An interview with Brian Shin, Vice President of the Graduate Finance Association at the University of Texas.
1. What are the goals of the GFA and can you tell me how the organization got started?
Goals of the GFA are divided primarily into two functions, academics and careers. In academics, we supplement the McCombs Finance curriculum by providing continuing education preparation. For careers, we provide preview for each areas of finance (I-banking, private equity, corporate finance, etc), run training sessions, organize interview preps, and provide numerous networking opportunities to our members.
2. What type of events does the GFA run during the year?
In August, we have a kick-off meeting to welcome all 1st and 2nd years to McCombs. We provide more background about the organization and make sure that everyone who is interested in the field of finance has an opportunity to join.
In September, we run an event called Function Week where 2nd year students with investment bank, private equity, asset management, corporate finance, and other finance background run information sessions for 1st year students. They go over their experience, details of the job, and what they need to do in school to prepare for those positions. It basically gives more insight to 1st year students from the perspective of 2nd year students.
In October (March in Spring semester), we run Curriculum Overview to help students learn more about finance courses being offered for the upcoming semester.
In November, we run the Finance Challenge Competition. Judges are McCombs Finance faculties and working professionals from some of the largest companies in the nation. Students are formed into teams and they are given a case to analyze and to put together to present before the judges. It allows students to showcase their skills before recruiters and also allow for networking opportunities.
In March, we hold a mixer with undergraduate students at McCombs to talk about our experience.
In April, we represent the GFA at the Preview Weekend where all admitted students for the upcoming year come and visit the school.
Throughout the semester, we hold Lunch with Professors as well.
3. Brian, can you tell me about yourself? How did you get involved with the organization and become Vice President?
My undergraduate degree is in Finance from McCombs as well. I worked at Samsung Austin Semiconductor for four years before coming back to McCombs for an MBA. I knew I was going to continue to do finance, so I just wanted to meet people with similar background and interests. GFA is the largest organization in McCombs, and I was very excited for the opportunity.
As far as being elected, I submitted my platform in November and they held an election for all positions. Each GFA members voted, and I was fortunate to be voted into VP of Finance Operations position.
4. In your opinion, has the value of the MBA changed given this current crisis?
I think so. I think the Program Office is working hard with the recruiters to better suit the MBA students to think and act like managers. There seems to be more emphasis in strategy and management as well as ethics.
5. Are we out of this crisis yet and if not, what will it take to get us out?
I think we are slowly moving out of the crisis. There are still some companies that are impacted by the crisis, but the recruiting numbers are up and companies are back on campus to hire for internship and full-time.
6. Where can students go to get more information about your organization or to reach out to you?
Students can get more information by visiting our website at http://www.mccombs.utexas.edu/students/gfa/
