Posted on October 16, 2025 by Rebekah Alegria
Finance students at UT San Antonio’s Carlos Alvarez College of Business are getting hands-on experience managing a real investment portfolio through a new Student-Managed Fund launched this fall.
Alvarez Financial Studies Center
Under the guidance of Ron Sweet, professor of practice in finance, students are learning what it takes to analyze, value and select investments in real time--skills that mirror what entry-level security analysts do in the field. 
“The goal of the class is to enhance students’ understanding of and passion for the investment industry,” said Sweet. “Students in this course are doing exactly what they would do in an actual security analyst job. The experience gives them a clear advantage as they begin their careers.”
The fund is managed as part of a yearlong Security Analysis class. Undergraduate and graduate students were selected to participate in the managed fund class after a rigorous application process. Students selected for the inaugural cohort were chosen for their academic excellence, leadership and prior engagement in programs like the Investment Society and CFA Research Challenge.
“As someone who struggled to bridge theory and practice on my own during undergrad, this class has been a game-changer. Early exposure to the research process and having to present and defend a recommendation pushes you to connect classroom concepts to real decisions. It’s the kind of experience that builds confidence and makes finance feel exciting and tangible.”
Reed knapp, Ms finance student and inaugural cohort member
Once selected, students were divided into five sector teams, such as technology, energy or healthcare, to analyze companies and present their investment recommendations. The class started the semester by building a benchmark portfolio using sector exchange-traded funds (ETFs) to mirror the S&P 500 Index. Over the course of the year, those ETFs will be replaced with individual stocks chosen by students based on their research and valuation models.
“We are off to a great start,” Sweet said. “The students have already created their first team pitchbooks and are preparing to present their investment ideas. As the semester continues, they’ll make decisions on which stocks to add to the portfolio, gradually building a diversified portfolio of 50 to 80 holdings.”
Beyond the classroom, Sweet has tapped into his extensive network of alumni and local finance professionals, many of whom are certified financial analysts (CFAs), to mentor and speak with the students. These guest experts share real-world insights about industry practices, research methods and professional development in the investment field.
“This course is fully hands-on,” said undergraduate finance senior Diana Dominguez. “We conduct research and deliver stock pitches that directly influence investment decisions, which adds a level of excitement and accountability you don’t get in a traditional class. Presenting to peers and industry professionals has sharpened both my analysis and my communication skills.”
The fund marks a milestone in experiential learning for the college’s finance program. It builds on the department’s strong tradition of applied learning through initiatives like the Investment Society’s “Sector Wars,” where students build stock portfolios following many of the processes used in this course, and the college’s successful record in the CFA Research Challenge, an annual global competition that tests students’ ability to conduct professional-level financial research.
“My goal in teaching is comprehension, retention and application,” Sweet added. “This class ties everything together, from what students learn in the classroom to what they’ll do in their first job. It’s exciting to finally see it come to life.”
Learn more about the student-managed fund and how to get involved at business.utsa.edu/finance/student-managed-fund.
— Rebekah Alegria
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