Auburn University Finance Students Excel in Experiential Learning: Where is Auburn University?

Auburn University stands as a beacon for students, particularly those vested in finance, seeking immersive educational experiences that bridge classroom theory and real-world application. At the Harbert College of Business, opportunities abound for students to actively engage with the financial sector even before they don their caps and gowns.

Under the stewardship of Professor Tracy Richard, students have access to a nexus of experiential learning via the Harbert Investment Center. This institution serves as the confluence for research, outreach, and co-curricular initiatives, effectively linking ambitious students and experienced faculty with the expansive finance industry and academic partners alike. The center prides itself on its three dynamic student organizations, each offering unique pathways into the world of finance.

The Auburn Finance Society (AFS) opens its doors to students across all disciplines, providing them with a rich tapestry of activities, from industry training to educational excursions. Under the guidance of Program Champion Mandy Harrelson, AFS helps students navigate their interests in derivatives, banking, and wealth management through tailor-made excursions across influential financial centers, all while fostering deep industry connections through executive presentations and specialized networking events.

Meanwhile, the Financial Management Association (FMA) curates an elite learning experience for finance majors seeking to delve deeper into their field. Through a rigorous selection process, a cohort of students embarks on an intensive semester-long training designed to simulate real-world financial environments. This journey features sophisticated exercises in accounting, financial modeling, and culminates in a comprehensive stock pitch and a final interview. The objective, as articulated by Professor Richard, is to replicate real-life financial scenarios as closely as possible, equipping students with practical knowledge and skills that are applicable beyond academia.

Auburn's commitment to experiential learning finds further embodiment in the Auburn Student Investment Fund (ASIF). This initiative immerses students in the nuances of asset management, emphasizing hands-on oversight as they steward a growing seed fund, now over $830,000. Students in ASIF spend a year mastering the intricacies of research and portfolio management, guided by senior leaders who harness their previous year's knowledge to mentor the incoming cohort.

Participating in FMA and ASIF not only sharpens students' technical acumen in building models and managing portfolios but also enhances their analytical prowess through case competitions. These competitions have seen Auburn outperform prestigious counterparts, underscoring the caliber of training and preparation provided. The tangible results of these experiences are evidenced by the stellar job placement rates and competitive starting salaries secured by graduates, illustrating Auburn’s success in preparing students not only to enter but to excel in the finance industry.

By the time Auburn students exit this rigorous yet supportive environment, they possess not only a solid foundation in technical skills but also a meticulous attention to detail and a robust capacity for presentation—qualities that render them formidable contenders on the financial landscape.