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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, 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.

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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 pursuingand 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.