Allocation of capital in public markets has far-reaching implications — it affects jobs, salaries, personal savings, retirement, funding for social institutions, and even geopolitics. Efficient allocation of funds leads not only to high returns for investors but also to a better and more prosperous world overall. Public markets are global, dynamic, ever-evolving, merit-based, and non-discriminatory for talent. In theory, they are the ultimate voting place to which everyone has access. The Wharton Investment Management Club upholds those principles and provides a platform for students to acquire the knowledge, skills, and networks needed to build successful, impactful careers and contribute to market efficiency.
The club’s activities span all geographies, asset classes, and types of investment management firms, offering support to both industry professionals and career-switching students. Rooted in the fundamental pillars of investing — philosophy, process, and people — the club’s initiatives are designed to tackle these critical aspects comprehensively.
Throughout its long history, the Wharton Investment Management Club has fostered connections and hosted prominent investors and market leaders. These events offer invaluable opportunities to delve deep into the diverse array of investing styles, principles, and strategies, drawing insights from years of collective experience. In collaboration with the MBA Career Management office, the club also connects with a variety of investment firms on both coasts and organizes tailored career-track field trips that provide an insider’s perspective. The club supports recruitment through industry guides, résumé reviews, mock interviews, and tracking of career opportunities. Alumni have gone on to become successful portfolio managers and founders of some of the best investment firms in the world.
Because successful investing requires specific skills, technical programming plays an integral role in the club’s activities, especially for students new to the field. Each year kicks off with educational workshops and peer-to-peer coaching. In partnership with the Wharton Investment Management Fund — a student-run equity fund responsible for roughly $4 million on behalf of the School and Penn — the club holds an internal Stock Pitch Competition and sends teams to represent Wharton at other schools’ events. Last year, Wharton’s teams won first place at the Cornell Women in Investing stock pitch competition and second at both the UNC Alpha Challenge and the UCLA Credit Pitch Competition.
Above all, investment management is about people. Through external and internal connections, the club aims to build stronger relationships in the investing universe both inside and outside of Wharton. Successful investors are a blend of skill, talent, personality, and passion. The Investment Management Club’s mission is to bring all these elements together in a vibrant and supportive community.
Published as “Market Matters” in the Fall/Winter 2024 issue of Wharton Magazine.
