GSIF experiences another strong year of growth

The Gator Student Investment Fund (GSIF) continues to see significant annual progress.

GSIF is a student-managed investment fund that gives members a realistic asset management experience. As of January 2022, the value of the fund sat at $1,135,000. In March 2019, the fund sat at $561,667, but it has grown to its current mark because of continued generosity of alumni and friends who understand the real-world impact GSIF is having on students.

The fund also gives annual donations to the Warrington College of Business and the Machen Florida Opportunity Scholars Program, which assists historically low-income, first-generation college students in meeting their college costs.

In early 2022, GSIF distributed $31,300 to the Machen Florida Opportunities Scholars Program and $10,400 to Warrington.

On top of the financial growth, students in GSIF experience professional growth from the asset management experience. GSIF Portfolio Managers Jonathan Kang (MSF ’22) and Johnathan McCary (MSF ’22) worked with Senior Advisor Vinayak Kawatra (MSF ’22) on the fund and saw firsthand how students benefit while preparing for their careers.

“The work that’s done in GSIF parallels that of jobs in financial services such as investment banking and equity research,” the team said. “GSIF teaches foundational technical skills, including firm valuation and financial modeling broadly, that are integral to success in those finance careers. While GSIF focuses heavily on technical knowledge, some of the most valuable lessons our organization has to offer come in the form of softer skills. Every member is able to hone their public speaking ability and develop a fundamental understanding of markets, which is incredibly useful in a competitive interview process.”

The students also benefitted from returning to in-person meetings in 2021. Getting back together for meetings reinvigorated their passion for learning and growing the fund.

“It has also reminded us of the sense of community our organization instills in its members,” the team said. “Engaging with the new analysts through in-person trainings and pitches displayed these students’ intellectual curiosity and the fund’s bright future. Observing our GSIF team’s improving analysis and understanding of equity investing convinces us of the fund’s value as a source of knowledge.”