Analyst Program: Overview
Who are we?
The SIA Analyst Program is a team of dedicated and hardworking students at Michigan State University with three main objectives:
- To learn as much as possible about investing by conducting research and gaining hands-on experience.
- To manage the SIA portfolio in an attempt to generate capital appreciation and outpace the S&P 500 on a risk-adjusted basis.
- To use this knowledge and hands-on experience in order to attract potential employers and/or to accelerate their journey up the path to financial freedom.
What do we do?
The SIA builds students’ investment research and portfolio management skills by offering practical experience to our members. Through our live, real money portfolio (~$20K), we aggressively apply theoretical concepts towards conducting fundamental research to identify undervalued equity securities. By enhancing the investing acumen of our member base through such interactive learning experiences, we strive to become the focal point for investments related firms seeking to recruit at Michigan State University. The most exciting aspect of our fund, we believe, is the fact that we invest in real companies and have the opportunity to generate positive alpha.
Through our weekly Analyst Program meetings during which select members get involved by researching and pitching an attractive stock to the club, students are able to hone their security analysis skills in a unique way. These pitches are supported by an integrated PowerPoint presentation, and serve as means for students to present compelling investment ideas to fellow members, while continually providing new ideas for the Fund. These presentations last approximately 15 – 20 minutes, leaving time for a Q&A session with other club members in attendance. Consequently, by applying theoretical skills in a real world scenario, members are allowed to learn from this practical experience that will ultimately maximize their educational experience here at Michigan State. In addition to these aforementioned benefits, AP members will tailor their investment lingo, and become more apt at constructing persuasive business presentations.
Who should join?
New to investing? Don’t worry! The SIA is also a great way for those new to investing to learn more and all majors are welcome to apply. Because novices and more experienced members are free to interact, the SIA makes learning to invest easier as our members learn from each other. Our experienced team on the SIA Executive Board will conduct a stock presentation workshop where various valuation and research techniques will be discussed. Our members are also in a position to learn new investment methods and strategies, and learn how investments are made in a more professional setting. However, if you are focused on undertaking a career on Wall Street, the SIA will provide you with the competitive advantage you will need to succeed in this cutthroat job market.
Keep in mind that the Analyst Program is looking for students willing to dedicate a great amount of time to our cause. The commitment does not end as soon as you leave the weekly meetings -- extensive research and detailed presentations take time. Some of the characteristics we look for in analysts include: strong qualitative and quantitative skills, intellectual curiosity, communication skills, creative thinking and a strong work ethic. Also, it is not required but is strongly recommended that our new analysts have a basic understanding of investing, and how the markets work. If you are interested in joining the Analyst Program, or would like more information, please contact Felix Popescu, or email investor@msu.edu. In the end, our goal is to help our members achieve their goals through a structured and conducive learning environment. Learning how to analyze a firm in such a structured manner will aid you no matter what career path you choose.
Please keep in mind that the Analyst Program is only open to a carefully selected sub segment of the Student Investment Association. The “How to join” page provides more details on the application process which includes several short-response essay questions, and a resume drop among other things.
Our goal is to reach out to those students on campus looking to become more active and involved. The start of the semester is the perfect time to get more involved. Please see our “Events” page for details on “Start-Up” meetings scheduled.
