The Wall Street Club of Notre Dame traveled its Student Executive Board to New York City for two days to explore the alternative investment management industry and network with investment professionals. During their trip, the group of seniors visited eight firms on the buy-side of the industry: an outsourced CIO, a venture capital firm, two hedge funds, and three private equity firms. The hosts led interactive presentations to help students gain a detailed understanding of each type of firm, including each firm’s performance and investing strategies. After the presentations, students were given the opportunity to actively engage with the hosts through a Q&A session. According to club vice president Cameron Perna, “our team learned about decision-making processes, fundamental valuation, and the dynamism of the investment landscape” during the valuable Q&A sessions.
The opportunity to hear the stories and ask questions of successful Notre Dame alumni provided students with a better understanding of what it takes to pursue a career in the alternative investment management industry and how to begin preparing for a successful career path down the road. The senior board members enjoyed the experience, and the benefits of the trip stretched far beyond its two day span. Perna recapped the group’s experience by stating, “The wealth and variety of knowledge that was shared with our team opened our eyes to the various branches of asset management. Undoubtedly, this experience will prove invaluable as we enter into the financial world and begin to think about what career path is most suited to our future aspirations.”