Student Managed Investment Fund Offers Real-World Experience

The Polen Capital – Florida Atlantic University Foundation Student Managed Investment Fund (SMIF) gives College of Business students the opportunity to gain real-world financial investment experience to prepare them for a competitive job market after graduation. A generous donation from Dan Davidowitz and Polen Capital Management, LLC (“Polen”) matched by the Florida Atlantic University Foundation established the fund in 2023.

“Managing a portfolio with real money at stake is an amazing learning experience and an excellent conversation starter for students in job interviews,” said Daniel Gropper, Ph.D., dean of Florida Atlantic’s College of Business. “Our location in Palm Beach County’s thriving financial hub makes Florida Atlantic an ideal training ground for future money managers.”

During the SMIF course, students conduct research and financial analysis to identify undervalued stocks to invest in the fund. They present their research and stock picks to the SMIF Advisory Board made up of faculty and industry professionals from local investment firms.

The SMIF class and presentations take place in the College of Business Trading Room, which features premier trading analytics and market data platforms used by professional traders. A streaming ticker displaying market data via Reuters’ time feeds refreshes 20 times each second, adding to the real-world experience.

Greg Salgado was part of the 2025 Spring semester SMIF class. Student groups each recommended a company in which the fund should invest, presenting financial and investment risk analysis and evaluation.
Salgado credits the class as helping him stand out during an interview and secure a position at the Chase Group. He believes the hands-on experience provided in the class prepared him to work in the financial field.

“It gives you valuable experience that employers recognize,” said Salgado. “When I went for the interview, they noticed that I was part of a SMIF. This experience provides background and knowledge that supplements internship experiences to prepare you for the workforce.”

To learn more about how Florida Atlantic is working to support our students, create opportunities and build the workforce, as well as how Transcend Tomorrow: The Campaign for Florida Atlantic University is working to train more health care workers and create a healthier environment, visit transcendtomorrow.fau.edu.