Club allows students to practice investing

University of North Georgia (UNG) students are gaining real-world investment experience thanks to an infusion of $50,000 from four alumni.

Most members of the Student Investment Club are in the Mike Cottrell College of Business, but the group welcomes students pursuing any degree.  

"This kind of group can provide students with hands-on experience with stock trading and business analysis," Dr. Ning Wang, associate professor of finance and faculty adviser for the club, said.  

Club members use Bloomberg Terminal software as they aim to invest in stocks in various sectors through the Student Managed Investment Fund. They also have a chance to regularly hear from financial industry guest speakers who provide a broader perspective.  

Luke Atwood, a junior from Demorest, Georgia, pursuing degrees in accounting and finance, serves as club president. He is grateful for the money that students have been able to invest as they learn about financial markets. 

"The money allows a sense of genuine risk to what we're doing," Atwood said. "It takes in-depth analysis." 

Jeremiah Njuguna, a junior who was originally from South Central Los Angeles before moving to Snellville, Georgia, is pursuing a degree in marketing and is chief marketing officer for the club. He said the guest speakers have been beneficial.  

"I'm thankful to learn from professionals and be able to make connections," Njuguna said. 

Grace McCarthy, a junior from Dawsonville, Georgia, pursuing a degree in marketing with a concentration in professional sales, serves as the club's chief information officer.  

"It's been very interesting to have responsibility for the money we invest and learn what that entails. There's always that inner desire to want to perform and do well and see the numbers grow," McCarthy said. "It was a little bit scary at first. But it's very exciting to see how we can grow that and make it even better."