Discover what SMIF students and alumni have to say about their experience:
Alumni
Participating in the student-managed investment fund (SMIF) was a unique opportunity to manage real capital alongside my peers. This rare experience provided invaluable insights and a compelling story to share as I pursued my career after college. Seeing the fund’s growth as an alumnus has been exciting, and I look forward to continuing to see SMIF evolve.
Cole Barrett ’17, Founding Member
Trader M&G Investments, Chicago, IL
I thought SMIF was very impactful as I learned a lot about the markets, going beyond a case study or textbook, while also having the opportunity to make real decisions that impacted a portfolio. I not only was supplied with resources used within the industry but I also had the opportunity to represent the University Lynchburg at conferences in Chicago and Charlottesville. This experience gave me the chance to grow beyond the lacrosse field and prepare me for the working world.
Chip Quinn ’23, Babson MBA, ’24
EFT GLOBAL, New York City
The Student Managed Investment Fund was a key component of my education and experience at Lynchburg. It allowed us the opportunity to practice — in a controlled environment — what we’d been learning in the classroom, with real financial implications. I frequently discussed my experience with the SMIF in job applications, interviews, and still lean on lessons learned; when traveling to Chicago to connect with similar funds, we realized how much freedom was granted to members of the Lynchburg fund. This autonomy in decision-making was a great opportunity and responsibility. The fund provided an excellent challenge to balance growth in the ‘classroom’ and growth on the field.
Jeremy Johnson ’23, Duke Master’s Fuqua School of Business -Business Analytics ’24
Knowledge Capital Group, Charleston, SC
Current students
At the beginning of my sophomore year, I joined SMIF, and since then I haven’t looked back. SMIF has been an instrumental tool in my life that has advanced my knowledge in finance, economics, teamwork, and management. In my tenure with the fund, I first served as an equity analyst, and I am now the portfolio manager (PM) for all Alternative investments. My role as a PM is to oversee a group of analysts. We conduct research, select investments, and present pitches to the whole fund. This experience has been amazing and I can’t wait to see where it will take me!
—Kayden Hinchey ’26, Current Student-Athlete
Being in the Student Managed Investment Fund this semester has given me a platform to make real-world business decisions and learn how to make researched-based financial investments. The fund itself is a door for job and internship opportunities as well as it provides great connections and also provides knowledge necessary for success in the business world. Being in the Investment Fund gives me an edge over other job or internship candidates and I am happy I am a member. I plan to be until I graduate.
—Ryan Hildebrand ’27
