4 minute read
From Campus to Wall Street
from CMU College of Business Administration - Fall 2023
by Central Michigan University College of Business Administration
FROM CAMPUS TO WALL STREET
At Central Michigan University, finance education goes beyond textbooks and lectures. Instead, students are encouraged to embrace experiential learning opportunities. Through these experiences, students are empowered to take the driver’s seat in their learning journey by managing funds, visiting successful corporations and engaging in focused study sessions. Opportunities like these equip students with the practical skills and knowledge needed to excel in the world of finance.
Senior Nick Bale, a current intern with PK Capital Management, said that he benefited from many of these immersive opportunities.
“As a finance major at CMU, I had the privilege to invest in endowments, connect with industry professionals across the globe and compete in national competitions,” Bale said. “This hands-on learning accelerated my career growth and positioned me to compete alongside top students for coveted positions.”
EXPANDING THE CLASSROOM THROUGHOUT THE NATION
Along with hands-on opportunities on campus, CMU’s finance students learn from immersive experiences across the nation thanks to the support of devoted alumni and friends.
This year alone, more than 30 finance students traveled to major cities such as New York, Minneapolis and Chicago, attending conferences, visiting industry-leading corporations and networking with accomplished alumni. These experiences included:
The prestigious Quinnipiac GAME Forum in New York City in March that 15 CMU students attended, joining 1,300 students from 120 universities worldwide.
Exclusive access to renowned institutions such as Commerzbank AG, RBC Capital Markets, Garda Capital Partners, 3M, Hightower Advisors, New York Stock Exchange and the Chicago Board of Trade.
Participation in finance competitions across the nation, which empower students to analyze financial data, solve intricate problems, and hone crucial skills like critical thinking and teamwork.
These experiences, which are often hosted and supported by alumni who remember first-hand the personal impact of similar opportunities as they transitioned into their careers, have left an indelible mark on current students like Lucy Forlastro.
“The trips have created lifelong memories and provided invaluable exposure to the realm of finance,” said Forlastro, a junior double majoring in finance and accounting. “I’ve traveled extensively and had the opportunity to tour diverse firms and meet many alumni and recruiters.”
PREPARING STUDENTS FOR THE FUTURE
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projected a 7% growth in business and finance employment from 2021 to 2031, slightly above the average projected growth for all U.S. occupations. The College of Business Administration, and especially its finance department, are preparing its students for this growth.
“The finance program’s commitment to the student experience on and off campus exemplifies the college’s commitment to providing students with the applied learning opportunities that develop the transferable skills sought by today’s employers and help launch their professional careers,” CBA Dean Chris Moberg, said.
EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING ON CAMPUS
Student-Managed Investment Portfolios allow students to navigate the world of finance with actual money at stake. Managing assets that exceed $3 million in the Tom Celani, Bob Oros and Martha Seger investment portfolios, aspiring finance professionals make informed investment decisions, witnessing firsthand the power of their strategies in action.
The Wall Street Journal Club offers a unique platform for students, alumni and recruiters to come together each week during the school year and delve into the latest market trends and career experiences. Through lively discussions and insightful analysis, students refine their critical thinking and analytical skills while also receiving meaningful lessons from alumni.
The Michigan Finance Scholars Program prepares ambitious students for top careers in finance by equipping them with the hard and soft skills necessary to excel in the finance industry, preparing them to become highly qualified candidates for sought-after internships and positions.
Chartered Financial Analyst Study Sessions are specifically designed to prepare students for the CFA Level 1 exam. This specialized guidance ensures that students are well prepared and confident as they embark on their journey to become CFA charter holders.
Future Financial Advisors Association brings together like-minded students who share a passion for finance. Through these groups, students engage with alumni and employers, gaining invaluable insights into their respective fields.
