The Georgia Tech Scheller College of Business is proud to announce the launch of the Center for Finance and Technology, a pioneering initiative aimed at developing the next generation of finance professionals. The Center's vision is to make Georgia Tech and the Scheller College of Business the preeminent sources for finance talent by fostering a generation of collaborative, ethical, and industry-ready financial services industry professionals.
Supported by a generous gift from Mike and Jenny Messner, the Center was introduced at a special panel and networking reception held in New York City on September 19, 2024.
“The Center will bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world application,” said Mike Messner, Professor of the Practice and retired chief executive officer and portfolio manager with Seminole Management Company, Inc. “Our students will benefit immensely from the hands-on experiences and industry connections this new initiative will offer."
Through practical and rigorous extracurricular and experiential learning opportunities, the Center will serve all Georgia Tech undergraduate and graduate students who are interested in pursuing careers in the financial services industry. The Center offers two tracks for participation - one open to all students and another for an application-only cohort. Center-sponsored activities and initiatives include:
- Equity Research Boutique: This course allows students to conduct fundamental analysis of firms and prepare analyst reports with faculty oversight.
- AI in Finance Capstone: Focusing on the application of the latest developments in AI, such as machine learning and large language models, this capstone will address relevant finance industry problems.
- Immersive Wall Street experience: Select students can participate in “Jackets on Wall Street,” a visit to top financial firms that allows students to engage with industry leaders and gain exposure to live trading floors.
- Investment management experience: Working with faculty and the Georgia Tech Student Foundation, select students have the opportunity to participate in practical, real-world fund management.
- Projects with industry leaders: Through partnerships with leading finance firms, students will engage in real-world projects as part of their capstone experience.
- Career workshops: Led by industry practitioners, these workshops will provide students with hands-on, real-world experience and valuable industry connections.
- Advanced financial technologies: Students gain access to data and cutting-edge tools used in the finance industry, along with specialized trainings and workshops.
- Student success activities: The Center will support student activities focused on the financial services industry, including hackathons, pitch challenges, competitions, career fairs, and clubs.
“We are thrilled to launch the Center for Finance and Technology. It will provide students with unparalleled opportunities to gain practical experience and develop the skills needed to excel in the finance industry,” said Sudheer Chava, Alton M. Costley Chair in Finance and director of the new initiative. Chava also serves as the director of the M.S. in Quantitative and Computational Finance program and the Financial Services Innovation Lab.
Anuj Mehrotra, dean of the College, shares in the excitement. "Our commitment is to prepare students for careers in the financial services industry by providing them with the knowledge, skills, and experiences they need to succeed. This Center will help our students in their pursuit of excellence through experiential education and innovation."
A formal ribbon cutting ceremony and reception will be announced, at which Center friends and supporters will be recognized.
