Alumni engagement and philanthropy



QUEEN'S STUDENT MANAGED FUND UP 5.65% 

07 November 2016 acebook

TwitterStudents and staff involved in the Queen’s Student Managed Fund (QSMF) have enjoyed a successful period of investment by the real money fund since its launch in April 2016.

The Fund’s results were published at the inaugural Annual General Meeting of the QSMF held at Riddel Hall on 1st November when a return on investment of 5.65% was announced.  

The Queen's Student Managed Fund is the second largest fund in the UK and Ireland with philanthropic donations of over £25,000 provided by employers and alumni for the project in just under a year. 

Queen’s is one of 10 universities in the UK to have its own Trading Room equipped with Bloomberg terminals. In addition, it is one of handful to provide their students with the opportunity to manage a real money fund which develops an understanding of financial markets and the investment process.

Barry Quinn, Programme Director at Queen’s Management School said: “The Fund provides students with the opportunity to collaborate and learn through experience, with insights drawn from academia and industry best practice. QSMF has been carefully developed to allow students to manage an investment portfolio in an authentic setting and develop industry relevant skills and experience.”

QSMF aims to achieve consistent long-term positive returns by optimally managing downside risk. The Fund provides students with a unique learning experience of managing a real investment portfolio. The primary goal is to increase student ambition and to enhance employability through exposure to industry professionals, authentic practice and dynamic markets.

Structured as a professional investment fund, students from a range of backgrounds and degree programmes serve as analysts, sector heads and members of the executive committee. There are opportunities for personal development by progression through the various roles and all students can benefit from peer learning within the Fund. 

Students make all investment decisions provided they adhere to the Fund’s investment policy as determined by an Oversight Committee of academic staff.  The Fund can invest in equities (UK only), open-ended investment companies (OEICs), Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) and cash.

The Queen's Student Managed Fund also enhances student employability. Alan Werlau, Senior Strategist from the Davy Group and a keynote speaker at the AGM said: “The fact that these students have learnt to speak a language that is less academic and more ‘real world’ shows that they can bridge and translate concepts into real life changes. 

“I have hired students who have got involved with Student Managed Funds directly from university and they’re just as good as candidates with 10 years of experience in the marketplace. I would urge all students who want to work in Finance to avail of this experience at Queen’s.”

Mohamad Musa, Student Chief Executive Officer commented: “The SMF was the real talking point in interviews; as soon as I had explained the concept I found that interviewers really focused in on it. The QSMF helpedme further build my understanding of investing but also taught me key management and organisational skills.”

For more on supporting QSMF contact Naomi King and for details on donating to other student activities at Queen’s click here.

Further inquiries to Áine Gallagher, Lecturer in Finance, telephone 44 (0)28 9097 4537 or Sonya Kerr, External Relations & Marketing Officer in the School of Management, telephone +44 (0)28 9097 5441.

 

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