The Center for Excellence in Investment Management serves as the hub of student, faculty and alumni engagement, particularly for those interested in asset management on the “buy-side” and the research, sales and trading areas of the “sell side” of the finance world. The Center offers numerous experiential co-curricular opportunities and workshops such as the Fundamental Investing Practicum and Mentorship Program. The Center also partners with Career & Leadership for MBA & Alumni, Undergraduate Business Career Services and other entities within UNC Kenan-Flagler to provide our students with unparalleled career support that enhance employment outcomes.
A number of interactive sessions such as the Early Access Experience, Finance for All and Financial Services 101 are hosted from July to September to help MBA students better understand financial services career paths, including investment management, private wealth management, investment banking and corporate finance. Practitioners demystify the structure, roles, daily life and inner workings of financial institutions and corporations. Students from all backgrounds are strongly encouraged to attend as no prior finance or business knowledge is required. The Center also hosts ESG Investing 101 sessions during the Fall and Spring.
Taught by Jim Jones (MBA ’06), partner and portfolio manager at William Blair, the Fundamental Investing Practicum is a multi-part series intended for first-year MBA students, but open to all MBA students, with a strong interest in investment management, including public equities, research, private equity and hedge funds.
There is a heavy focus on equity analysis and credit is also addressed. Students considering other finance career paths (e.g. investment banking and private wealth management) as well those considering non-finance career paths can also find value in this offering. No prior finance or business knowledge is expected.
The series builds critical thinking skills through valuing companies and understanding the capital markets. Investment management professionals provide mentorship via the Fundamental Investing Mentorship Program. The series also provide excellent preparation for the Alpha Challenge and other investment competitions.
The series offers a deep dive into the following topics:
Enrollment is limited and participants are chosen through an application process. Applications are due in early July; the class begins in mid-July and runs through mid-October. To be considered for the series, students must be available to attend all sessions.
“Coming from a non-finance background, I wanted to make the most out of my education at UNC Kenan-Flagler where I knew I wanted to pivot into investment management. Jim’s class was, by far, the most paramount and impactful experience I’ve had so far. You are challenged to think like an investor and come to appreciate that the learning never stops. The course includes a spring component where you can network with some of the best names in the industry. If you are even remotely interested in investment management, I highly recommend taking this course.”
– Joseph Alp, MBA ’23
Senior Private Equity Associate, Hamilton Lane
“After the first day of Jim’s Fundamental Investing Practicum, the first thing I did was call my friends and family and tell them ‘I know I’m at the perfect school for me’. It only continued progressing for me from there. Jim’s class allowed me the weekly opportunity to think like an investor, from learning how to value a company, to learning questions to ask management, to learning how to pitch a stock. It was the most impactful part of my first year curriculum and directly prepared me for the Alpha Challenge and placement at my first year internship.”
– Davis Morrison MBA ’23
Associate, Private Credit and Equity, SharpVue Capital
“The Fundamental Investment Practicum allowed me to think more like an investor. Jim allowed us to pick his mind and the minds of a variety of portfolio managers in the industry, enabling us to think more strategically about opportunities and what to actually look for when evaluating a stock. This class allowed me to analyze stocks from a value and growth perspective in ways that I never thought about before. I recommend this course to anyone who wants to gain a better understanding of capital markets and investments.”
– Shannon Wulff, MBA ’24
Credit Research, Artisan Parners
Taught by experts from Training the StreetTM, the FDP supplements the academic curriculum with the requisite practical skills for successful careers in finance, including investment management. The program, which runs from early August through November, includes both live in-person sessions as well as a self-paced online format. There are eight separate course modules, which can be taken individually or collectively, covering topics such as financial modeling, Excel, corporate valuation, deal structures, interview preparation, and other topics.
Learn more about Training the StreetTM >
The robust Career Mentor program pairs each incoming Full-Time MBA student with a second-year classmate. You will have the opportunity to choose from a selective group of second year students that are specifically trained to work closely with you during your career search. Career Mentors help you manage the recruiting process, providing guidance on various firms, networking etiquette, resume and cover letter reviews, interview preparation, and offer evaluation.
The Career & Leadership (C&L) team’s experts in career management, leadership development and employer engagement work exclusively with MBA students, providing support tailored to help you achieve your goals. Customized career coaching and workshops will get you ready for market; deep connections and job search resources will get you hired.
Learn more about Career & Leadership for:
Full-Time MBA students >
Weekend Executive MBA students >
Evening Executive MBA students >
Charlotte Executive MBA students >
The Undergraduate Business Career Services team is available to help undergraduate students in any phase of you career journey, from career exploration straight through accepting your first job.
All UNC undergraduate students are able to connect with University Career Services (UCS). UCS is a full-service career office that offers, among many things: on-campus interviews, career events, career counseling, assessment and mock interviews.