We encourage you to join USIS and apply to the Twikker Fund!

When did you get involved with USIS?

In September 2022, I came across USIS at the Fresher’s Fair, where I spoke with the President and other members. I was immediately drawn to the society because it was home to Europe’s largest student-led fund, the Twikker Fund, which manages £250,000 of real capital. Intrigued, I applied through a competitive process that involved motivational questions and an equity pitch interview. Following this, I was offered an analyst position at the Twikker Fund.

Within the Twikker Fund, I was placed in the Competition Fund Division, a structured challenge where five teams, each allocated £10,000, aimed to achieve the highest returns over the academic year. Guided by a team leader, we conducted research, analysed equities, and pitched investment ideas weekly to the Chairman and Vice Chairman. If approved, the equities were added to our portfolio, and we were responsible for managing our investments throughout the year. The winning team was announced at the annual Summer Ball, which included a prize-giving ceremony, networking with alumni, and an evening of celebration.

Similarly, we also have a Long Term Fund Division worth around £200,000, where we focus on longer investment horizons within teams specialising in defensive, growth, income and Yorkshire. 

What were your first impressions?

Before attending my first USIS meeting as an Analyst, I naturally felt nervous. As a first-year student with little knowledge of investing and finance, I was unsure what to expect. However, from the very first session, the environment was welcoming. The committee and senior members made a conscious effort to build connections with us both individually and as a collective.

Since the Twikker Fund operates in teams, forming friendships has become a natural process. Beyond this, USIS fosters a strong sense of community through internal and external events such as socials, networking sessions, and career workshops.

A common misconception is that prior knowledge of investing is required to join the fund, which may discourage some students. However, senior members are always willing to help, and the fund hosts regular educational workshops. By learning through experience, members quickly develop the necessary skills and knowledge for their future careers. Looking back, I feel incredibly fortunate to have built lasting friendships through USIS and the Twikker Fund, many of which extend across different industries and geographies.

What positions have you held, and why did you pursue your current role?

Previously, I held the roles of Analyst in the Competition Fund, Editor-in-Chief of the USIS Review, Vice President of USIS, and Vice Chairman of the Twikker Fund.

Currently, I serve as the President of USIS and Head of Macro Research at the Twikker Fund. My motivation for becoming President was to give back to a society that has given me so much. This year, I aimed to enhance the experience of both new and existing members by increasing event opportunities, improving educational initiatives, and strengthening alumni engagement.

Additionally, having worked as a Sales & Trading Summer Analyst at Scotiabank, I took on the Head of Macro Research role to help members develop a deeper understanding of financial markets while continuing to explore my passion for the intersection of geopolitics and market events.

How are you finding it? What kind of things do you do?

Being President has been a busy yet fulfilling role. I have successfully secured multiple sponsorships, organised various speaker events, and been part of the team behind the inaugural Sheffield Students’ Investment Conference. This event will bring together 150 delegates and 14 speakers from 10 different firms at Firth Hall, promising a fantastic day of engagement, learning, and networking.

As Head of Macro Research, I lead a team responsible for producing weekly newsletters covering markets, corporate actions, and commodities.

What is your favourite memory from USIS? 

It is certainly difficult to narrow down to a single favourite memory! However, I have always had a fabulous and fun time at our annual Summer Balls. It allows us to reflect on the year and to celebrate our successes with each other whether it be achieving the greatest returns, gaining internships or getting that graduate job that you always wanted! With an evening filled with music, and drinks and surrounded by all your friends, it is always an event to never forget.

What would you tell new students interested in joining USIS?

Whether you’re aiming for a career in finance or simply curious about investing and financial markets, we encourage you to join USIS and apply to the Twikker Fund.

We value diverse perspectives and welcome students from all backgrounds who are eager to learn. If you’re interested in managing a real-money portfolio, receiving support with career applications, improving technical skills, networking with professionals, and connecting with like-minded individuals, USIS is the perfect society for you!