Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Free Money Finance: Seven Tips for a Better Resume

Free Money Finance: Seven Tips for a Better Resume:
"Yahoo lists seven tips for a better resume as follows:

1. Select the best format.
2. Make certain your document is error free.
3. Find a balance between wordiness and lack of detail.
4. Do not use personal pronouns.
5. Use numerical symbols for numbers.
6. Think 'accomplishments' rather than 'job duties.'
7. Keep it positive."
There is more as well as some things that Yahoo does not have. So if you are on the Job Market, definitely click through!

Free Money Finance is one of my favorite personal finance blogs. Definitely worth reading! (I think so highly of it that I get it via both MyYahoo, iGoogle, and my Google reader!)

Monday, November 17, 2008

Apple's Stock (AAPL) Cheap, Cheap, Cheap

A good example for all classes, but even better for SIMM

Apple's Stock (AAPL) Cheap, Cheap, Cheap:
"Apple generated $8.5 billion of free cash flow in fiscal 2008 (through September). Apple's enterprise value at $88 a share is about $56 billion. That's 7X trailing free cash flow."

Saturday, November 15, 2008

Insider trading class discussion

from Bnet

"PETE ROSE not betting on the Reds on a particular day certainly told other bettors, bookies, etc. that something was not right with the Reds that day (due to an injury or whatever). That is terrible! His silence was tantamount to insider trading. We all know how many hits Pete had, but I wonder how many "hits" were made by gamblers because of Pete's inside knowledge"

and then my personal favorite from a couple years ago. WOW!

"You have to read this! It has everything any insider trading case could want---from a retired seamstress, to classified ads placed to hire accomplices, to the theft of advance copies of BusinessWeek, to strippers, to Russian baths. (I am not making this up!)"

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Finance 401 project

Due to a conflict with the Finance 401 exam, the term paper will be due Dec 3rd.

Monday, November 10, 2008

Jeremy Siegel's Mistake: Why Stocks Are NOT "Dirt Cheap"

Jeremy Siegel's Mistake: Why Stocks Are NOT "Dirt Cheap":
"The 15X average PE for the S&P 500 is what you get when you use professor Shiller's methodology, which averages 10 years of trailing earnings (and, therefore, if profit margins are normal, uses earnings of about 4 years ago). Prof Siegel's earnings estimate, meanwhile, is a forward estimate--one that adds about 5 years of trended growth (6% a year) to the Shiller estimate, but uses the same PE.

We suspect that, if Prof Siegel performed the same 'trended' analysis over the entire 20th Century, the average PE for forward trended earnings would be about 11X-12X, not 15X. This, we expect, would produce a fair value estimate much closer to that of Shiller, Grantham, Smithers, et al."
Given our class discussion on ratios and using multiples to value equities, this one is a must read for all classes! (yes click through to the article)

Saturday, October 25, 2008

This will allow me to

This will allow me to update blog by phone in event of class cancellation etc.

SIMM Calendar

Friday, October 24, 2008

Test answers

Sorry for the delay...forgot yesterday..

1) C

2) E

3) D

4) E

5) D

6) C

7) D

8) E

9) E

10) A

11) D

12) C

13) B

14) E

15) A,B,C,D,E

16) E

17) A

18) B

19) B

20) E

21) D

22) B

23) B

24) A

25) D

26) C

27) C

28) D

29) B

30) E

31) D

32) D

33) E

34) D

35) E

36) A

37) B

38) C

39) D

40) E

41) E

42) C

43) E

44) D

45) B

46) E

47) C

48) C

49) B

50) E

51) B

52) D

53) D

54) E

55) D

56) C

57) A

58) C

59) D

60) D

61) C

62) C

63) C

64) C

65) B

66) E

67) D

68) D

69) C

70) C

71) E

72) E

73) C

74) B

75) E


Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Finance Students Keep Their Job Hopes Alive - NYTimes.com

Finance Students Keep Their Job Hopes Alive - NYTimes.com:
"Financial companies shed 150,000 jobs last year and more than 100,000 so far this year, according to Challenger, Gray & Christmas, a national job placement company. Yet amid the downturn, applications to graduate business schools rose this year, as they have in other periods of uncertainty."

Thursday, October 09, 2008

Anxious time for finance majors

Anxious time for finance majors:
"CLEVELAND -- With the meltdown on Wall Street, many finance majors are worried about whether they can find jobs when they graduate.

'I have at least one more year of college, so I hope it will get better, hopefully,' says Seth Woolfe, a CSU finance junior.

It may be harder to find internships for college students, especially paid internships.

'Before you might have had three job offers when you graduated, now you may have to settle for a satisfactory job, not your dream job,' says Alan Reichert, a CSU Finance Professor.

Finance is the second most popular major in the College of Business at CSU. There are about 300 finance majors."

Tuesday, October 07, 2008

Markets crimp plans of would-be investment bankers - The Boston Globe

Markets crimp plans of would-be investment bankers - The Boston Globe:
"There are still opportunities in finance,' said Bakewell, who ended up taking the summer spot under JPMorgan Chase. 'You can't just change your whole career path. I can't imagine trying to do a complete 180 just based on recent events.'

There were a few more jangled nerves in the immediate aftermath of the September turmoil that toppled the remaining independent investment banks. Faculty and administrators at numerous business schools describe their second-year MBA students in particular as stunned or even panicked initially.

Students are starting to accept the new reality, school officials say, although many are reviewing their options and looking at smaller firms in different areas or even at different fields."

Wednesday, October 01, 2008

IBM

I have had several past students mention (ok, so two) that this is a good opportunity...be sure to check it out...from notice board:

Interested in working for IBM?

If so, plan to attend the IBM information session presented by Kathleen Colucci, SBU alumna and IBM vice-president, finance.

When: Thursday, Oct. 2 from 4 – 5 p.m.
Where: Reilly Center, Rm. 219

IBM has full-time corporate financial planning opportunities for candidates earning degrees in finance, accounting, or business.

Connie Whitcomb

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Some valuation resources

In finance 401 we are doing valuation and I have mentioned SIMM several times. Here are some resources you might find useful in your valuations. Students in Money Management Resources

Monday, September 29, 2008

Fin401mainpage

Projecting Cash flows--the spreadsheet will be modified but here it is to start"

Sorry, I changed the file online but forgot to tell people...

here is the 401 projected financials:
http://www.financeprofessor.com/fin301/projectedfinancials.xls

Tuesday, September 02, 2008

Colleges spending more time teaching financial literacy | Dallas Morning News | News for Dallas, Texas | Pamela Yip | Personal Finance | Business Colu

The Finance Club is talking about doing this. Any interest?

Colleges spending more time teaching financial literacy | Dallas Morning News | News for Dallas, Texas | Pamela Yip | Personal Finance | Business Columnist | Dallas Morning News:
"'One of the things that we have found is that the population has very little background in basic economics and personal finance,' said Steven L. Cobb, center director and chairman of the economics department. 'The earlier that we start teaching economics, the earlier students begin to understand these concepts and the better the chance that they will be good consumers.'

Other schools are also active in offering personal finance courses."

Friday, August 29, 2008

Free Money Finance: A Better Way to Get the Salary You Want

Deciding whether or not to mention salary requirements is always a question interviewers have, so this advice from FreeMoney Finance is well worth reading!

Some good advice from Free Money Finance: A Better Way to Get the Salary You Want:
"I think this advice is not realistic. If an interviewer asks you point blank what your salary requirements are, you may be able to dodge him once or twice with a smooth, non-committal answer. But if he presses you (which I would do), you're either going to have to tell him or look uncooperative/obstinate -- which obviously doesn't put your best foot forward during the interview process.

So here's an alternative that I like from Yahoo -- price yourself like a house"

Read more about this...BEFORE you interview!

Thursday, August 28, 2008

On and Off-Campus Recruiting

On and Off-Campus Recruiting:
"Register with The Career Center by opening a free, SBU College Central Network account and post a current résumé to it. The site is located at: www.collegecentral.com/sbu. For information on how to navigate College Central Network, click HERE.

** Attend an 'On-Campus Recruiting Orientation' in order to be eligible, if selected, to participate in an interview. You must attend an orientation before you sign up for an interview. Previous recruiting-orientation participants do not need to attend again. Please check with the Career Center to determine your eligibility."

MANY finance jobs are filled in the Fall....so now is the time to begin....Feel free to show me your resume as well. Far from an expert, but I will mark it up for you.

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Meetings...

12:30 Friday BonaResponds leader meeting...looks great on a resume! and you know it is the right thing to do. Become a leader!

and then we can walk over to

1:00 Friday Finance club meeting:

There will be a Finance Club meeting this Friday at 1pm in the SIMM room, located in the basement of the R.C. Topics discussed, among other things, will be the annual New York City Trip and the Alumni Golf Tournament. The meeting is open to all students regardless of year or major. If you are unable to attend the meeting and would like information on the club or events please e-mail Mark Larry at larrymj@sbu.edu .

Monday, August 11, 2008

The Park Library - Bloomberg Terminal Guide

The Park Library - Bloomberg Terminal Guide-
Another Bloomberg certification site.

bloomberg+certification - Fast Answer Search - Baker Library | Bloomberg Center

bloomberg+certification - Fast Answer Search - Baker Library | Bloomberg Center:
"Why complete certification? Gain comprehensive knowledge of Bloomberg Professional service, optimize job performance, and differentiate yourself from peers."

Friday, May 23, 2008

College Job Market

From Business Week College Job Market:
"We talk to nervous college seniors who are about to enter the job force in a very uncertain economic environment. We'll provide advice on how to land that first job"

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

The Last-Minute Résumé Filler

The Last-Minute Résumé Filler:
"Nonprofits can't always afford to pay for an intern but are frequently looking for extra help. Volunteering over the summer, even for just 10 or 15 hours a week, can provide a résumé-worthy experience, says Diane Crist, director of the career development center at the University of St. Thomas' Opus College of Business in St. Paul, Minn. The experience may also allow the student to demonstrate some initiative and organizational savvy, qualities that will appeal to future employers, Crist notes."

Monday, April 28, 2008

Who Killed Montana Power?, Steve Kroft: Ex-Shareholders Feel Misled - CBS News

From class:

Who Killed Montana Power?, Steve Kroft: Ex-Shareholders Feel Misled - CBS News:
"Its demise may not be the biggest scandal of our time, but to its stockholders, it shows how greed and outright stupidity destroyed one of the oldest and proudest companies in America. Correspondent Steve Kroft reports."

Sunday, April 27, 2008

Answer Key for MBA 610 Test 1--Hilbert version

I have zero idea what happened with the key, but it was so far off it was as if different test. So it will be regraded, but here is the key.

  1. e
  2. c
  3. a
  4. c
  5. d
  6. b
  7. e
  8. c
  9. a
  10. 10.b
  11. d
  12. e
  13. d
  14. d
  15. c
  16. a
  17. b
  18. e
  19. c
  20. 20. b
  21. b
  22. d
  23. THROWN OUT
  24. e
  25. b
  26. d
  27. d
  28. c
  29. e
  30. 30. e
  31. d
  32. a
  33. a or b
  34. c
  35. d
  36. c
  37. e
  38. c
  39. e
  40. 40. e
  41. c
  42. d
  43. a
  44. d
  45. c
  46. c
  47. THROW OUT
  48. d
  49. a
  50. 50. a
  51. b
  52. a
  53. d
  54. c
  55. a
  56. e
  57. b
  58. e
  59. b
  60. 60. d
  61. c
  62. a
  63. b
  64. c
  65. c
  66. c
  67. a
  68. throw out
  69. c,e
  70. 70. c
  71. e
  72. c
  73. D or E
  74. e
  75. c
  76. d
  77. d
  78. c
  79. c
  80. 80. b
  81. c
  82. c
  83. b
  84. c
  85. c
  86. c
  87. b
  88. e
  89. b
  90. 90. a
  91. d
  92. b
  93. b
  94. d
  95. e
  96. a
  97. d
  98. c
  99. b
  100. THROW OUT
The result of this is that the average went up by about 20 points out of the 300.

MBA 610 Hilbert tests

There was a problem with the key. Just looked over the report and not sure what happened, but am going over the test instead of using the key provided...Seems like the errors were all concentrated in questions that came from the text's test bank.

Will update as soon as possible.

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

402 cases for 4/21 and 4/23

4/21 Genzyme/Gel Tex (read Introduction to Debt policy and value)
4/23 Jet Blue IPO valuation (Read Structuring Corporate Finance

Monday, April 14, 2008

Looking for a job?

From Career Services:

Dresser RandFinancial Management Acceleration Program (FMAP)
MajorsAccounting, Finance (must have 21 hours of accounting courses)
Degrees – Bachelors, Masters (May or December 2008)
GPA minimum 3.0
Resumes due by Noon, April 18, to the Career Center

Additional information is available in your SBU College Central account (www.collegecentral.com/sbu). Please contact the Career Center, room 216 RC, if you have any questions.

Tuesday, April 08, 2008

History lesson

For much of the second part of 1968 and some of 1969 the NYSE changed its operations as part of a "Paperwork Crisis." Specifically, for the second part of 1968 the market closed on Wednesdays and for much of 1969 the market was closed early in order to get caught up on paper work.

You can read more about this from the NYSE itself.

The reason I am telling you this, is that I am going to declare my own paperwork crisis and give Finance 402 a reprieve on Wed. We will have class, but no case will be presented. You will still be responsible for readings and for coming.

We will be having a regular class.

Monday, April 07, 2008

finance cases

http://www.erisk.com/Learning/CaseStudies.asp

Student investment funds

Michael Price Student Investment Fund: "The Michael Price Student Investment Fund (MPSIF) is a family of funds managed directly by NYU Stern MBA students. The fund, part of the overall NYU endowment, was established in 1999 through a generous gift from Michael Price, managing partner, MFP Investors, LLC and former chairman of Franklin Mutual Series funds."

University of Maryland: Mary Lund Davis endowed Pacific Lutheran University the sum of $25,000 for the establishment of The Business School Student Investment Fund, now named the Mary Lund Davis Student Investment Fund (SIF). The primary purpose of this endowment is to provide a learning experience for students in investment portfolio management.

Texas: The student portfolio managers are selected through an application and interview process each November. Once selected, the new student managers begin training with the graduating student managers, and take over the Fund portfolio in March. The managers are responsible for virtually all activity with the Fund's portfolio, including company research, economic forecasting, risk management, pitching stock and bond ideas, working with the Fund's brokers to execute trades, and producing written reports and verbal presentations to the Fund's Advisory Committee.

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Wednesday Career Fest

Heard from a past student today that he is definitely coming and looking to hire, so you are crazy not to go!
From the Career Center:

The Career Center will be hosting it’s annual, on-campus career fair, CareerFest ’08, this Wednesday, March 26. It will take place in Doyle Dining & Trustees’ rooms from noon to 2 p.m. and is open to students of ALL CLASS LEVELS and ALL MAJORS!

Students may stop in anytime and will be eligible to win prizes. Please encourage your students to attend!

Finance students, those just beginning their career as well as those with some experience, would benefit in many ways by attending and speaking with employer representatives.

While we highly recommend professional attire (business suit/business casual), we realize some students may not be able to “dress up” and they are also welcome. Representatives will be sharing information about career fields in general, internships, graduate schools, volunteer and part/full-time career opportunities. Currently, the following employers are looking for finance or related majors.

Corning Inc.
Lockheed Martin
Robert Half International (AccounTemps)
Manning & Napier
AXA Advisors
Pioneer Credit Recovery
JP Turner & Co./Clark Capital Partners
Prudential Financial

Additional information about the event, including a list of employer participants, is available online at http://www.sbu.edu/academic_resources.aspx?id=2926. Please feel free to contact me with any questions and THANK YOU for encouraging your students’ participation in this major event!


Wednesday, March 05, 2008

Finance 402 Cases

Cases:


3/10 Monday: Ben and Jerry
3/12 Wednesday: Fed Ex vs UPS

3/17 Krispy Kreme (Read the Financial Detective)
3/19 Padgett Paper (Kota Fibres not presented but is testable)

3/24 Server Vault &Best Practices-Not presented but it is testable--do we have class?
3/26 Nike (Coke vs. Pepsi not presented but it is testable)

3/31 Coke and Pepsi (read Boeing)
4/2 Compass Records (read Investment Detective)

4/7 Genzyme/Gel Tex (read Introduction to Debt policy and value)
4/9 Jet Blue IPO valuation (Read Structuring Corporate Finance policy)


Others will be announced ASAP

all are testable (so "read" or presentations)

Monday, March 03, 2008

Cheat Sheet for 610 test

The test will be largelt Multiple choice (given size of class really do not have much of an alternative). You are allowed a single page (front only) 8.5 by 11 cheat sheet. You can write as small as you want.

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Free Pizza! Ok, so there are better reasons to go!

A gotta go!!

All students are invited to attend a lunchtime panel presentation of five, recent alums who will share job-seeking advice and provide helpful tips about career decision making. Topics to be discussed include networking successfully, getting the job you want, and standing out in a competitive job market. The program is co-sponsored by The Career Center and Alumni Services.

Advice & a Slice – Backpack to Blackberry

Monday, February 18
12:30 – 1:25 p.m.
Hall of Fame Room, Reilly Center

Pizza and soda will be provided.

Advance registration with the Career Center, room 216 RC, is requested. Please sign up by Friday, February 15. All pre-registered students will be eligible to win a Bluetooth courtesy of Verizon Wireless! You must be present at the event to win.

Thank you,
Renée

Renée Caya-Bizzaro, Assistant Director, The Career Center

Friday, February 01, 2008

From Career Services

Please share the following information with your students…

In order to be eligible to participate in on-campus recruiting, students must attend an on-campus recruiting orientation before interviewing. The following orientations are being offered this semester for students who have not yet attended one and are interested in participating in on-campus interviewing. Orientations take place in the Career Center, room 216 RC.

12:30 - 1:20 p.m. -- February 1 & 6
3:00 - 3:50 p.m. -- February 5

3:30 - 4:20 p.m. -- February 6

Please contact the Career Center if you have questions or need additional information.

Thank you,
Renée

Renée Caya-Bizzaro, Assistant Director, The Career Cente

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Looking for a part time job??

Ok, so I really need help. (yeah probably "that kind" of help too, but....)

Was approved for funding through school of business for some hours, plus a bigger project which will also be funded (not sure how yet, but it will be):

The job entails:

* recording homeworks etc (EXCEL)
* research (online and in library--soon on Bloomberg machine as well)
* cleaning office
* helping with Websites (FinanceProfessor and probably BonaResponds.org as well)
* dealing with administration (getting purchase orders etc).


probably 10-15 hours a week. MAINLY flexible hours. Occasionally will have to be at office when I am around so maybe 1-3 hours a week of set times.

let me know if interested. Would look good on a resume!!


Definitely do not need to be a finance major, but that can't hurt.

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Cool job opening!!

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

John G. Ullman and Associates, Inc., a comprehensive financial management services firm based in the Southern Tier New York seeks to employ a qualified individual for the positions of Account Executive or Associate Account Executive.

Overview of John G. Ullman & Associates, Inc.

The hiring firm is an independent comprehensive financial management services business headquartered in Corning New York with branch offices in Rhinebeck and Rochester New York. It was founded in 1978, by its CEO and president and has enjoyed 29 years of continuous growth. The firm, which is fee-based, serves over nine hundred and twenty clients and has in excess of $635 million of assets under management. It subscribes, without exception, to the highest ethical standards and to complete confidentiality on behalf of its clients. A highly professional staff includes specialists in virtually every area impacting the management of personal finances. The firm provides unbiased customer service with no conflicts of interest. Services, include but are not limited to, tax management, retirement planning, insurance planning, education planning, executive compensation planning, and estate planning in addition to individualized portfolio management.

Position Description and Concept

The position of Account Executive is primarily founded on the following functions:

Ø Counsel clients and administer the firm’s comprehensive financial management services on an ongoing basis, upholding all professional standards.

Ø Identify and develop new business prospects including individuals, families and non-profit organizations.

Ø Develop and maintain expertise in areas of financial management practice.

Ø Serve as the family financial manager, developing long-term relationships.

The training process will include close interaction with experienced, Senior Account Executives and formal training plan for associate level positions. External training will include coursework and successful completion of the Certified Financial Planner® designation (if candidate does not already possess CFP® designation).

Candidate Qualifications

Prospective candidates with the following qualifications will be considered for this position:

Ø Mature individual with excellent interpersonal and communication skills

Ø Four-year college degree required. Graduate or advanced degree preferred

Ø Proven record of personal, academic, and employment-related accomplishments

Ø A minimum of 3-5 years of applicable professional experience.

Ø Self-starter, capable and comfortable working independently with high levels of intensity and motivation.

Ø Hard working and loyal with a strong by-in to servicing clients. This is not a sales position, but outstanding customer service will result in new client referrals.

Successful Account Executives within the firm have backgrounds in banking, law, insurance, education, marketing and investment analysis. This may be an appealing position to an individual wishing to make a mid-career change.

Compensation

Compensation will be commensurate with experience and includes salary, incentive bonus structure, as well as an extremely competitive benefit package. The position provides an excellent opportunity for substantial income growth.

For More Information

Contact Carol Wittmeyer, president of the Meliora Group:

Carol@melioragroup.com; 716.474.6833

Apply online at www.melioragroup.com

To learn more about John G. Ullman & Associates visit www.jgua.com


From Career services

Another one you do not want to miss!

Interested students must submit a hardcopy resume to the Career Center, room 216 RC, by or before the resume-due date listed below for this opportunity. Details about the posting are available in your SBU College Central account (www.collegecentral.com/sbu).

DEUTSCHE BANK SECURITIES – Corporate Finance Analyst Internship (New York, NY) – ALL majors (graduate and undergraduate)
Resumes due: Monday, January 28
*GPA must be listed on resume – 3.25 minimum; must be graduating May 2009 to be eligible.

Additional information about the employer is available online at www.db.com.

Thank you,
Renée

Renée Caya-Bizzaro, Assistant Director, The Career Center

Room 216 Reilly Center, P.O. Box 119

St. Bonaventure University, St. Bonav

Thursday, January 17, 2008

Looking for a job? Internship?

From Career Services:

Please share this information with your students…

The Career Center is accepting résumés for the following opportunities. Details about these postings are available in your SBU College Central account (www.collegecentral.com/sbu). Please contact the Career Center, room 216 RC, if you have questions or need additional information.

BEAR STEARNSControllers Summer Intern (New York, NY) – Accounting, Finance majors
Resumes due: Thursday, January 24
Additional information about the employer is available online at www.bearstearns.com.

DOPKINSSummer Intern (Buffalo, NY) – Accounting majors
Resumes due: Tuesday, January 29
Additional information about the employer is available online at www.dopkins.com.

IBM INTEGRATED OPERATIONS – Only for those who have not previously applied!
*Pre-Professional Accountant Intern (IBM Job # B041200), NY, CT – Accounting majors
*Accountant (IBM Job# B038324), NY, CT, NC -- Accounting majors
*Financial Analyst (IBM Job# B038924), NY, GA, MA – Finance, Accounting majors
Resumes due: Wednesday, January 30
*An online application is also required for each position by Jan. 30 (go to www.ibm.com/careers and indicate the IBM Job #).
Additional information about the employer is available online at www.ibm.com

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

New class room for Finance 402

Effective immediately we will be meeting in Plassman 100 for Finance 402