the harvard investment association, as the oldest and most prestigious student-run investment fund among ivy leagues, has nurtured numerous investment elites and business leaders. founded in 1928, it manages the harvard financial analysts club fund with assets of over $28 million. the association provides harvard students valuable hands-on investment experience through stock pitch events, industry conferences, alumni networking events, recruitment events, and more. it has become a crucial way for harvard students to gain real-world investment skills, build up their resumes, and land top jobs at investment banks, private equity firms, hedge funds, and more.
oldest and most prestigious student-run investment fund
the harvard investment association oversees the harvard financial analysts club fund, which was established in 1928 and is the oldest student-run investment fund among ivy leagues. with current assets under management of over $28 million, it is also one of the largest and most prestigious student-run funds in the world. the fund is managed entirely by harvard undergraduates who conduct equity research, evaluate companies, and make real investment decisions under the guidance of alumni. through actively managing the fund, students gain hands-on experience in securities analysis, portfolio management, and responsible investing. many well-known business leaders and investment professionals got their first taste of investing with the harvard investment association, including hedge fund billionaire Ken Griffin.
valuable hands-on investment experience
through participating in the harvard investment association, students gain exposure to various aspects of investing and the financial markets. signature events include the stock pitch competition, where members pitch stock ideas to a panel of industry experts and compete for managing a portfolio. the industry conference connects members with top investment professionals through panels, workshops, and networking events. recruitment events like the black tie alumni dinner allow members to mingle with alumni who work at top investment firms. overall, the harvard investment association provides a real-world investment experience and allows members to learn from each other, alumni, and industry leaders.
crucial for landing top investment jobs
membership in the prestigious harvard investment association has become a key stepping stone for harvard students to start careers in investing. top investment banks, private equity firms, hedge funds and other financial institutions actively recruit from the association. being a member signals a genuine interest and competence in investing that helps students stand out. the skills gained from managing the fund, researching companies, competing in stock pitch events are directly applicable to investment analyst and portfolio management roles graduates hope to attain. in addition, networking opportunities allow members to build relationships with industry veterans and leverage those connections during recruitment. landing a leadership role in the harvard investment association has even become an unwritten requirement for getting top investment jobs on wall street.
fostering lifelong investing interests
while the harvard investment association helps prepare members for investing careers, it also sparks a lifelong interest in investing for many who pursue other fields. the hands-on experiences in managing real money makes investing come alive versus just textbook concepts. members form a close-knit community around investing interests that lasts beyond their college years. many continue investing as a hobby or moonlighting gig even in demanding careers like management consulting and medicine. others join investment clubs or help manage their family’s wealth after graduation. through inspiring a passion, the harvard investment association shapes members’ approaches to finance and wealth for life.
as the oldest and largest student-run investment fund among ivy leagues, the harvard investment association provides an invaluable hands-on investing experience for harvard students. it has become the breeding ground for future investment professionals and lifelong hobbyist investors alike.