Fowler Finance Students Gain In-Person Wall Street Experience

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Fourteen students from San Diego State University’s Fowler College of Business’ Financial Markets Laboratory (FML) traveled to New York City in April to get a first-hand look at the nation’s financial industry and to meet some of the many SDSU alumni who work in the industry.

The group, accompanied by the director of operations for the FML Edward Rey (also director of operations for the Fowler College of Business) visited the city between April 16 – 19.

Beyond gaining hands-on learning experiences outside the classroom, the students were given an immersive view of the inner workings of the U.S. financial sector while building professional connections with SDSU alumni and others who work in the industry.

The students were given a private tour of the New York Stock Exchange where they watched the initial public offering of Aevex during the opening bell and learned about the NYSE’s history, operations and global impact. The tour was coordinated by SDSU alumnus Jared Belsky (’12, finance) director of business development for New York based-DASH Financial Technologies.

“The New York Stock Exchange is one of the greatest American institutions, and I hope this experience brought the words in the student's textbooks, lectures, and movies to life,” said Belsky. “This is an experience that not many university students in the world get to be a part of. SDSU is enabling their students to get a high caliber education, as well as real experiences and exposure to what a degree in finance offers.”

The next stop was at Bloomberg’s Midtown Manhattan headquarters,and because the students use Bloomberg Terminals in the FML, they were already familiar with Bloomberg’s flagship product. After meeting with company representatives — including several Fowler alumni — they also gained insight into the company’s media outlets and technology services as well.

After a meeting with executives at online real estate brokerage company Compass (including Fowler finance and MBA graduate Lenny Cheah), students wrapped up their day by attending a private networking reception hosted by SDSU alumnus Erik Beck (’03, finance) and met with Zócalo founder executive recruiter Kimberly Aguilera (’04, marketing) who offered career search tips and advice.

“In addition to gaining skills through the FML, we strive to provide our students with the networking and soft skills gained beyond the classroom to ready them for their post-graduation careers,” said Rey. “Our trip into the heart of the U.S. financial sector allowed them to see first-hand how markets and corporations operate and provided the opportunity to network with SDSU alumni who can help them get that first foot in the door.”

The student president of the FML, Sasan Ahadian, echoed Rey’s sentiments. “Touring the New York Stock Exchange and then Bloomberg’s and Compass’ headquarters was not only enjoyable but also incredibly educational,” he said. “Being able to meet with SDSU alumni who currently serve as executives at major financial institutions was really helpful to all of us, and the highlight of the trip was being able to experience the IPO of a company firsthand. It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

Rey said there are now plans to make the trip to New York each fall semester. “The recruitment process usually starts after students have completed their summer internships,” he said. “These trips will help students connect with New York-based firms and — hopefully — create strong ties with our SDSU alumni there as well.”