Testimonials of Investment Professionals

The program is fortunate to have many very successful alumni. The alumni recognize where their investment careers started (in the Applied Security Analysis Program) and they are giving back in many ways. We sincerely appreciate their support. The comments below describe what the ASAP has meant to a few of our alumni.

 

"The Applied Security Analysis Program is an intense immersion in portfolio management and fundamental research.  I was able to hone my analytical skills and fundamental research.  I would not be where I am today if I had not participated in the ASAP."

Maya Bittar, ASAP '91
Portfolio Manager
Wellington Management Company
Boston, MA

 

 

"Participating in ASAP during a particularly difficult economy challenged me to develop the research and decision-making skills essential to success during the toughest of markets.  I view ASAP as one of the key reasons for my success today."

Jeff Diermeier, ASAP '74
CEO
CFA Institute (formerly AIMR)
Charlottesville, VA

 

 

 

 

"As a graduate of the program, the most beneficial aspect has been the connection that is maintained between fellow ASAP alums, almost all of whom have stayed in the investment business.  Many of us enjoy staying in touch with the program through ongoing lectures and meetings, sharing with the ASAP students what we have learned over the years and helping them find the right career path."

Phill Gross, ASAP '83
Managing Director
Adage Capital Management
Boston, MA

 

 

 

"The Applied Security Analysis Program was a fantastic learning experience and significantly improved my investing skills. It also allowed me to become part of a close-knit alumni network of investment professionals, which has been an outstanding resource for me throughout my career."

Brian Hellmer, ASAP '88
Director of Research
Northern Capital Management, LLC
Madison, WI

 

 

 

"The Applied Security Analysis Program was my first opportunity to intensively apply the theoretical teachings of academic finance to the actual practice of investment management. The program affords students a tremendous latitude of inquiry supported by resources that are on par with the largest investment management firms. Furthermore, the constant involvement of alumni with students interjects a real- time, real-world element of instruction that is simply not available at any other institution.
 

The friends I've made via my participation and ongoing involvement in ASAP for 20 years still form a nucleus of contacts that enhance my career. I strongly recommend the program to anyone interested in a career in investment management or institutional securities sales and trading. ASAP has attained a well-deserved, nationwide renown in the securities business. It is, quite simply, the finest applied investment management program in collegiate America today."

Matthew  E. Klecker, ASAP '84
Vice-President
Derivative and Mortgage Product Sales & Trading Goldman, Sachs & Co.
Chicago, IL

 

"The terrific thing about the ASAP was that I learned and lived exactly the job I have today. We put together an investment philosophy, came up with an investment process, handed out responsibilities and managed real money. That's EXACTLY what we do at work today."

Tom Madsen, ASAP '79
Global Head of Equities
UBS Global Asset Management Limited
London, England

 

 

 

"The Applied Security Analysis Program was my first chance to closely interact with other students who shared my passion for investing. That, combined with program leadership who exposed us to both the academic view of investing as well as their real-world experiences, created a tremendous learning environment. Today, many of my closest friends in the investment business remain the classmates I shared the Applied experience with. I would heartily recommend the Applied program to any student who is committed to a career in the investment business."

Bill Nygren, ASAP '81
Portfolio Manager,
Oakmark Fund and Oakmark Select Fund
Harris Associates, Inc.
Chicago, IL

 

"The Applied Security Analysis Program was a unique and rewarding experience. I was able to expand my investment knowledge academically, and then apply these concepts throughout the investment process. The challenge of finding new investment ideas and working effectively with other team members created a dynamic learning environment. I would highly recommend the Applied Security Analysis Program to anyone seeking a career in the investment profession."

Reg Pfeifer, ASAP '87
REIT Portfolio Manager
Thrivent Financial for Lutherans
Appleton , WI

 

 

"The Applied Security Analysis Program was an incredible start to a career in the investment industry. Managing an actual portfolio, having access to investment professionals through the ASAP alumni, and being in a program where everyone was there to pursue a career in the investment field was a incredible experience and an excellent foundation for working in the industry."

Scott Roberts, ASAP '87
President
Deerfield Capital Management
Chicago, IL

 

"Participating in the Applied Securities Analysis Program was an incredibly rewarding experience on several fronts. Looking back, I see particular value in the ability to immerse yourself in the investment process while working with a select group of classmates who share your passion for investing. The program has rightfully earned a powerful reputation for the opportunity afforded its students to interact with strong and knowledgeable ASAP alumni. The foundation that the ASAP provides you with for a career in the investment management field can not be underestimated."

Jay Sekelsky, ASAP '87
Managing Director
Madison Investment Advisors, Inc.
Madison, WI

 

"The Applied Security Analysis Program gave my understanding of equity research and portfolio construction a tremendous lift -- so much that it helped me land my first job as a buy side research analyst at JP Morgan 16 years ago. I think back at this program and feel very lucky that I was one of the students chosen to participate. I'm not sure I would have reached my current position without it. If you are a student and you want to break into the investment business, this is one of the best choices you can make."

Helge M. Skibeli, ASAP '90
Managing Director
JP Morgan Asset Management
New York, NY