Financial Management Association students visit New York Financial District

Por California State University, Bakersfield

13 de May de 2024

Students in the California State University, Bakersfield chapter of the Financial Management Association (FMA) had the opportunity earlier this month to learn about finance at the center of the industry — New York City's Financial District.

Twenty-two students and adviser Dr. Mahdy Elhusseiny visited iconic institutions such as the New York Stock Exchange, IEX, the Federal Reserve, Bloomberg and Greenbarn Investment Group from May 1-5 to learn more about the financial industry.

“Stepping onto Wall Street isn't just a field trip — it is a gateway to a world of finance that ignites the passion and ambitions of our finance students," said Dr. Elhusseiny, a finance professor at CSUB. “It is engaging with industry leaders and witnessing the heartbeat of global finance firsthand. Our FMA group's visit was a transformative experience, enriching minds and shaping futures.”

FMA encourages and inspires young professionals to become future financial leaders. One of the many benefits is the opportunity for active members to travel throughout the U.S. to visit financial institutions, meet with financial professionals, and gain hands-on experience in finance.

The journey not only enhanced the students' understanding of financial operations and market dynamics but also offered invaluable real-world exposure. Engaging with industry professionals and witnessing market processes firsthand significantly bridged the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, enriching the educational experience for all involved.

“On the FMA trip to New York City, I immersed myself in the vibrant culture and got to explore investment and stock exchange firms and well-known landmarks around the city," said economics major Kurtis Bond. "I had the opportunity to ask questions, see how these firms operate behind the scenes and the opportunity to leave my resume. One firm I was interested in was Bloomberg, so I left a copy of my resume with our tour guide.”

Bloomberg contacted Kurtis the following week after his return from the trip to arrange a discussion about opportunities.

“I was also able to explore famous attractions like Times Square, Central Park, and the World Trade Centers," he continued. "I indulged in diverse culinary experiences, sampling everything from New York-style pizza to gourmet international cuisine. Additionally, I ventured into the city's skyscrapers and took in the marvelous views of the city of opportunity. Overall, my time in NYC was a captivating blend of exploration, discovery, learning opportunities, and unforgettable experiences.”

Finance major Alexis Sanchez shared that the trip "was a privilege and a highlight of my undergraduate academic year. Being able to experience this trip alongside fellow CSUB students where we had the opportunity to learn how trading companies operate was amazing, as well as getting to explore the vibrant city of New York made it the best experience of my undergraduate career."