News, articles, and interesting stuff from the College of Business
As a student-led organization that actively manages a $1.6 million equity portfolio, the Oregon State Investment Group (OSIG) has a substantial undertaking that provides an unprecedented experiential learning opportunity. In addition to the value of hands-on experience, members of OSIG now have more accolades to add to their already-impressive resumes.
OSIG took first place in the annual D.A. Davidson & Co. Student Investment Program competition that ran from Sept. 1, 2013 –Aug. 31, 2014. Student teams were provided with $50,000 to invest, and the top-performing teams received a check on behalf of their college. With a gain of 38% and ending portfolio value of $69,014.35, OSIG finished above the 20 other university teams competing. In a ceremony that took place in Austin Hall Friday, Oct. 3, OSIG was awarded more than $8,000 from D.A. Davidson & Co.
On September 5, 2014, 10 members of OSIG, accompanied by Assistant Professor of Finance Inga Chira, went to Wall Street in New York City and were directly immersed in the world of finance.
“The annual New York trip is one of the most valuable experiences for the students in OSIG. The opportunity to witness firsthand the environment and culture of the Wall Street firms is something that cannot simply be taught in the classroom,” said Blake Hendricks, DADCO Portfolio Manager.
Katie Merrill, Arun Varghese, Majed Abdelrasul, Jake Roselli,
Chase Norlin and Alex Markgraff
Van Wong
Chris Koenig
Blake Hendricks
The group learned the value of networking, and spent time with OSU alumni at influential firms such as PIMCO, Goldman Sachs, J.P. Morgan, Morgan Stanley, Barclays, BIDS and Fortress. Among those they met was Wesley Edens, a College of Business graduate. Edens is co-chairman of the board of directors of Fortress, and co-owner of the Milwaukie Bucks.
“Because of this trip, I was able to gain several in-person interviews for a summer internship which ultimately led to a summer internship with PIMCO and a full time position after graduation,” said Jessica Kim, OSIG President. “I believe very strongly that none of this would have been achievable without the Annual New York trip.”