Student Organization Spotlight: Finance & Investment Society
Dylan Fitzpatrick, President of FIS.
The Fowler College of Business is highlighting the Finance & Investment Society (FIS), a student organization that helps students gain experience in the financial world. The FIS has an array of opportunities that can help students grow both personally and professionally to stand out as they begin their careers. Dylan Fitzpatrick (Junior, Finance), President of FIS, describes the events and workshops FIS hosts, the importance of networking, and more!
About the Finance & Investment Society (FIS)
Q: What is the goal/objective of the FIS?
To bridge the gap between the classroom and the office.
Q: What events, gatherings, and activities does your organization host?
FIS organizes events and programs with a mission to bridge the gap between the classroom and the office, aligning with our three pillars of learn, connect, and invest. Under our learn pillar, we organize hands-on technical workshops and stock pitch competitions, offer technical certifications, and run an analyst program. These opportunities allow members to augment their classroom learning and understand how finance functions in real-world settings. For our connect pillar, FIS organizes socials, community service opportunities, mentor programs, internal committees, and alumni pipelines. These events provide members with the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and build long-lasting relationships. With our invest pillar, we coordinate speaker panels, professional development resources, company recruiting events, networking nights, and internship opportunities. Through these initiatives, FIS members can discover their desired career paths and secure internships or full-time jobs.
Q: Why should students join your organization?
If anyone is interested in joining a welcoming, challenging, and inspiring community where they can further their financial knowledge, kickstart their career paths, and expand their network, FIS is the place for you!
Q: How can a student get involved with your organization?
To get involved in FIS, students can visit sdsufis.com/join where they will be guided through our membership process, which includes paying dues, completing a form, and onboarding into our organization. Once this process is complete, members gain access to our communication channels, internal resources, and all FIS events throughout the semester.
Executive board members representing FIS and meeting new students at the College of Business Council Organization Fair in Fall 2022.
Q: How does your organization connect with the community outside of SDSU?
A majority of FIS events feature industry professionals, whether that be leading workshops or meeting students at networking events, which allow our members to connect to the professional world outside of SDSU. Additionally, our analyst program includes an advisory board of alumni and professionals that guide analysts in producing research reports related to different aspects of finance. On top of this, we organize community service events like beach clean-ups and financial literacy workshops for elementary schools to support the broader San Diego community.
Q: When does your organization meet?
Weekly FIS meetings take place on Tuesdays at 7 pm in West Commons 220. Some events, such as socials and competitions, occur outside of this during other days and times of the week.
Q: What are your organization’s social media handles?
Instagram: @sdsu_fis
LinkedIn: Finance & Investment Society
Q & A with Dylan Fitzpatrick, FIS President
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 got involved to find tight-knit communities on SDSU’s large campus, dive deeper into my passions outside of the classroom, and develop myself professionally. My involvement has led to long-lasting relationships that have contributed to personal and professional growth, career development opportunities such as internships and on-campus jobs, and a multitude of learning about what I love—investing!
Q: What experience with your organization has been the most impactful?
During FIS speaker panels and workshops, the opportunity to connect with high-level professionals, including CFOs, investment bankers, and hedge fund managers, has been invaluable for honing in on my desired career path and learning how to successfully break into high finance. The opportunity to pick their brains, gain firsthand insights into their work, and gain access to their network has greatly augmented my understanding of finance and professional trajectory.
Q: Why is getting involved on campus important to you?
While learning in classroom environments is integral to the college experience, it is incomplete without campus involvement that supplements your academic foundation with personal and professional development. Extracurricular opportunities provide the platform to apply your textbook learning to real-world contexts, connect with other students at a deeper level, and network with professionals, which is half of the college experience in itself. Don’t miss out on the other half of the pie and get involved today!
Q: What has been your favorite SDSU memory so far?
SDSU's 2021-2022 CFA Research Challenge team celebrating at the awards ceremony hosted by CFA Society San Diego.
During Fall 2021 and into Spring 2022, I was a member of SDSU’s CFA Research Challenge team, which was tasked with producing an investment report and presentation on Callaway Golf (NYSE: ELY) in preparation for this global equity research competition. This experiential learning opportunity was the most difficult, yet most fulfilling single project that I have ever completed, as my team of fellow FIS executive board members and I achieved 1st place in the local level of the competition against other San Diego universities. My involvement in this would have been impossible without FIS, which speaks volumes about the wealth of opportunities available in our organization.
Q: What is the best advice you have for future Fowler College of Business students?
Get involved as early as possible, meet new people, and invest in those relationships. Your network is your net worth!
Q: What is the best advice you have received during your time at SDSU?
“Luck is when opportunity meets preparation.”
Q: What career aspirations do you have following your time at SDSU?
My goal is to join the investment team of a venture capital or growth equity fund investing in world-class entrepreneurs leading high-growth startups.
RAPID FIRE QUESTIONS
Q: Pancakes or Waffles?
Pancakes
Q: Instagram or TikTok?
Q: Favorite band?
AC/DC
FIS executive members hanging with San Diego CFOs after our Corporate Finance speaker panel.
Q: Action or comedy movie?
Comedy
Q: Panchos or Trujillos?
Panchos
Q: Favorite show to binge watch?
Succession
Q: Fun Fact?
I love long-distance running!
