This fall, Verger had the privilege of hosting students from Salem Academy as part of the school’s 2024 Innovation/STEAM Days. Fourteen high school students, ranging from 9th to 12th grade, joined us in our Winston-Salem office for an engaging and educational deep dive into endowment investing and careers in investment management.
The day started with an overview of how skills in science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics (STEAM) intersect with careers in investment management. Students learned about the diverse roles within our firm and how STEAM principles influence areas like asset management, risk analysis, and portfolio strategy.
Angela Fan, Verger's newest Investment Analyst, and Madison Moses, Senior Investment Analyst, shared their unique career paths, from college courses to internships, highlighting key programs like Girls Who Invest and Verger’s own internship opportunities. They were joined by Investment Director Taylor Jackson, who discussed the importance of professional certifications such as the CFA and CAIA. The session was also led by Liz Laughter, Managing Director of Client Service, who facilitated discussions and shared real-world examples throughout the day.
After the introductory and overview sessions, the students then delved into the fundamentals of endowment investing. Our team led discussions on the purpose and management of endowments, emphasizing their critical role in supporting non-profit missions sustainably. Liz brought this to life with examples of how institutions balance spending needs with long-term financial objectives, introducing the concept of compounding and its impact over time.
Interactive simulations helped students apply these concepts in real-time. They analyzed risk profiles, matched sample portfolios to non-profit financial goals, and explored how investment decisions are shaped by factors like drawdowns and inflation.
In the afternoon, students were introduced to the portfolio construction process. They learned how different asset classes—equity, real assets, absolute return, and fixed income—work together to achieve specific investment objectives. They also explored how macroeconomic events, like elections, influence strategy, analyzing articles to determine potential market impacts.
To round out the day, students engaged in an exercise on manager selection. They reviewed quantitative and qualitative factors, including performance metrics, team stability, and fee structures, to assess three mock equity managers. This highlighted the importance of blending data-driven analysis with judgment in investment decision-making.
The day concluded with the students presenting what they had learned. Their thoughtful and articulate explanations of endowment principles, investment strategies, and even advanced topics like beta were a testament to their enthusiasm and quick grasp of complex concepts.
Verger’s involvement with Salem Academy’s STEAM Day reflects our commitment to empowering the next generation of leaders. We were inspired by the students’ curiosity and engagement and look forward to continuing to share our expertise with future young professionals. Below are a few photo highlights from the day.