Action-Based Learning

One of my favorite things about the SMF program is the exposure that you get to action-based learning. Last Thursday, as a part of my Real Estate Finance class with Professor Stuckwisch, I had the opportunity to present an investment opportunity to an investment committee that included one Ohio State professor and four industry professionals. After presenting for 25 minutes, we then had 10 minutes of Q&A. This is something that you cannot replicate very often, and it provides exposure to what industry professionals would actually ask you on the job.

In addition to this experience, I got to participate with two undergraduate students on the CFA Research Challenge. This opportunity allowed us go through a valuation of an Ohio company and conduct a 10-page sell side equity research report. Our team was fortunate enough to move onto the second round where we had a 10 minute presentation followed by 10 minutes of Q&A. We just missed the cutoff to move onto the next round, but this opportunity exposed us to industry professionals across fixed income, real estate, equities, etc. This opened the doors for jobs and networking and while the experience required a ton of work, I would recommend it to anyone.

Both of these experiences are great to leverage in job interviews on how to utilize teamworking skills, time management skills, and working on soft skills with potential employers. It never hurts to make connections; you never know when you might meet someone that could be your future boss! Now that today marks the beginning of session two, we also get to begin our Finance Consulting Practicum projects that offers even more hands-on experience. Stay tuned for more about that experience in the next blog post!