Value, History, Activities, and Challenges of Student Managed Investment Fund Consortium (SMIFC)

Abstract: In this paper, we document the history, activities, values, and challenges of the ISU Student Managed Investment Fund Consortium (SMIFC). With more Universities looking to incorporate their student managed investment fund (SMIF) to provide an experiential learning opportunity to their students, this paper details what the ISU SMIFC has done and learned from the experience. The ISU SMIFC was formed in July 2013 from a community of universities with a shared vision for student success and leadership in investing. This common purpose provides students and faculty in the member institutions with a broad network of support, problem-solving, and friendship. The SMIFC also establishes relationships with industry partners to assist in its primary goals of student education, research, leadership, and networking. These industry partnerships also provide opportunities for corporate sponsorships of SMIFC functions, student scholarships, internships, and employment opportunities. As of August 2022, the SMIFC had 134 member institutions and is expected to grow further in the future.

Key words: student managed investment fund (SMIF), Student Managed Investment Fund Consortium (SMIFC), experiential learning

JEL codes: A2, I23