• Possess a genuine interest in pursuing a long-term career in asset management, investment banking, and/or corporate finance
• Currently enrolled in the USC Marshall Undergraduate Program
• Plan to graduate in May 2020
• Successfully completed BUAD 306
• Prior to enrolling in FBE 453A, complete Financial Analysis and Valuation (FBE 421) and complete or be concurrently enrolled in Investments (FBE 441)
• Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above

All applicants must submit the online application prior to the deadline. Applications are considered complete when they contain each of the following:

• A completed application form
• A copy of your resume
• A 2-page personal statement (750-word maximum). In Page 1, explain why you are interested in the USIF and how working as a USIF manager would contribute to your career objectives. In Page 2, explain your unique skill sets and how you can contribute to the USIF program.
• A write up on how you would approach generating a stock pitch (250-­500 words). What would your screening process look like? What information would you want to analyze, and how would you ultimately determine a buy or sell recommendation? Note: Do not actually pitch an investment idea.

Upon receiving applications, the Selection Committee reviews the applications and makes recommendations for first round interviews. These 30-minute Round I interviews are conducted by the current USIF managers. In this interview, all applicants will be asked to give a 5-minute “pitch” of a stock idea. In the second round, the USIF instructors will meet with the final candidates for a 20-minute interview. The USIF instructors will consult with an ad hoc faculty committee before the final selection is made. The final admission decisions will be rendered late February/early March.

The number of students allowed to enroll in this two-semester program is limited to 16 so that (a) each student may have direct experience in portfolio management and (b) the class as a group can visit with a variety of money managers. The students are selected based on their genuine interest in pursuing a career in the investment management field.

Incoming USIF Student Managers are expected to attend special classes and fund meetings during the transition period from March 1 to March 31st, 2020. USIF 2020 will assume full fund responsibility April 1st, 2020.

Becoming a manager of the Marshall Undergraduate Student Investment Fund represents a major commitment of time and requires a high level of personal responsibility. All students who wish to become members of the USIF must agree to the following (Note: this is in addition to all the normal responsibilities that are associated with a USC Marshall undergraduate course load):

• Attend classes (during business hours on Wednesdays).
• Commit to enrolling in the USIF course (FBE 453ab Advanced Practicum in Portfolio Management) during both the fall and spring semesters (which may require foregoing another preferred elective course scheduled on the same day at the same time).
• Upon assuming the fund manager’s role, attend special class and fund meetings during the transition period from March 1 - March 31, 2020 to receive training and preparation for assuming full fund management responsibilities as of April 1, 2020.
• Meet regularly outside of class with co-managers to manage your portfolio, diligently carry out your primary fund role (trader, accountant, marketing or recruiting).
• Maintain at least a 3.3 GPA.
• Attend and support the USIF Annual Meeting, April 28, 2019, and the Annual Meeting in 2021 (TBA).