The Brock Finance & Investment Group (BFIG) is the training ground for future stock traders, analysts and financial whiz kids. BFIG President Timothy Adams has been part of BFIG since 2010. He shares his thoughts about why he got involved, his favourite BFIG event and how BFIG has helped him gain a competitive advantage in the job market.
Why did you get involved with BFIG?
When I first started at Brock University, I quickly learned during orientation the incredible benefits that joining student clubs could have on professional development. They aggregate like-minded students, offer the opportunities to learn in a friendly group environment and create lasting relationships. After bouncing around a few different clubs, I was hooked on BFIG in seconds when I found the executive members were so welcoming and intelligent. They truly operated as a cohesive team and I wanted nothing more than to become to become a valued member.
Describe the ideal BFIG member.
I could sum up the ideal BFIG member in a few words: they are passionate and have a sincere desire to succeed in the financial industry. This member comes from any concentration and does not necessarily need a background in capital markets, just the desire to learn. We look for members that when they wake up and when they go to sleep every day, they are watching BNN, spend their free time researching investments, reading market currents, practice different financial modelling techniques on a regular basis and are not afraid to bring their ideas to the shareholders of the group. They must be able to intelligently speak about a company and give solid reasons why it should be purchased or sold.
Most people are unaware that BFIG manages its own investment fund. In fact, every year, BFIG hires a team of equity analysts to manage the BFIG Fund. Tell us more about the BFIG Fund.
Owning and operating an investment fund is definitely something we are very proud of. Our fund is unique as it is completely student funded and gives them the opportunity to purchase voting rights and have an active say on the activities in the portfolio (i.e. the purchase or sale of a security within the fund). This gives new investors a channel to dip their feet in investing in financial markets and the potential to generate some positive returns on their investment. We are proud to say that our fund had outperformed our benchmark (SPTSX) on a 5 year level. Behind the scenes we have a team of equity analysts conducting research and developing presentations on new investment proposals that they can bring to the shareholders and help generate returns. Our analysts use Bloomberg Terminals to assist in the research process and bring their findings to the group.
What’s your favourite BFIG event/activity?
The Quinnipiac G.A.M.E. Forum is by far my favourite event that we attend. A select group of our top club contributors headed down to New York City to attend a three day global asset management conference. Top Wall Street executives and professionals were in attendance and they shared their insights and discussed current market events. The weekend was full of intense education and sightseeing in the Big Apple.
What skills has BFIG given you to make you career-ready?
The skills I have picked up throughout my four years involved in BFIG are extremely valuable and range from technical capabilities and strong communication abilities. I have learned many different financial modelling techniques and research skills that will bring value to any employer. I have also developed the ability to communicate those research findings in a powerful yet brief fashion.
