Student experience

Student Managed Investment Fund (SMIF)

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Manage real money, in real markets, making real investments.

Imagine having access to over $200,000 of real money to invest in financial markets using the same tools and technology available to today's investment professionals. The Student Managed Investment Fund (SMIF) lets students enrolled in this program do just that, as well as gain practical experience in investment analysis and portfolio management to better prepare for a career in the investment industry. Students involved in this program will get access to our state-of-the art Centre for Financial Market Research and Teaching (CFMRT), the only its kind in western Canada and with locations in Lethbridge and Calgary, to manage their portfolio.

You'll also have an opportunity to interact and network with industry experts and other business students interested in finance. In addition to faculty supervision, you'll receive guidance on trading activities from an advisory board comprised of external investment professionals, internal faculty members and legal experts.

You can see what our faculty member Wilf Roesler and students have to say about the SMIF here:

How it works

SMIF is comprised of one course offered over two consecutive semesters (Fall & Winter OR Winter & Fall). You will work with a group of your peers to invest real money in the financial markets. Students may now begin SMIF in the Spring OR Fall term. If you meet the prerequisites provided below, you may register yourself in the first term of SMIF (FINC 4470). If you do not meet the prerequisites, you may still apply to be considered for SMIF using the online application.

Prerequisites

  • A minimum uLethbridge cumulative GPA of 3.30
  • FINC 3412 with a minimum final grade of B
  • FINC 3470 (may also be taken as a corequisite in the first term of SMIF)
  • One of ECON 2900 OR STAT 2780

Note: FINC 4470 and 4471 must be taken in sequence (Fall > Winter OR Winter > Fall) in order to receive credit.

For any questions or to see how this course could fit into yout program, contact an academic advisor.

Start managing your portfolio today

If you do not meet the prerequisites listed above, you may fill out the Student Managed Investment Fund (SMIF) application form to be considered for SMIF.