Cornell Students Listen to Successful Women in Investing at the 2024 Undergraduate WIN Conference
By Lucille Ley '27
Grace Ou ‘27, Lucille Ley ’27, Amber Li ‘27, and Victoria Gong ‘25 at the 2024 Undergraduate Women in Investing Conference.
After hearing about the 2024 Cornell Undergraduate Women in Investing (WIN) Conference from an upperclassman in my club last year, I thought it would be a great opportunity to learn more about investing and get feedback on a stock pitch. Together, Grace Ou ’27, Amber Li ’27, and Victoria Gong ’25 and I decided to attend the conference and participate in the stock pitch competition as a team.
Carefully preparing the stock pitch
When the team returned to Cornell University from summer break, we began preparing for the conference by choosing a stock to pitch. After plenty of research, we decided to pitch Oscar Health, an innovative healthcare insurance company. Over the span of a few weeks, the team developed our thesis and created an implied share price for the company. Additionally, the Parker Center for Investment Research assigned a mentor for our team. We enjoyed meeting with our mentor, an equity analyst at Boston Partners, a few times before the conference to learn more about how to make a successful pitch and receive feedback on our theses. We also appreciated Professor Scott Stewart’s guidance prior to the pitch competition. Overall, the process of analyzing the stock and creating a pitch was a great experience, and my team learned a lot.
On the road and kicking off the conference
On September 26th, the team traveled from Cornell’s campus to New York City. We enjoyed walking around midtown Manhattan for a bit before the conference began. The first event of the two-day conference was a networking reception, where the founder of the conference, Lakshmi Bhojraj ’95, MBA ’01, made her opening remarks and shared with us the history and genesis of the conference. We also met with industry professionals and other undergraduate students from colleges across the country like William & Mary, Princeton College, the University of Notre Dame, and Claremont McKenna College. We discussed each other’s colleges and bonded over our shared passion for finance and investing.
After the networking reception, we attended a Capital Group Keynote Panel Dinner. The panel was fascinating, and I enjoyed hearing from the various guest speakers about what they have learned over the span of their careers. The panelists included: Rob Grube, an equity investment analyst & research director; Lian Sun, an equity investment analyst; and Andrew Suzman, an equity portfolio manager.
Listening to their stories broadened my knowledge of the industry and inspired me to think critically about my own career path. The panel discussion was rich with practical tips and personal anecdotes that illuminated the complexities of investing. It was a wonderful opportunity to learn from industry professionals and gain insights that will undoubtedly inform me of my future career path.
The highly anticipated stock pitch competition
The next day started with the highly anticipated stock pitch competition portion of the conference. My team and I enjoyed pitching our stock to a panel of experienced judges. As we presented our stock, we articulated our investment thesis, highlighted key metrics, and discussed the macroeconomic factors influencing our choice. The judges listened attentively, had insightful questions and thoughtful critiques. Hearing their perspectives on our analysis opened my eyes to different angles I had not considered before. They offered valuable suggestions on how to improve our pitch and strategies for future presentations, which I found incredibly beneficial.
Overall, the stock pitch competition was an enriching experience that sharpened my presentation skills and revitalized my confidence in my ability to analyze and communicate complex financial information. I left the competition with a clearer understanding of what seasoned investors look for and how I can apply their insights to refine my future investing strategies.
Hearing from equity analysts and portfolio managers
After the stock pitch competition, the team enjoyed engaging in a “Round Robin Networking Session.” Representatives from Capital Group, AQR, Barclays, Boston Partners, Dodge & Cox, Fidelity Investments, Harris | Oakmark, Raymond James, and T. Rowe Price attended the session. Students rotated among the tables in small groups, allowing us to engage with multiple industry professionals. This format encouraged lively conversations and made it easy for students to ask questions about their unique career paths. I found it incredibly interesting to learn about the varied roles within the investment world, from equity analysts and portfolio managers to product management and quantitative investing. As we moved from table to table, I was struck by the generosity of the company representatives; they were eager to share their knowledge and were genuinely interested in our aspirations. I asked several questions about the skills needed to succeed in the industry and how to effectively navigate the complexities of investment strategies. The company representatives’ responses were filled with practical advice and encouragement.
Learning how to successfully recruit into investment research/management
The conference concluded with a luncheon panel called “Successfully Recruiting into Investment Research/Management and Related Roles.” The panelists included: Sabrina Basile from Fidelity Investments, Kristin Schweitzer from T. Rowe Price, Kerith Pucci from Dodge & Cox, and Allison Zhao from Capital Group. As the panelists shared their stories, it was fascinating to hear about their individual journeys and the paths they took to break into the world of investing. They discussed the importance of networking, mentorship, and persistence in overcoming barriers that women often face in this competitive field. I was particularly struck by their emphasis on building strong relationships and seeking guidance from mentors who can provide valuable support and insights.
The panelists shared practical advice on how to effectively navigate the recruitment process. They highlighted the significance of tailoring resumes to showcase relevant skills and experiences, as well as the importance of preparation for interviews. Hearing about their personal experiences with challenges, successes, and even setbacks made their insights relatable and inspiring.
An invaluable experience that exceeds expectations
Attending the WIN Conference was an invaluable experience that exceeded my expectations. From our initial preparations for the stock pitch competition to engaging with industry leaders and fellow students, every aspect of the event contributed to my growth and understanding of the investment field. The insights shared by the panelists and judges provided practical knowledge and inspiration, reinforcing the importance of mentorship and networking. Hearing the personal stories of successful women in investing illuminated the paths we can take, while their advice on navigating challenges has equipped me with strategies for my future endeavors. I am grateful for my experience at the 2024 Cornell Women in Investing Conference, and I hope to attend again next year.
About Lucille Ley ’27
Lucille Ley ’27 is an undergraduate student in the Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy. She is majoring in healthcare policy. On campus, Ley is the corporate & alumni chair for the Cornell Hudge Fund, economic analyst in the Design by Biomedical Undergraduate Teams (DEBUT), and the vice president of new member development and project manager in Cayuga Healthcare Consulting.