Real-World Experience

A unique component of the Financial Analyst Program at the University of Texas is the practical experience gained in applied investment management.  Throughout their senior year, undergraduates in the FAP serve as research assistants to the MBA fund managers who direct the $13 million MBA Investment Fund.  The student analysts are responsible for assisting in the monitoring of stocks currently under investment.  Toward that end the FAP students submit biweekly financial updates and analyses on stock holdings directly to the graduate Security Research Directors.  The undergraduate analysts also undertake comprehensive industry analyses on the various industries and sectors of interest to the fund managers.  Most importantly, student analysts are responsible for researching and presenting their opinions on different equity investments to the Fund’s MBA managers and investment advisers.  The relationship between MBA fund managers and undergraduate FAP students replicates the associate analyst structure on Wall Street.  Fund managers serve as role models and mentors to the undergraduates, as they gain experience in applied investment management.  Graduates of the Financial Analyst Program typically pursue careers in investment banking, risk management, corporate consulting, and derivatives trading.  Some of the companies where recent graduates have obtained positions include: Bain & Co., Goldman Sachs, Wells Fargo, Deloitte Consulting, JP Morgan Chase & Co., BearingPoint Consulting, Raymond James, Boston Consulting Group, Lehman Brothers, McKinsey & Co., USB, Bank of America, Morgan Stanley, Merrill Lynch, Citigroup, and CSFB.