
A Student Managed Investment Fund is a great way for students to gain hands-on experience in the world of finance. They get to learn by doing, making real investment decisions and managing a portfolio of stocks and bonds.
These funds are typically run by business or finance students, who are given a set amount of money to invest. They work together as a team to make investment decisions, learning valuable skills like risk management and portfolio optimization.
The goal of a Student Managed Investment Fund is to generate returns on investment, while also providing a valuable learning experience for the students involved.
Investment Fund Options
The Duquesne Balanced Fund (DBF) is an asset allocation fund that invests in ETFs for exposure across stocks, bonds, and cash.
DBF appeals to Finance, Accounting, and Sales and Marketing students interested in pursuing careers as financial advisors and wealth managers. Students learn the return and risk characteristics of a range of asset classes while managing a diversified, balanced portfolio of sector Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs).
The benchmark for DBF is a 70/30 allocation to stocks and bonds, which is accomplished with the iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (Symbol: IVV) and the iShares Core Aggregate Bond ETF (Symbol: AGG).
As of February 2024, the fund value was approximately $160,000.
Investment Fund Management

The Duquesne Balanced Fund (DBF) is an asset allocation fund that invests in ETFs for exposure across stocks, bonds, and cash.
Students managing DBF learn the return and risk characteristics of a range of asset classes by diversifying a portfolio of sector Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs).
DBF appeals to students interested in pursuing careers as financial advisors and wealth managers, particularly those in Finance, Accounting, and Sales and Marketing.
The benchmark for DBF is a 70/30 allocation to stocks and bonds, accomplished with the iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (Symbol: IVV) and the iShares Core Aggregate Bond ETF (Symbol: AGG).
As of February 2024, the fund value was approximately $160,000.
Learning and Growth
The student managed investment fund is a fantastic way to learn about investing and personal finance. This unique opportunity allows students to take on real-world investing responsibilities.
Students gain hands-on experience in managing a portfolio, making investment decisions, and analyzing market trends. They develop valuable skills in financial planning, risk management, and teamwork.

By participating in the fund, students can improve their analytical and problem-solving skills, as well as their ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines. They learn to make informed investment decisions and adapt to changing market conditions.
The fund is typically managed by a team of students, who are responsible for researching and selecting investments, monitoring market trends, and reporting to the faculty advisor. This collaborative approach helps students develop essential teamwork and communication skills.
Through the student managed investment fund, students can gain a deeper understanding of the stock market, learn to evaluate investment opportunities, and develop a long-term investment strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do student investment funds do?
Student investment funds enable students to gain hands-on investment experience by making real investment decisions and creating custom strategies. They also provide opportunities for networking with finance professionals and industry experts.
What is a SMIF in finance?
A Student Managed Investment Fund (SMIF) is a hands-on learning experience where students manage a real equity portfolio, typically worth millions of dollars. This immersive environment allows students to gain practical knowledge and skills in finance.
Sources
- https://business.fiu.edu/students/resources/student-organizations/student-managed-investment-fund/
- https://michiganross.umich.edu/graduate/full-time-mba/curriculum/student-investment-funds
- https://www.duq.edu/academics/colleges-and-schools/business/degrees-and-programs/undergraduate/student-managed-investment-funds/index.php
- https://robins.richmond.edu/student-experience/smif/index.html
- https://miamioh.edu/fsb/departments/finance/student-investment-fund.html
Featured Images: pexels.com