Student investors set a high standard

GUSIF participants come from all different backgrounds, many with little to no prior experience in business or finance. They meet weekly to learn and review financial concepts, accounting basics, and more. Photo: Courtesy of Georgetown University Student Investment Fund

Founded in 1996 by Bryan Giraudo (C’97) and Seong Kim (B’97), the Georgetown University Student Investment Fund (GUSIF) is much more than a club. Students run an active portfolio with $1.8 million in assets from the Georgetown University endowment and Georgetown University Alumni Association (GUAA), often outperforming Standard & Poor’s index.

The 90-member group is highly regarded, with one recent survey concluding that it is “the best finance course in the business school.” Students from any undergraduate school can apply for membership.

gusif fair students posing and smiling — Photo: Courtesy of Georgetown University Student Investment Fund

“We’ve set it up like a layer cake to challenge students, and to maintain continuity over time as students graduate,” explains Tom Bianco (B’77, Parent’26), one of the GUSIF advisors. “There are six leadership levels, so students are always learning new responsibilities. They take it very seriously.”

“Employers have taken note,” adds Noelle Verity Koetje (B’91, Parent’26, ’29), another advisor. “These students have a high level of knowledge about the investment process. Their efforts mimic the real-world work of an asset management organization.”

“These students have a high level of knowledge about the investment process. Their efforts mimic the real-world work of an asset management organization.”

—Noelle Verity Koetje (B’91)

Janani Sundaram (B’26) currently serves as CEO and chair of the board. She has been involved with GUSIF since her first semester of college.

“You don’t need a specific background to be selected for GUSIF,” says Sundaram. “Our tiered mentoring system and education structure mean you are learning from the upperclassmen when you start. Now it’s come full circle and I get to be the teacher. It’s been such a great community for me through the years.”

all student members of gusif posing in front of healy — Photo: Courtesy of Georgetown University Student Investment Fund

GUSIF has seven portfolios: Financial Institutions, Healthcare, Technology, Media & Telecommunications, Industrials & Renewables, Tactical Opportunities, and Consumer & Retail. Students learn how to research trends, analyze data, pitch ideas using quantitative and qualitative modeling, review risks, and make decisions that are in the best interest of Georgetown University and GUAA.

“Everyone is making a contribution,” she adds.

The time commitment is intense, with homework and weekend meetings. Some seniors are looking at their portfolios a few times a day.

Bianco says that the club members gain experience that directly prepares them for work in an investment firm. “We have high expectations and they always meet them,” he adds.