JWU’s Finance & Investment Academy Gets in the G.A.M.E.

Johnson & Wales University’s Finance & Investment Academy (FIA), including interns of the student-managed Wildcat Investment Value Fund (WIVF), was invited to participate in the Quinnipiac Global Asset Management Education (G.A.M.E.) Forum—a student portfolio competition held annually in March in New York City. This 3-day conference gathers some of the world’s most successful financial experts to share their knowledge and experience with hundreds of undergraduate and graduate students from around the world. This was JWU’s first time participating.

Although the focus of the action-packed week was to provide a comprehensive glimpse into the financial career industry through a series of guest speakers, panel discussions and networking opportunities, a highlight of mine was being selected to represent JWU at the NASDAQ closing bell ceremony on the eve of the conference.

"The opportunity to visit a place with so much history was surreal and is something I will never forget."

G.A.M.E. Forum keynote speakers included several CEO’s, top economists, highly rated portfolio managers, Federal Reserve Presidents, and globally recognized Bloomberg Editors. The wide range of financial topics, such as asset management, investment banking, corporate governance and global economics, provided our team with an all-inclusive look inside the professional world.

JWU’s team consisted of 12 FIA and WIVF students and was accompanied by 3 incredibly, dedicated College of Business faculty advisors—Viviana Vilacha, assistant professor; Steven Labush, associate professor; and Patricia Conn Ryan, assistant professor. FIA is a student organization of future finance leaders who work together to develop professional skills such as networking and financial aptitude. WIVF is the university’s student-managed equity portfolio that offers qualified Finance and Accounting students internships in all divisions of portfolio management.

Our team delivered a 30-minute presentation about the WIVF to a professional from Yale University, who then offered us commendations on our performance and constructive suggestions for areas of growth. Although we did not win the portfolio competition, we learned an incredible amount about the industry and positively represented the university in a professional setting.

Participating in this competition has made such a drastic impact on my outlook in both personal and career development. It has opened my eyes to the endless possibilities and extensive relationships that are just waiting to be taken advantage of. The G.A.M.E. Forum is one of my favorite memories from my time at JWU, and I would recommend that anyone interested should consider participating.

The team is already positioning its portfolio to get back in the G.A.M.E. next year, with the goal of bringing home the trophy.