Janne Fuss

Bridge Between Classroom Education & Professional Workforce

The most valuable aspect of the institute to me is the opportunity to engage in experiential learning. By participating in the CQA Investment Challenge, I was able to apply concepts I learned in the classroom in a real-world setting. My team managed an equity long/short market neutral portfolio over the course of the academic year. Throughout the process we received advice and feedback from professionals in the hedge fund industry. Not only did I gain a deeper understanding of the underlying financial concepts but I was also challenged to think critically about current topics to form a variant view.

Mentorship

I believe mentorship is inherent to the Notre Dame culture. In my own experience, mentors have made a significant impact on my path at Notre Dame and my future career plans. Within the Institute, mentors are not difficult to find. Project leaders, team members and Kevin himself will offer guidance along the way. From the little questions of how to format my first stock pitch to what internship suits me best, I always had people and friends to whom I could turn. As I become more experienced, I seek to give back and serve as a mentor to incoming students as well.

Setting Up Your Unique Path

Through the various workshops, challenges, and talks given by industry professionals, we have a great amount of opportunities to explore and learn about the different fields in finance. My freshman year I thought I already knew I wanted to be an investment banker, but to be fair that was also the only career in finance I knew. Since all of the Institute's events and programs are open to anyone, we are now able to make a more informed decision. Through connecting with professionals or participating in workshops or challenges, we can test and validate our interests and be confident in our early career choices. When it comes time to recruit, both you and your potential future employer will recognize the value of your experiences in the Institute.