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College of Business
Copeland Hall
1 Ohio University
Athens OH 45701-2979
Side of Copeland Hall in Athens, Ohio. Banner reads "Experience(s) Required: The best way to learn business is to do business"
Applied Finance Center

Applied Finance Center

The Applied Finance Center at Ohio University’s College of Business is dedicated to advancing experiential learning in the field of finance. By providing students with hands-on opportunities to apply their academic knowledge, the Center offers a wide array of resources including specialized workshops, networking trips, speaker engagements, financial literacy programs, and certification preparation. 

Center Offerings

The Applied Finance Center provides a variety of opportunities for Ohio University students to gain practical experience and professional connections in the finance industry. These offerings are designed to prepare students for successful careers through experiential learning and networking.

Professional Engagement Series

The Professional Engagement Series connects students with Ohio University alumni and professionals from the finance industry through monthly events. These events include in-person and hybrid meetings that offer students a chance to interact directly with experts from various finance sectors, learn about industry trends, and expand their networks. Highlights of the series include:

  • Monthly Speaker Events: Alumni and professionals present their experiences and insights into the world of finance, offering students exposure to different career paths.
  • Finance Panel Speaker Summit: An annual event that brings industry professionals to campus for discussions and networking opportunities, attracting hundreds of students across various disciplines.
  • Women in Finance Summit: This event focuses on the experiences of women in the finance industry, offering a unique platform for networking and mentorship.
Man presenting at what seems to be a conference, pointing at graphs
Woman sits at table at MBA conference

Mentorship Program

The Mentorship Program is a key initiative within the Center that pairs students with experienced alumni in the finance industry. Members of finance student organizations, such as the Financial Management Association (FMA) and the Association of Women in Finance (AWIF), can participate in this program, gaining personalized career guidance and support. Mentors help students by:

  • Offering career advice tailored to individual goals.
  • Sharing insights on professional life, company culture, and personal development.
  • Preparing students for job interviews and internship applications.

Get Involved

Getting involved with the Applied Finance Center at Ohio University can be done in several ways depending on your role:

For Students
  • Join Workshops and Trainings: Students can attend a range of skill-building workshops and certification prep sessions. These are open to all students, regardless of major.
  • Participate in Networking Trips: The center organizes trips to financial hubs and company offices, providing valuable networking opportunities with industry professionals.
  • Engage in the Mentorship Program: Students involved in finance-related student organizations like the Financial Management Association or Association of Women in Finance can apply to be paired with an alumni mentor.

For Alumni
  • Become a Mentor: Alumni can get involved by joining the mentorship program, offering personalized career guidance to current students.
  • Speak at Professional Engagement Events: Alumni can share their expertise by participating in the center’s speaker series, contributing to panels, or attending networking events on campus.
  • Host or Sponsor Networking Events: Alumni working in finance can collaborate with the center to host student visits at their companies or sponsor professional development events.

For Corporate/Industry Partners
  • Sponsor Events or Workshops: Companies can sponsor networking trips, workshops, or certification programs, giving students the chance to prepare for careers in finance.
  • Provide Internship or Employment Opportunities: Partnering with the center allows companies to tap into the university's finance talent pool for internships or full-time roles.

For Community Partners
  • Attend Financial Literacy Workshops: Community organizations can collaborate with the center to host financial literacy workshops, benefiting the broader Athens community.

Each of these stakeholder groups can start by reaching out to the center’s leadership or keeping an eye on communications from the College of Business regarding upcoming events and opportunities.

Upcoming Events

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Center Faculty

The Center for Applied Finance is led by Luke McElfresh, a dedicated faculty member in Ohio University’s College of Business. With over a decade of experience teaching finance courses and advising student organizations, Luke brings a wealth of knowledge and a passion for student success to the Center. His commitment to experiential learning and industry engagement makes him the ideal leader for this initiative.
 

Learn more about Luke McElfresh

Luke McElfresh

Resources

Students interested in obtaining any of these resources should contact the center director for more information and assistance.

  • SIE Study Materials

    The Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) exam is a key first step for students pursuing a career in finance. We provide access to study guides, practice exams, and other helpful resources.

  • CFA and SIE Exam Reimbursement

    The Applied Finance Center supports students pursuing professional finance certifications. If you pass the CFA Level I or SIE exam, you may be eligible for reimbursement of exam fees.

  • Access to Industry Certifications

    The Applied Finance Center provides resources to help students pursue key industry certifications, such as the Bloomberg Markets Concepts and the FactSet Essentials Certificate.