SIMM-Students in Money Management

The following is from a Handout made by David Abriatis a co-General Manager (with Mark Larry) of the Fund. It was handed out to students to get more in the class.

Overview

What?: SIMM, Students in Money Management, is a student run class where we invest real money into various asset classes. Currently our portfolio has almost $140,000, which we can invest and trade with in two separate accounts, one that has been donated by alumni, and another that is part of the university’s endowment fund. Students do their own analysis of assets we wish to buy and the class decides whether or not to buy the asset. The majority of classes not lectured-based but are student oriented projects and analysis of different investments.

Who: SIMM is available to all majors as a club, and students can sit in on classes and participate as frequently as they would like. SIMM can also be taken as a class for credit with the only pre-requisite being Finance 301. The class can be taken three different times for credit, twice as an undergrad and once as a graduate student

When: SIMM is offered every semester and has held a few different time slots. This coming Fall SIMM will be held on Mondays and Wednesdays at 4:00-5:15

What Others Think

“SIMM s the most valuable finance class we offer in the program. This is because you have to take all of the financial principles and calculations and apply them to a real life situation… This is one of the best experiences you can bring into an interview whether it is for an internship or a career.”

– James Kane, Alumni Undergrad 2006, MBA 2007, Currently at MetLife

“This is one area in which St. Bonaventure truly excels students manage all levels of the course, and it is a great experience overall. They invest real money and are currently facing one of the most challenging investment times on record.”

- Jim Mahar, SIMM Instructor

"SIMM is a fantastic learning opportunity for current students in that it allows for unique, practical application of Financial concepts and principles that are learned in a traditional classroom setting. The course is rigorous, the material is advanced, and the structure is very demanding - students don't just participate, they actively run and manage the fund....is a great tool to set oneself apart not only in the University setting, but in the interview process as well. Success in SIMM demonstrates the ability to apply what is learned in the classroom to real life situations, and shows future employers that the candidate is capable of insightful and strategic analysis - prior to even being hired. SIMM was easily one of the highlights of my tenure at St. Bonaventure; the class truly enriched my education and experience at SBU."

--Stephanie Karnas Class of 2005. SIMM board member. Currently at M&T.

“The leadership experience and analytic tools students gain in SIMM parallel that of the skills needed to be successful in today’s challenging investment industry. This class puts Bona students’ one giant step ahead when seeking employment in today's extremely competitive job market."

- Chris Zimmer, Alumni 2006, Currently at Bessemer Trust