As a recent master’s graduate and CFA level II candidate, I consistently push myself to search for a means to utilize my skills and sharpen my market insights. Upon submitting my application to IvyLine Capital Group, I hoped that their program would satisfy this urge and I am grateful to say that this program does just that.
To describe the IM&D Program as school would not do justice, however, it is also not quite work. It is a Goldilocks middle that is just right for students, recent grads and early careers alike. You are immediately immersed in the realm of investment management upon day one. The program revolves around managing a portfolio using industry standard trading platforms which is the perfect medium to run this type of program. It is the dig in and get your hands dirty approach but of course there is much needed and openly available guidance along the way.
What strikes me the most impressed, no pun intended, about the IM&D program is the trust of the team; Isaac Eisenhauer, Kevin Zahn and others, has for the cohort members. You are as a candidate expected to work independently and devote time to your progress in the program.
Structured within the program are bite-sized lesson on the major topics of investment management and derivatives trading, quizzes, and worksheets, which serve as your classroom type work but becomes practical in your portfolio management. Of course, I will make some judgement errors or mistakes when executing the strategies and trades but there is always a resource provided to help me learn from those mistakes.
Best of all, the interactive environment keeps you on your toes. The competitions, dedicated to certain strategies, the online meetings, networking, guest speakers are truly exciting. This is the key differentiator from a college classroom that I enjoy. The “value-add” that a candidate achieves is crucial in this regard. You must take ownership of the tasks and be engaged to reap the real-world benefits because there are plenty to be had if you are on your game.
Only 2 months into the program I can’t wait to see what’s next and make more strides in this program and investment management industry. Python programming is on the way and I am stoked.
Ruben Bahena - MSF Grad of UT