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Investment management offers MBA candidates a dynamic career path with high earning potential, real-world financial expertise, and global market insights. It equips them with cutting-edge analytical and leadership skills, opening doors to diverse opportunities in finance, asset management, and socially impactful investing.
This special episode of the Clear Admit MBA Admissions Podcast provides a thorough look into the investment management offerings at UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School and showcases why it is a standout choice for MBA students interested in this field. With its unique combination of academic excellence, practical experience, and a strong alumni network, UNC Kenan-Flagler offers a pathway for both traditional finance professionals and career switchers to succeed in investment management.
Your host, Graham Richmond, welcomes two special guests, Pramita Saha, the Executive Director for the Center for Excellence in Investment Management, and Jesús Fernandez, second-year MBA student and President of the school’s Investment Management Club, for a deep dive into investment management opportunities at UNC Kenan-Flagler.
In addition to being an executive director, Saha is also a Professor of the Practice of Finance at UNC Kenan-Flagler. With over 15 years of experience in capital markets, sales and trading, and investment banking, she brings a wealth of industry knowledge to her teaching and leadership roles. As the executive director, Saha manages the center’s daily operations, secures funding, and fosters partnerships to support top-tier investment management education. She is passionate about making finance accessible to students from all backgrounds. Before joining UNC in 2019, Saha held roles at Goldman Sachs, Citi, BBVA and Standard Chartered Bank. She earned her MBA from The Wharton School and her BA from Smith College.
Jesus Fernandez, UNC Kenan-Flagler MBA Class of 2025, returned to the U.S. from Mexico to join the Marine Corps, where he spent 5 years as an electronics technician, fixing radios, satellites, computers, and other communications equipment for use in the field. During his time with the Marines, Jesus finished his Bachelors degree in philosophy, which opened up the possibility of pursuing a graduate education, the first generation in his family to do so. Jesus is pursuing a Capital Markets and Investments concentration, and recently interned during the summer at American Century Investments, conducting fundamental analysis and stock recommendations for various teams across the Global Growth and Global Value strategies. Jesus will be returning to American Century as an Investment Analyst after graduating in 2025.
Learn about investment management at UNC Kenan-Flagler and then tune into the podcast episode below for more with our two special guests.
Investment Management in the MBA Landscape
There is a common misconception that investment management is a core focus at every business school. As it turns out, while some programs touch on the subject, few offer the comprehensive, immersive experience available at UNC Kenan-Flagler. The school’s Center for Excellence in Investment Management has established itself as a leader in this area, thanks in large part to its unique combination of academic rigor and practical, hands-on experience.
In the episode below, Saha, who brings extensive finance industry experience from firms like Goldman Sachs and Standard Chartered, details how the center seeks to “inspire a passion for investing” through a holistic, experiential two-year program. This begins even before students step foot on campus, ensuring they are primed for success in this challenging field.
UNC Kenan-Flagler’s Standout Features
UNC’s program stands out for its dedication to providing real-world investment experience. Saha emphasizes that academic foundations are essential, but what sets Kenan-Flagler apart is its focus on practical, real-world examples integrated into every aspect of learning.
The Fundamental Investing Practicum and Mentorship Program is a hands-on course taught by a buy-side portfolio manager. Students learn directly from industry professionals, and participate in investment pitch competitions like the Alpha Challenge. The Alpha Challenge has become a premier investment pitch competition. Students from top business schools compete, and it serves as a “one-stop-shop” for showcasing investment acumen, building industry relationships, and landing internships or jobs.
The Role of UNC’s Investment Management Club
The Investment Management Club plays a crucial role in helping students break into the industry, offering weekly career labs, mentorships, and career treks to major financial hubs. Fernandez emphasizes the importance of the club in providing students with guidance on everything from crafting resumes to preparing for interviews, all with the support of second-year students who were in their shoes just a year earlier.
The Investment Management Club also helps organize the Alpha Challenge, coordinating with investment clubs from other top MBA programs to ensure the competition is as robust and rewarding as possible. Fernandez, with a unique background transitioning from the military into investment management, credits this opportunity as pivotal in securing interviews and ultimately his post-MBA role.
UNC’s Commitment to Diversity: Investment Management for All
Saha introduces a new initiative, Investment Management for All, aimed at addressing the industry’s lack of diversity by making investment management more accessible to women and underrepresented minorities. The event, which is set to launch in celebration of the Alpha Challenge’s 20th anniversary, aims to break down barriers and offer mentorship and hands-on experiences to prospective MBA students interested in the field.
UNC is making significant efforts to showcase that investment management is not just for those with traditional finance backgrounds. Fernandez, for example, came to the program with no finance experience, having served as an electronics technician in the Marine Corps. His success in the Alpha Challenge and subsequent job offers demonstrate that career switchers can thrive in this environment with the right resources and support.
This event offers a wonderful opportunity for prospective MBA students to experience the pathways within investment management, get a taste for UNC Kenan-Flagler’s offerings and guidance on crafting the perfect MBA application. Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply by September 17th with the final deadline being September 30th.
Experiential Learning: PRIME and Beyond
A standout feature of UNC’s investment management track is its PRIME course. This experiential class allows students to work with investment firms, gaining in-depth experience in real-world projects. Fernandez describes how working with a sell-side research firm in New York as part of PRIME helped him develop crucial skills, which eventually led to his summer internship at American Century Investments.
Saha further emphasized that the program’s holistic approach ensures students can explore multiple aspects of investment management—from private equity to quantitative strategies—before narrowing down their focus. This broad exposure helps students discover their strengths and interests, allowing them to make informed decisions about their careers.
The Power of the Carolina Network
The strength of UNC’s alumni network, particularly in the investment management domain, stands out. Saha highlights that the school’s investment management board and council are filled with passionate alumni who are dedicated to helping students succeed. Many of these alumni return year after year for the Alpha Challenge, mentoring students and even recruiting talent for their own firms.
Fernandez echoes these sentiments, calling UNC’s alumni “some of the friendliest people I’ve met.” He stresses that their guidance was crucial in helping him, and other students without finance backgrounds, navigate the complexities of the industry.
The investment network extends beyond the alumni as well. UNC has so many investment professionals who previously had no ties to the school, but come year after year to the Alpha Challenge and provide support – their larger powerful industry network really is very special.
Tune in Below!
For those looking to pursue a career in investment management, UNC Kenan-Flagler offers a comprehensive, immersive experience that prepares students to compete at the highest levels—whether through its robust curriculum, real-world learning opportunities, or powerful alumni network. The Alpha Challenge, PRIME course, and a host of other initiatives provide a springboard for students to succeed, regardless of their prior experience.
UNC Kenan-Flagler’s investment program offers a place for students from all walks of life — hear from other recent graduates as well including Shannon Wulff (MBA ’24), Kasturi Bramhane (MBA ’24), and Davis Morrison (MBA ’23).
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This episode was hosted by Graham Richmond and produced by Dennis Crowley. Thanks to all of you who’ve been joining us!
