First Impressions
When I first heard about the Opportunity Fund Program, I assumed it was mainly for underclassmen and wasn’t sure if it was a female only fund or not. As an upperclassman, I had figured the Student Managed Fund would be a better fit, and it seemed like I had missed my chance to join the OFP.
That changed when my friend Lance Johnson, a fellow junior I had worked with on a case competition, told me he had applied. His decision made me reconsider. Then, in one day, three different friends urged me to apply. That felt like a sign.
The Interview
When I scheduled my interview, I was told to block off an hour, which seemed a little long but still reasonable. What I didn’t expect was that it would last nearly two and a half hours. The conversation went far beyond the typical interview questions. Steve drilled deep into the essays I had submitted, pushing me off guard at certain points. I had underestimated how much these essays would be scrutinized, but he gave clear and actionable feedback. I appreciated the intensity and passion behind his questions. It was clear he truly cared about selecting students who were willing to challenge themselves.
The toughest part of the interview came when Steve asked about the Leveraged Buyout case competition I was working on. I had felt confident in my understanding of the company and our investment thesis, until he poked holes in my thesis with ease. The experience was humbling, but it helped me really understand where I needed to improve.
One moment that really stood out to me was when Steve mentioned he had an early morning flight to London the next day. Despite this, he was willing to stay late into the evening conducting my interview.
When I brought up my dilemma of having to choose between joining the OFP or applying to the SMF, as one cannot be in both, he made a compelling argument. Steve emphasized that the OFP offers a more tailored experience, with access to industry professionals during stock pitches, rather than just student judges. This kind of exposure, he argued, would provide a more rigorous and meaningful learning environment.
Making the Decision
Even after the interview, I debated whether I should still apply to the SMF or fully commit to the OFP. The SMF had an established reputation, while the OFP was still growing its name. Choosing the OFP felt like a leap of faith.
I even considered joining the OFP for a semester and then transitioning to the SMF. However, I had given my word that if I chose the OFP, I would commit to it. Staying true to that promise, I decided to move forward with the OFP, and so far, I have no regrets.
Since making my decision, Steve has continued to demonstrate his commitment to helping students grow. Even before I officially started the class, he made time for career discussions, productivity advice, and even helped me with a LinkedIn post. His mentorship has extended far beyond the classroom.
Now that the Building Blocks class is underway, I can say with confidence that I made the right choice. The environment is exactly what I was looking for: one that challenges me to improve.
Perspectives from My Peers
I’m not alone in feeling this way. My friend Kabir Ramnani, a Sophomore, also sought out the OFP because he felt he wasn’t learning enough practical skills in his first year at the School of Business.
“I hadn’t done any finance classes and felt behind compared to the rest of the world in my knowledge,” Kabir shared. “This was further reinforced when I was searching for internships and realized I didn’t yet have the skills to excel in those roles. Over winter break, I had to take it upon myself to build those skills on my own.”
His initial impression of the class has been overwhelmingly positive:
“Steve cares about helping young people and creating an environment where we can all learn from each other. He sees the gap in financial education and wants to shrink it. I can already tell this class will push me, which is exactly what I want from a professor.”
Similarly, Lance was drawn to the class because of his interest in investing and the promise of being challenged.
“I heard this class was excellent and that I would learn a lot, which sounded like something I’d enjoy,” Lance said. “So far, my impressions tell me that this class will be incredibly beneficial for myself and everyone in it. It seems like a challenge, but also an environment where I will be pushed to succeed and plan for my future.”
Looking Ahead
For me, the OFP represents an opportunity to grow in ways that a traditional classroom setting doesn’t offer. The emphasis on real-world application, the exposure to industry professionals, and the mentorship from experienced faculty make it an invaluable experience.
If my experience so far is any indication, I know that by the end of the semester, I will be better prepared not just for a career in finance, but for life as well. And for anyone else considering joining, my advice is simple: take the leap.
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