The Consortium Finance Network is nearing the end of its second year with over 480 members across the country.
We recently hosted our fifth in a series of webinars ("The CFA and the MBA"), continue to meet with students and alumni in finance, provide guidance to all wherever we can, and arrange connections among Consortium alumni and students. Discussion in our Linkedin group is lively and covers many topics. We update blog postings weekly.
As we wrap up 2010, we welcome feedback, ideas, and suggestions about where CFN can go from here. We encourage all to step up and support CFN in many ways. The Steering Committee meets often to assess ideas, plan and execute projects and contemplate where we go next.
We are considering forming an Advisory Board of experienced people in finance interested in CFN's objectives and interested in being continually involved. We welcome input on its formation.
We encourage all to contribute to the discussion in Linkedin. Tell us what's working and not working. Help lead projects, participate in Steering Committee meetings, or make meaningful suggestions. We'll all in this together.
In 2011, once again we hope to plan more webinars, networking events, and another first-year MBA guide. We hope to have a bigger presence at the Orientation Program and host a major alumni gathering (as we did in 2009 at the Federal Reserve).
We'll continue to pair students with experienced professionals and help them in any way possible (interview preparation, career coaching and strategies, etc.). And we want more input, involvement and enthusiasm from more members.
Within Linkedin or on the website, we encourage the exchange of ideas, experiences and viewpoints and the sharing of knowledge about any aspect of finance.
Share your ideas and feedback with us, and stay involved.
CFN Steering Committee
Tracy Williams
Rachel Delcau
Camilo Sandoval
Showing posts with label Objectives. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Objectives. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
CFN: What's on Deck?
After existence for over 18 months, membership in the Consortium Finance Network heads toward the 500 mark. Activities, events, agenda and schedules evolve and get rejiggered from time to time. But CFN's objectives are still the same and are still relevant.
Now is the time for midsummer planning, a time to explore and outline events or projects for the fall. In recent weeks, the steering committee has discussed priorities and possible activities. It has also performed a self-assessment: what has worked, what hasn't, what to prioritize and what to plan, and how to recognize that everybody (students, alumni, sponsors, recruiters, and supporters) has limited time.
CFN welcomed the new class of Consortium students at the Orientation Program last month in Orlando. It has identified about 100 first-years who have expressed interest in finance or financial services. CFN invited that sub-group to join the group and distributed an electronic version of its second-annual first-year guide. The guide helps first-years prepare for school, core courses, finance courses, professors, recruiting, interviews, and the unceasing pressure to land the right internship. The guide is available to others who request a copy.
CFN is now seeking to identify more school champions at Consortium schools. School champions the past year told us what was going on on campus--students' concerns, worries, pressures, plans, achievements, long-term dreams, disappointments, successes, and hiring. They told us what corporations came (or didn't come) to campus, which ones aggressively recruited, and which ones made token appearances with little interest in making offers.
They told us about the low- and highlights of business school--the case studies, the hurdles of accounting and "baby finance," the spring-break trips abroad, the interesting investment-analysis courses, and the crushing workload. CFN is especially looking for champions on the campuses at such schools as Texas, Olin, UNC, Wisconsin, and Emory.
Membership today in CFN is assorted. Recent Consortium alumni and current students comprise most of the core. But over 100 include people who are sponsors, recruiters, mentors and friends of the Consortium. As hoped, membership includes those who are affiliated with all aspects of finance--from bankers, traders and investors to professionals in real estate, consulting, insurance, community development, academia, accounting, and corporate treasury.
CFN webinars on microfinance, job searches, and networking the past year were successful. CFN is considering planning webinars on the CFA designation, mentoring, and any relevant, popular topic others suggest.
Because there was no corporate sponsor, CFN didn't schedule a large-scale networking event in early 2010, as it did at the Federal Reserve in 2009. It continues to explore hosting such an event in late 2010 in New York, if a sponsor comes through.
The steering committee continues to review many ideas and possible initiatives. They include follow-up on executive and career coaching, a speed-networking event, an investment fund run by students, and a "boot camp" to help students prepare for finance recruiting. It welcomes help, input and recommendations from any member.
Last year's mentor program concluded with mixed reviews. The program included over 75 students and mentors. Some relationships worked well. Some didn't. With tough courses and difficult schedules, some students lacked time to pursue mentor relationships, yet they craved mentors when interviewing time rolled around. Mentors helped students with the intricacies of technical interviews. CFN prepared guides to enhancing mentor-student relationships and will update them and circulate them again.
The steering committee is reviewing how to sustain the best of last year's program, how to play the role as adviser in existing relationships, or how to frame the program by suggesting mentors rather than assigning them. The committee welcomes input and interest from potential
mentors.The committee is also exploring setting up an advisory team of senior experts, people with experience and reputations in a particular field of finance. That team would not spend as much time as the steering committee does. It will, however, make recommendations about focus and direction, make connections to other experts and participants, or simply share ideas from their points of view.
CFN discussion in Linkedin (with ties to the website and blog) has been lively, informative the last few months--thanks in part to contributions from experienced, informed members, who all seem to have thought-out points of view.
The dialogue and updates have touched many relevant topics in finance, diversity, opportunities, and career planning. It is the focal point for many CFN members, and it is hotbed of ideas and reflections from alumni, students, recent graduates, or outside experts. Often readers come away learning something or itching to add to the conversation. Contributions from anybody with an idea, a perspective, an update, or a teaching topic on finance, diversity or opportunities are encouraged.
Tracy Williams
Steering Committee: Rachel Delcau, Camilo Sandoval, Tracy Williams
The dialogue and updates have touched many relevant topics in finance, diversity, opportunities, and career planning. It is the focal point for many CFN members, and it is hotbed of ideas and reflections from alumni, students, recent graduates, or outside experts. Often readers come away learning something or itching to add to the conversation. Contributions from anybody with an idea, a perspective, an update, or a teaching topic on finance, diversity or opportunities are encouraged.
Tracy Williams
Steering Committee: Rachel Delcau, Camilo Sandoval, Tracy Williams
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
CFN: What's Up Next?
Consortium MBA students head into the home stretch of the school year--many deeply involved in another round of unrelenting coursework. First-year students are happily branching out into courses that take them beyond the core and more toward their real interests. Finance professionals, meanwhile, are in the throes of the business calendar year with targets to meet, costs to manage, and projects to get through. The slowdown of holiday yearend and the arduous sessions of yearend appraisals are done--thank goodness.
The Consortium Finance Network is falling in line and hopes to move to next steps, as well. What's next? CFN's steering committee has tentative plans and a bundle of ideas. As usual, input and assistance of any kind are welcome.
The webinar series has been an efficient, effective way to present topical material, especially on specific subjects. CFN has sponsored three since last August. Attendance varies, based on the topic and time of day. Presenters have been excited about their subject matter (microfinance or career management) and have summarized the material into neat, useful presentations. Participants have learned a lot in the 90-minute sessions.
CFN hopes to continue with webinars. On tap is a webinar on effective networking in the financial industry. The presenter will show there are right and wrong ways in networking.
Another possible webinar will focus on describing the dozens of opportunities for MBA's in finance at just one large financial institution. Not all MBA's in finance necessarily want to be (or can be) equity research analysts or M&A bankers. At a major bank, MBA's can be hired into systems and technology positions, corporate strategy roles, or financial management (forecasting and budgeting) jobs. And still be stimulated and handsomely paid.
The new class of Consortium MBA students will be announced soon. The annual Orientation Program will follow shortly afterward (this time in Orlando in June). Like last year, CFN will prepare and distribute its second-annual guide for MBA students in finance. Topics include preparing for recruiting, informational interviews, technical skills, and effective relationships with mentors. Topics will also cover finance, diversity, suggested reading, and non-traditional opportunities.
New students will be invited to join CFN via Linkedin. CFN and other Consortium special-interest groups hope to have a meaningful presence at the Orientation Program to introduce themselves to students right away.
Once again, CFN will appoint School Champions, Consortium students who report and share what's going on on their respective campuses. They note trends, general worries, and signs of opportunities, and inform us which banks and firms are swarming campus or not. This year, on some campuses, School Champions have been prompt, lively and eager to share their experiences and just as eager to learn about what's going on elsewhere.
After 2009's successful kick-off event at the Federal Reserve in New York, CFN still hopes to have a similar networking event in New York in 2010. Once again, the event would feature a panel of industry experts and insiders offering their perspectives on relevant financial issues. Just as important, the event will give alumni, sponsors and other CFN supporters an opportunity to meet and interact.
CFN will assess the current mentor program for first-year students and try to list lessons learned from this past school year. The mentor program has helped many students and introduced them to more contacts and possible opportunities. But the program can be improved, especially by ensuring students and mentors are properly matched. CFN, in turn, hopes to roll out the mentor program again for new students in finance in 2010.
Often there is a bustle of ideas about what CFN can do next and about how more people can be involved. As with all organizations, execution, planning, costs and timing are important factors.
One special idea on the table is to find ways to help alumni and other experienced professionals link up career coaches. CFN would act as a vehicle to introduce CFN members to designated people who can guide them in transitions, in long-term planning, or in a specific area (presentations, defining strengths, doing deals, a technical topic, managing people, interfacing with clients, etc.).
Another idea up for discussion is for CFN to administer an investment fund to permit students or younger alumni to implement and share some of their investment ideas and to measure performance.
Others may have ideas and should share them with the steering commitee. Feedback is always encouraged and even lets the committee know that CFN is getting one step closer in meeting objectives.
Tracy Williams
The Consortium Finance Network is falling in line and hopes to move to next steps, as well. What's next? CFN's steering committee has tentative plans and a bundle of ideas. As usual, input and assistance of any kind are welcome.
The webinar series has been an efficient, effective way to present topical material, especially on specific subjects. CFN has sponsored three since last August. Attendance varies, based on the topic and time of day. Presenters have been excited about their subject matter (microfinance or career management) and have summarized the material into neat, useful presentations. Participants have learned a lot in the 90-minute sessions.
CFN hopes to continue with webinars. On tap is a webinar on effective networking in the financial industry. The presenter will show there are right and wrong ways in networking.
Another possible webinar will focus on describing the dozens of opportunities for MBA's in finance at just one large financial institution. Not all MBA's in finance necessarily want to be (or can be) equity research analysts or M&A bankers. At a major bank, MBA's can be hired into systems and technology positions, corporate strategy roles, or financial management (forecasting and budgeting) jobs. And still be stimulated and handsomely paid.
The new class of Consortium MBA students will be announced soon. The annual Orientation Program will follow shortly afterward (this time in Orlando in June). Like last year, CFN will prepare and distribute its second-annual guide for MBA students in finance. Topics include preparing for recruiting, informational interviews, technical skills, and effective relationships with mentors. Topics will also cover finance, diversity, suggested reading, and non-traditional opportunities.
New students will be invited to join CFN via Linkedin. CFN and other Consortium special-interest groups hope to have a meaningful presence at the Orientation Program to introduce themselves to students right away.
Once again, CFN will appoint School Champions, Consortium students who report and share what's going on on their respective campuses. They note trends, general worries, and signs of opportunities, and inform us which banks and firms are swarming campus or not. This year, on some campuses, School Champions have been prompt, lively and eager to share their experiences and just as eager to learn about what's going on elsewhere.
After 2009's successful kick-off event at the Federal Reserve in New York, CFN still hopes to have a similar networking event in New York in 2010. Once again, the event would feature a panel of industry experts and insiders offering their perspectives on relevant financial issues. Just as important, the event will give alumni, sponsors and other CFN supporters an opportunity to meet and interact.
CFN will assess the current mentor program for first-year students and try to list lessons learned from this past school year. The mentor program has helped many students and introduced them to more contacts and possible opportunities. But the program can be improved, especially by ensuring students and mentors are properly matched. CFN, in turn, hopes to roll out the mentor program again for new students in finance in 2010.
Often there is a bustle of ideas about what CFN can do next and about how more people can be involved. As with all organizations, execution, planning, costs and timing are important factors.
One special idea on the table is to find ways to help alumni and other experienced professionals link up career coaches. CFN would act as a vehicle to introduce CFN members to designated people who can guide them in transitions, in long-term planning, or in a specific area (presentations, defining strengths, doing deals, a technical topic, managing people, interfacing with clients, etc.).
Another idea up for discussion is for CFN to administer an investment fund to permit students or younger alumni to implement and share some of their investment ideas and to measure performance.
Others may have ideas and should share them with the steering commitee. Feedback is always encouraged and even lets the committee know that CFN is getting one step closer in meeting objectives.
Tracy Williams
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Consortium Finance Network, a Year Later
A year later makes a difference. Recall a year ago--just after the collapse of Lehman Brothers and AIG, the bailouts of banks, the implosion of equity markets and the scattering of acronyms and phrases for the ages--TARP, CDO's, CDS, toxic assets, etc.
The mood was dismal, the outlook uncertain--although there was a glimpse of optimism after Obama's election triumph. Consortium students in finance, normally juggling lucrative options and opportunities, wondered if there would ever be a market or economic upturn. Nobody could project an impending recovery. Students and alumni asked themselves, "What can we do in finance? Will financial institutions hire, expand, grow, or become profitable ever again?" Some even bothered to ask, "Why finance?"
In the midst of it all, the Consortium Finance Network (CFN) came to be. It started with clear, simple objectives and hopes of establishing a forum for Consortium students, alumni and friends to learn about opportunities, to share stories about survival in a financial crisis, to find out about what's new or what's next, and to open pathways for MBA students who follow behind. CFN opened its doors to all with an interest in finance or financial services.
During the year, CFN hosted events and sponsored programs. In the meantime, the crisis ebbed toward its end; over time, there appeared a glimmer of hope for a recovery or a return to times when those in finance could thrive--at banks, funds, insurance companies, brokerages, corporations, venture-capital firms, and investment companies.
In February, CFN held its kick-off program in New York--thanks to the Federal Reserve Bank. Over 160 students, alumni and friends watched a panel discussion on perspectives in finance (coming out of the crisis). Experts from the FRB, Credit Suisse and Citi led the spirited discussion on opportunities, an expected recovery, diversity topics, and financial regulation.
In May, CFN hosted a transitions event in New York--thanks to Citi. Charlotte Lee, an executive counselor/coach, presented ideas on how Consortium students and alumni can differentiate themselves in a tough job market or in any transition into a position in finance. Lee told stories about what has worked, what hasn't, what you should do, and what you shouldn't.
Earlier in the year, CFN organized itself on Linkedin. Membership now numbers above 330 and includes Consortium students, alumni, sponsors, recruiters, and friends. Discussion topics (finance topics, current events, career opportunties, diversity issues, etc.) are presented on its blog. Blog topics included summaries of the top diversity firms, new post-crisis finance courses in business schools, recruiting strategies at top banks, and attributes of top performers in banks.
In June, CFN introduced itself to new Consortium students at the Orientation Program in Charlotte. CFN also distributed online a guide to first-year Consortium students in finance. The guide included advice on how to set up information interviews at investment banks, how to master the elevator pitch, and how there are plusses/minuses working at boutique firms.
After the Orientation Program, to maintain enthusiasm among students in finance, CFN appointed CFN school champions, who have regularly shared updates on campus, described the moods and opportunities, and disclosed what banks and firms have increased their recruiting efforts.
In August, CFN rolled out its mentorship program, matching over 50 students in finance with over 20 mentors (alumni and other experienced professionals). Mentors in the program have actively introduced students to other contacts and mentors.
In September, CFN sponsored a career-planning webinar (presented by Jason Alba, a career-management expert) with a special focus on online networking and effective use of Linkedin. Over 100 registered for the session. (CFN discovered how the webinar permits greater participation from people around the country.
By yearend, based on feedback, CFN began to plan events (i.e., webinars) that will also emphasize non-traditional MBA finance careers (e.g., microfinance, community banking, etc.). And CFN hopes the Federal Reserve event of February will become an annual gathering to discuss industry perspectives and to meet and greet fellow students, alumni and friends.
Not a bad year--given the uncertainties and the anxieties of the times and given the near-upheaval in the industry. Not a bad year--thanks in part to the enthusiasm, optimistic spirit and energy of many Consortium students and in part to the passion and commitment of many alumni, sponsors, and friends.
Tracy Williams
The mood was dismal, the outlook uncertain--although there was a glimpse of optimism after Obama's election triumph. Consortium students in finance, normally juggling lucrative options and opportunities, wondered if there would ever be a market or economic upturn. Nobody could project an impending recovery. Students and alumni asked themselves, "What can we do in finance? Will financial institutions hire, expand, grow, or become profitable ever again?" Some even bothered to ask, "Why finance?"
In the midst of it all, the Consortium Finance Network (CFN) came to be. It started with clear, simple objectives and hopes of establishing a forum for Consortium students, alumni and friends to learn about opportunities, to share stories about survival in a financial crisis, to find out about what's new or what's next, and to open pathways for MBA students who follow behind. CFN opened its doors to all with an interest in finance or financial services.
During the year, CFN hosted events and sponsored programs. In the meantime, the crisis ebbed toward its end; over time, there appeared a glimmer of hope for a recovery or a return to times when those in finance could thrive--at banks, funds, insurance companies, brokerages, corporations, venture-capital firms, and investment companies.
In February, CFN held its kick-off program in New York--thanks to the Federal Reserve Bank. Over 160 students, alumni and friends watched a panel discussion on perspectives in finance (coming out of the crisis). Experts from the FRB, Credit Suisse and Citi led the spirited discussion on opportunities, an expected recovery, diversity topics, and financial regulation.
In May, CFN hosted a transitions event in New York--thanks to Citi. Charlotte Lee, an executive counselor/coach, presented ideas on how Consortium students and alumni can differentiate themselves in a tough job market or in any transition into a position in finance. Lee told stories about what has worked, what hasn't, what you should do, and what you shouldn't.
Earlier in the year, CFN organized itself on Linkedin. Membership now numbers above 330 and includes Consortium students, alumni, sponsors, recruiters, and friends. Discussion topics (finance topics, current events, career opportunties, diversity issues, etc.) are presented on its blog. Blog topics included summaries of the top diversity firms, new post-crisis finance courses in business schools, recruiting strategies at top banks, and attributes of top performers in banks.
In June, CFN introduced itself to new Consortium students at the Orientation Program in Charlotte. CFN also distributed online a guide to first-year Consortium students in finance. The guide included advice on how to set up information interviews at investment banks, how to master the elevator pitch, and how there are plusses/minuses working at boutique firms.
After the Orientation Program, to maintain enthusiasm among students in finance, CFN appointed CFN school champions, who have regularly shared updates on campus, described the moods and opportunities, and disclosed what banks and firms have increased their recruiting efforts.
In August, CFN rolled out its mentorship program, matching over 50 students in finance with over 20 mentors (alumni and other experienced professionals). Mentors in the program have actively introduced students to other contacts and mentors.
In September, CFN sponsored a career-planning webinar (presented by Jason Alba, a career-management expert) with a special focus on online networking and effective use of Linkedin. Over 100 registered for the session. (CFN discovered how the webinar permits greater participation from people around the country.
By yearend, based on feedback, CFN began to plan events (i.e., webinars) that will also emphasize non-traditional MBA finance careers (e.g., microfinance, community banking, etc.). And CFN hopes the Federal Reserve event of February will become an annual gathering to discuss industry perspectives and to meet and greet fellow students, alumni and friends.
Not a bad year--given the uncertainties and the anxieties of the times and given the near-upheaval in the industry. Not a bad year--thanks in part to the enthusiasm, optimistic spirit and energy of many Consortium students and in part to the passion and commitment of many alumni, sponsors, and friends.
Tracy Williams
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
CFN Objectives
The Consortium Finance Network objectives are to:
- Maintain continuing ties with The Consortium
- Encourage networks among alumni peers and industry participants in financial services
- Develop career strategies in the current environment and communicate new opportunities
- Connect with financial-institution sponsors of The Consortium
- Help promote The Consortium's diversity mission
- Increase knowledge in finance topics, issues, services and tools
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