The Art and Science of Student-Managed Investment Portfolios

Abstract

Student-managed portfolios are now well-established experiential learning tools in business programs. A variety of factors, including behavioral differences in student decision making, are impossible to replicate in a simulated environment. The learning outcomes gained from the management of real funds include real-world experience as students learn to adhere to investment policies, conduct economic and security-specific research, interact with internal and external constituents, monitor performance, and place trades. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the literature on student funds and documents key benefits and challenges, as well as best practices for overcoming these challenges.