Fall '24 DFE Events and Programs

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

To view event dates in a calendar format, click here.

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.

The registration period for this competition has passed.

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.

The registration period for this competition has passed.

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 period: Wednesday, October 16 to Tuesday, October 22 at 1 PM
Team submissions due: Friday, November 8 at 1 PM
Presenting teams informed: Tuesday, November 12
In-person competition panel and reception: Tuesday, November 19
 

Finance Simulations by AmplifyME

DFE is excited to partner with the finance training firm AmplifyME to offer live, role-specific simulations to Duke students this fall. Choose from simulations in banking, markets, and quant to gain hands-on experience, receive in-depth performance data, and have the opportunity to be recruited by firms such as Morgan Stanley and UBS. All Duke undergraduates are invited to participate.

For scheduling flexibility, each type of simulation will be offered three times between late September and early November. View the calendar here. In addition, participants are invited to a Careers session, in which AmplifyME trainers will discuss how to leverage simulation experience and performance data in the recruiting process.

All students who sign up for AmplifyME simulations will get access to AmplifyME's career hub content, including interview practice, resume tips, and careers guidance, and receive AmplifyME's Daily Market Maker newsletter.

Registration/account setup instructions: log in through this link. Create your account by setting up your credentials or using Google or LinkedIn social logins. Next, make sure to complete the required information, including using your Duke email address and this Pathways code: 671843. Lastly, make sure to verify your account using the verification code sent to your Duke email address. Once verified, you can start booking your simulations from the events calendar and enjoying the resources available!
 

Markets Discussion Group

Multiple times this fall, DFE faculty will facilitate lively, informal discussion about the markets and the impact of global events. All undergrads are welcome: all majors, class years, and experience levels in finance. 

All sessions will take place from 5-6 PM in Soc Sci 136.

Thursday, October 17 REGISTER
Thursday, October 24 REGISTER
Thursday, November 14 REGISTER
Thursday, November 21 REGISTER
 

DFE Mentoring Pods

Sophomores will have the opportunity to be matched with a senior and one to two juniors this fall as part of our Mentoring Pods program. The upper-class students in each pod will provide informal mentorship to their assigned sophomores ahead of and during the finance internship recruiting process. 

In early October, an invitation for sophomores to sign up will go out via the DFE Email List.
 

Alumni Advising

Steve Columbaro ’97, an experienced investment professional, will hold in-person advising hours 1:30-4:00 PM on Mondays this fall, September 9 through November 25. He seeks to offer insights on finance recruiting, presentation skills, and résumé writing.

Sign up for Steve's advising hours at https://duke.is/AdvisingWithSteve.

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.
 

Intro to Mindfulness Sponsored by DFE

In four weekly sessions, learn stress management skills that will support you through the finance recruiting process and well beyond. All Duke students are welcome. Read more about this mindfulness course (formerly called Koru Mindfulness).

Mindfulness 2.0
This class incorporates breathwork, mindful movement, and a variety of meditation exercises.
Tuesday, October 22, 29, November 5, 12
1:25-2:40 PM in the Duke Wellness Center
REGISTER