Unlock the World of Finance with the Ole Miss Finance Club

History and Transformation

Once known as the Ole Miss Financiers’ Club, it has now evolved into a dynamic organization. In just a short period, it has grown from a modest 25 members to an impressive 170. The weekly meeting attendance, which initially averaged 10 attendees, has skyrocketed to 70. This growth is a testament to the club's appeal and the demand for financial education among students.

Presidents Andrew McDonough and Yiping Wang are at the forefront of this growth. McDonough, a junior finance and management double major from Palm Springs, Fla., emphasizes the club's focus on members. "When it comes to finance, many people are eager to break into the field. Our club provides a platform for engineers and accountants to learn about finance, a personal skill that can open many doors," he said.

Educational Objectives

The Finance Club aims to educate students on personal finance management, introduce them to industry leaders, and offer hands-on investment experience. Through weekly meetings and various activities, students gain valuable insights and practical skills.

One of the unique aspects of the club is the stock pitch competition. Members are encouraged to share their investment ideas during meetings, and a subgroup called the Ole Miss Investment Group decides whether to act on these opportunities. With a half a million dollar fund at their disposal, students trade stocks and learn from real-world experiences.

The TVA Investment Challenge

The club's participation in the Tennessee Valley Authority's Investment Challenge has added another dimension to its activities. Since 1998, the club has been a competitor, winning second place in 2020. This challenge allows students from 26 schools to compete and showcase their investment skills.

"The TVA is a federally funded utilities company specializing in electricity. We compete with schools like the University of Memphis, Mississippi State, and the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Each member of the Ole Miss Investment Group owns a certain sector and manages stocks within that sector," McDonough explained.

Application Process and Inclusion

For those interested in joining the Ole Miss Investment Group, there is an application process that assesses their involvement with the Finance Club and the university. Wang, a sophomore accounting and finance double major from Oxford, emphasizes the club's inclusivity. "We don't want to create barriers for students. The Finance Club is for everyone with a passion for finance," he said.

Member Benefits

Ashley Linscott, a sophomore finance major from Chicago, joined the club earlier this semester and has reaped the benefits. "I've learned a lot about investment banking and different strategies. The social aspect is also great; I've made connections with like-minded individuals and listened to inspiring speakers," she said.

Hearing from field experts like Finance Club alumnus Andrew Wilkes is another key aspect. "Andrew Wilkes chatted with 80 bankers over coffee and landed a job at J.P. Morgan, which is extremely difficult even for Harvard and Ivy League students. His story is inspiring," Wang said.

Meeting Details and Invitation

The Ole Miss Finance Club meets in Lamar Hall Room 131 at 6 p.m. on Thursdays. Depending on attendance, there may be multiple meetings in a week. Students are welcome to attend, and the organization keeps them updated on Instagram.

As McDonough notes, "At Ole Miss, breaking into finance requires resilience. But with the support of the Finance Club, students can develop the skills and mindset needed to succeed."