to teach students the fundamentals like what is an investment fund, how investing works, and how to prepare for careers in finance. With an emphasis on practical experience, these student groups also help members find business internships for college students or MBA enrollees.
The application and selection process can be competitive, particularly at universities with renowned finance programs. For instance, the investment club at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and the student investment group at Northwestern University generally appoint only around 10 portfolio managers each. This reflects the standard size for top-tier student-run funds.
Many student investment management groups are open to both undergraduate and MBA students. However, it is essential to review the specific eligibility requirements for your school’s investment fund program. While some investment funds are tailored to college students at upper-class levels, others welcome first-year students looking to discover how to get into finance.
Some SMIFs are restricted to students majoring in finance, economics, or business, yet other programs value diversity and invite participation from those with different academic backgrounds. These experiences can be beneficial for building skills relevant to entry level finance jobs and future careers in portfolio management and investment.
Jumpstart your career in finance
SMIFs are an excellent pathway for gaining the skills and experience required for investment banking jobs, hedge fund jobs, and accounting roles. Participating in a SMIF is a smart way to prepare for a career in finance through hands-on learning and practical exposure. These programs immerse you in real-world financial analysis, stock market fund management, risk assessment, financial literacy, and other areas crucial for anyone considering the finance career path.
Much like finance internships, SMIFs provide invaluable training while also helping you become proficient with industry-standard tools such as the Bloomberg Terminal and advanced statistical software platforms. Employers highly value this technical expertise when seeking candidates for investment bank jobs and other positions in financial services.
In addition to looking impressive on a resume, being actively involved in a SMIF offers outstanding networking opportunities and helps you build lasting relationships within the finance community. By connecting with alumni and established professionals working at investment banks and hedge funds, you gain firsthand insights into how to get into finance and successfully navigate a highly competitive job market.
Serving as a fellow or committee member in a SMIF is a significant milestone along the finance career journey. It reinforces that finance is a good career path with numerous opportunities for growth and advancement.
Find your school’s student-managed investment fund
If you’re an undergraduate student in finance or an MBA student seeking real-world experience, our database is the perfect resource. Use it to locate your school’s Student Managed Investment Fund (SMIF) and discover key opportunities designed specifically for undergraduate and MBA students. We’ve streamlined the process by providing comprehensive details on each program’s application steps, making it easy for students in business programs to start applying and advance their career prospects in investment banking, accounting, and hedge fund jobs.
Access the Student Managed Investment Funds Research Spreadsheet - 20231211
Whether you’re an undergraduate student or one of many ambitious MBA students seeking firsthand experience in investing, this database is designed to help you take the next step toward securing top jobs in the finance industry.
What if my school doesn’t have a SMIF?
Don’t see your school on the list? There are still many excellent finance programs and business internships for college and business students that aren’t university-affiliated.
Aspiring financial professionals interested in a career in finance or exploring the finance career path can join organizations like BLK Capital Management, a 100% Black-owned and student-run nonprofit that manages its own investment fund. Other groups like Girls Who Invest offer immersive fellowships, providing experiential learning and valuable networking opportunities within the finance industry.
Participating in an investment club or similar organization is a highly effective way to learn how to get into finance and build prized skills for future roles. And of course, if you’re passionate about pursuing a finance career path, you can always start your own SMIF to develop leadership experience and prepare for a rewarding future in finance.
