SDSU Student Business Organization Spotlight: Finance & Investment Society
Karen Dinh, President of the Finance & Investment Society.
The Fowler College of Business’ student organizations have continued to operate effectively, host professional events and engage with the community through virtual platforms, despite the challenges brought on by the pandemic. During San Diego State University’s Fall 2020 semester, the Finance & Investment Society (FIS) has provided several virtual networking opportunities with peers and guest speakers from all realms of finance. Karen Dinh (Senior, Finance) President of the FIS, shares how the organization has adapted to a virtual environment, why students should join, and how the FIS has impacted her leadership experience. Dinh also describes her most impactful experiences at SDSU and her career aspirations while offering advice to current students.
About the Finance & Investment Society (FIS):
Q: What events, gatherings, and activities does your organization host?
We have hosted networking opportunities with peers and guest speakers from all realms of finance; career building workshops accelerate our members through the learning curve.
Q: What virtual events has your organization organized since the pandemic began?
We have had regular member meetings with guest speakers as well as an “Intro to Python” class with Cognitir to learn the basics of the Python programming language, which is a program used for data analysis, data visualization, and many other uses. We have also participated in a philanthropy event with St Jude Children’s Hospital.
Q: How does FIS connect with the community outside of SDSU?
We reach out to professional societies such as Chartered Financial Analyst Society San Diego (CFASSD) to find opportunities that members could benefit from as well as ways we can contribute to the community as a student body.
Dinh at the CFA Research Challenge competition, a competition where every year, the SDSU Finance department and FIS choose a team representing SDSU to compete against other local universities. From left to right: Ryan Cohen, FIS president (Fall 2018); Arman Cohen, VP of Professional Affairs (Fall 2018), Professor Babak Loftaliei; me; Jeremy Harris, VP of Finance (Fall 2018).
Q: Why should students join your FIS?
Our organization focuses on bringing hands-on experience for students in finance and prepares them for careers after graduation. FIS members compete in national competitions to further sharpen their analytical and communication skills. We also provide networking opportunities for finance students to get to know each other better in the pandemic.
Q: How can a student get involved with RES?
You can join us by going to sdsufis.com/join and filling out the registration form, or contacting Jason O’Hara at (760) 688-9053.
Q & A with FIS President, Karen Dinh
Name: Karen Dinh
Major: Finance
Q: As a student leader involved with an organization at SDSU, can you share why you got involved and what your experience has been like so far?
I first came to know of FIS through the CFA Research Challenge. The CFA Institute Research Challenge is an annual, global competition that provides university students with hands-on mentoring and intensive training in financial analysis. Students work in teams to research and analyze a publicly traded company and then write a research report on their assigned company with a buy, sell, or hold recommendation. I was a transfer student back then, and I was immediately attracted by how passionate and hardworking FIS members were. I learned many things outside of the classroom in FIS meetings, especially about the investment industry - that’s why I got involved, and have been looking for ways to bring the next generations of finance students this experience as well.
Q: What experience with your organization has been the most impactful?
I believe the most meaningful activity that FIS could give to students is the opportunity to meet with professionals in the industry from a variety of sectors and ask questions. This helps our members to better visualize where they want to be post-graduation and address any concerns they have about the industry.
Q: What has been your favorite SDSU memory so far?
Dinh in a group photo at the Aztec CORE Leadership Retreat, free a 3-day off-campus leadership retreat to the mountains put on by Student Life and Leadership.
I had the chance to participate in the Aztec CORE Retreat this January – right before the pandemic hit and the lockdown. It was one of my best moments at SDSU. I got to eat, sleep, and stay with other student organization leaders and was able to learn and self-reflect on my leadership skills. It was an unforgettable experience for me.
Q: If you could go back to your freshman year, what advice would you give yourself?
I would tell myself, “No one really has this figured out. Everyone else might seem to be smarter and college might feel overwhelming with classes, assignments, and social life, but if you don’t remember to take care of yourself, you will get burned out eventually. So work hard, play hard, but make time to rest!”
Q: What is the best advice you have received during your time at SDSU?
One of my mentors whom I met through the Aztec Mentor Program has helped me to set up the “Draw See Think” process to plan out my goals until graduation. This was one of the best things I have done, because it forced me to think ahead from my freshman year of where exactly I want to be when I graduate, what I wish to accomplish in 1 – 2 – 3 years, and how I can accomplish these goals. Having dreams and goals to strive for is much better than just going through the classes on your degree evaluation and checking them off like a to-do list.
Q: What career aspirations do you have following your time at SDSU?
I wish to make a lasting impact in my field as a leader. In one of the leadership series I attended, a famous person once said, “leave a kindprint wherever you go, because kindness will spread.” I wish to become someone that leaves a big impact and a big kindprint for others to follow.
Q: Cats or Dogs? Cats
Q: Instagram or TikTok? TikTok
Q: Morning or Night? Morning
Q: Shopping - In store or online? Online
Q: Panchos or Trujillos? Panchos
Q: Favorite show to binge watch? The Big Bang Theory
Q: Hidden Talent? I can read tarot cards.
*All images with groups of people were taken prior to COVID-19.
