Fall '23 DFE Events

This page will be updated with registration links throughout the semester. 

Click here to access a document with key event dates.

The best way to stay on top of DFE activities is to join the DFE Email List. You will get notified when we open registration for the opportunities below and add new events, such as Lunch & Learn sessions with alumni.
 

Competitions for Sophomores

BlackRock Asset Allocation Competition

In teams of three or four, students step into the role of portfolio managers for this competition sponsored by BlackRock, the world's largest asset management firm. Read more about the Asset Allocation Competition.

Registration for the BlackRock Competition is closed.

DFE Corporate Valuation Competition

This team-based competition will deepen your understanding of how investment banks value corporations as part of deal activity such as mergers, acquisitions, and LBOs. Read more about the Corporate Valuation Competition.

Registration for the Corporate Valuation Competition is closed.

Goldman Sachs Trade Pitch Competition

The objective of this competition is to learn how to create and justify a trade idea on behalf of a hedge fund. Work in a team of three to propose a unique trade and create a presentation with an explanation of the trade thesis. Read more about the Trade Pitch Competition.

Registration for the Goldman Sachs Competition is closed.
 

Finance Book Club

Cover of The Bond King: How One Man Made a Market, Built an Empire, and Lost It All by Mary Childs

Warren Buffett estimates that he spends 80% of his day reading – scouring newspapers, magazines, annual reports, and a broad array of books. If one of the greatest investors in history can find time to read so much, then it’s probably a good idea for you to find time to read as well. DFE is excited to launch our brand-new Finance Book Club, where you'll embark on an engaging journey through the pages of popular financial literature. Our inaugural book selection is none other than The Bond King: How One Man Made a Market, Built an Empire, and Lost It All by Mary Childs – a gripping tale of triumphs, challenges, and lessons learned in the realm of finance.

The book club will be led by DFE Lecturing Fellow, Lee Reiners, and is open to all undergraduate students, regardless of major. Whether you're a seasoned finance enthusiast or just beginning to explore the field, this book club promises to enhance your understanding and provide real-world perspectives that go beyond the classroom.

The first meeting will be on Monday October 2nd, from 7-8 PM in Social Sciences 139. Dinner will be provided. Secure your spot in the Finance Book Club now and be part of a vibrant community that appreciates the power of financial literature!
 

Markets Discussion Group with John Caccavale

Group photo of about 25 students with John Caccavale in a classroom

Every 2-3 weeks, DFE Executive Director John Caccavale facilitates a lively, informal discussion about the markets and the impact of global events. All students are welcome: all majors, class years, and experience levels in finance. Sessions are from 5-6 PM in Soc Sci 139 on the dates below.

Monday, September 11
Monday, October 9 
Monday, October 23 
Monday, November 6 

 

Finance Mentor Program for Sophomores

In this program, DFE matches students with alumni professionals in the financial markets and beyond. Mentor-mentee pairs engage in at least three conversations as the students prepare for the rigors of financial market recruiting.

Registration for the Mentor Program is closed.
 

Alumni Advising

Steve Columbaro ’97, an experienced investment professional, will hold in-person advising hours 1:30-4:00 PM on Mondays this fall, through November 27. He seeks to offer insights on finance recruiting, presentation skills, and résumé writing.

Sign up for Steve's advising hours at bit.ly/AdvisingWithSteve.

Black and white headshot of Steve Columbaro wearing a suit and tie

More about Steve Columbaro: Prior to assisting the Duke Financial Economics Center, Steve was the Deputy Head of the U.S. Bank Loan Team at Columbia Threadneedle Investments. He was the Lead Senior Portfolio Manager for both a publicly traded mutual fund and separately managed accounts in non-investment grade credit. He also led the separately managed account fundraising effort and held credit research responsibilities during his 15-year tenure at Columbia Threadneedle Investments. In addition to managing non-investment grade credit investments, Steve held prior roles analyzing, investing in, and monitoring investments in investment grade credit, mezzanine debt, LBOs, growth equity, and venture capital. Steve has an AB in Public Policy Studies (minor in Economics) from Duke University, and an MBA from the Anderson School at UCLA. Steve is also a CFA Charterholder.

For additional advising opportunities, see DFE's Eichel Finance Advising Network page.

Koru Mindfulness Sponsored by DFE

Learn stress management skills that will support you through the finance recruiting process and well beyond. All Duke students are welcome. Read more about Koru.

Koru Basic:
Wednesday, Sept. 27, Oct. 4, Oct. 11, and Oct. 18
3:00-4:15 PM in the Duke Wellness Center