Summer Springboard

Finance & Investing

ACADEMIC COURSE

LEARN THE FOUNDATIONS OF MARKETING BY BUILDING PRACTICAL SKILLS AND GAINING STRATEGIC INSIGHT FOR REAL-WORLD IMPACT

Course Highlights

  • Be introduced to key investment concepts, including the characteristics of various asset classes, public versus private equity, stock market operations, company financials, valuation techniques, and portfolio design.
  • Build a portfolio of stocks, bonds, and options while participating in a team-based trading competition with classmates.
  • Learn about multiple paths in finance, including investment banking, risk management, and commercial real estate.

  • Visit an investment firm and gain insights from a seasoned professional sharing real successes, failures, and career advice.

  • Practice using data to research investments, estimate value, and develop strategies for asset allocation and hedging.

Summer Springboard

Finance & Investing

Course Overview

From investment banking and risk management to commercial real estate, this course introduces students to a wide range of careers in the financial industry. Along the way, students will gain insight into various business models and financial markets while developing valuable analytical and strategic skills.

A site visit to an investment firm offers a firsthand look at real-world successes, challenges, and key lessons in the field. Students will also hear from a seasoned investment professional who will share their personal career journey and highlight the diverse roles available in the investment world—whether in high-profile positions or essential behind-the-scenes roles.

Throughout the course, students will be introduced to foundational investment concepts, including data research, asset valuation, performance benchmarking, portfolio theory, risk-adjusted asset allocation, hedging strategies, and portfolio performance management.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Outcome #1

Study the underlying factors that influence publicly traded stock prices, and learn about options, futures and margin trading.

Outcome #2

Analyze P&L and balance sheets to gain useful insights into company valuations and private equity investments.

Outcome #3

Conduct equity research, and value a company using time-tested principles from professional investors.

Outcome #4

Gain valuable insights, and develop an investment pitch for an asset or stock that you believe is greatly undervalued.

Summer Springboard

Finance & Investing

Courses by Campus

FINANCE & INVESTING

Barnard College, Columbia University

New York City, New York