When choosing a college, you’re looking for opportunities to grow - not just academically but through experiences that prepare you for life beyond graduation. One such opportunity at Wichita State University’s Barton School of Business is the Cummings Student Managed Investment Fund (CSMIF).

The fund allows students to manage a $250,000 portfolio, making real-time investment decisions in stocks, bonds and other financial securities. It’s a unique way to take concepts learned in the classroom and apply them in a practical setting, all while working alongside peers from various majors.

Even more impactful is the fund’s purpose. The proceeds generated by the investments aren’t kept by the participants - they’re funneled into WSU’s general scholarship fund, helping other students pursue their education. This creates a cycle of support where students directly contribute to the success of their peers.

What Draws Students to the Fund?

Adam Key, an entrepreneurship major, joined because of his interest in investing and the chance to develop skills for managing his own portfolio.

"The opportunity to work with a real fund, invest in real-time, and connect with high-performing Barton School students was a huge draw," Key said. "Being able to network with amazing individuals and learn from hands-on experience has been incredibly rewarding."

For students like Key, the fund offers a chance to make decisions with a real impact. He points to the team’s initial investment as a highlight of his experience, particularly the process of determining how much to allocate to cash, stocks and bonds. Watching these decisions translate into real returns has been especially fulfilling.

Others, like Michael Goldberg, were drawn by the chance to gain practical experience without the financial risk of using personal money:

"I wanted to see how the market affects investments and learn from mistakes in a way that prepares me for future investing," Goldberg said.

George Giem, the fund’s president, values the exposure to areas of finance he hadn’t previously considered, like investing in bonds.

"It’s easy to lean heavily into stocks as a student, but exploring fixed income investments has been a rewarding experience," Giem said.

Beyond the technical aspects, Giem highlights how the fund creates opportunities to meet people and build connections that will last well beyond college.

 

What Makes the CSMIF Unique at WSU

The CSMIF stands out because it’s designed to be accessible and collaborative.

• Interdisciplinary Participation: Students from all majors can join, whether they’re finance experts or just curious about how investing works.
• Real-World Application: Guided by an experienced industry advisor, students take on the responsibility of making investment decisions and analyzing market trends.
• Networking Opportunities: From guest speakers to group projects, students connect with industry professionals and peers with shared interests.

What Does Participation Look Like?

Fund members meet regularly to discuss the latest developments in financial markets, share insights from their research and collaborate on strategies for future investments. Meetings often feature discussions on current events, hands-on workshops and presentations by guest speakers. These experiences provide practical learning opportunities while fostering teamwork and collaboration.

As Key notes, the fund isn’t just for finance majors.

"There’s room for students interested in marketing, operations or other aspects of the fund," Key said. "The key is having a passion for learning and a growth-oriented mindset."

Why Opportunities Like This Matter

Programs like CSMIF reflect Wichita State’s focus on applied learning, where students gain hands-on experience that translates directly into career readiness. Opportunities like this demonstrate the range of possibilities to grow and develop in a collaborative and supportive environment.

Whether you’re passionate about investing or looking for ways to expand your knowledge in a team-oriented setting, the CSMIF offers a chance to gain practical experience and make meaningful connections.