Forays in Finance

Last week, I submitted my application for the Calgary Portfolio Management Trust (CPMT). Each year, they select eight Research Associates (RA) to assist in the management of a Portfolio valued at about $370,000. The year after, these RAs move on to become Fund Managers.

The program is open to all 3rd and 4th year Commerce students as well as MBA Finance students. This was an opportunity that I had my eye on ever since I decided to apply for a MBA at U of C. To further beef up my profile, I completed the Canadian Securities Course over the summer. Still, lacking any professional experience in Finance, I was a bit nervous. However, a trip to my barber gave me the much needed boost.

Don is one of a kind. He's about 6' 4", 250 lbs. He's got the Hulk Hogan goatee and most days he's got either a bandana or a backwards cap on his head. He's also got some interesting tales to tell. Bullied as a child, he took up marshal arts , and at one time was a contender in the Canadian Kick-boxing championships. He's also a smooth talker. I visit him every two weeks to get a trim, and we have a blast. When I went over last Friday, we got talking about CPMT and my interview the next day. I think he sensed that I was a bit disappointed with my lack of finance experience and he looked at me with his usual steely gaze and said:

"Shary, I got four words for you: Eye of the Tiger. You go into that room tomorrow and you show them the passion that has got you this far. There's a fine line between being under-confident and over-confident and I'm sure that people in that room will be very smart and won't let you get away with either. But if you show them the determination and the passion that you have for life and everything you pursue, you will have them eating out of your hands."

Well...thank you Don for the pep talk. I've been offered a position as a RA for the class of 2009. It's an honor and a privilege to be part of this program. I also want to congratulate my fellow class-mates David, Derek, and Jasper who made the cut. These are all smart people and 10 years from now will be a force to be reckoned with.

PS. Don runs his own salon at the corner of 8th and 8th. You may book an appointment with him by calling 403.265.0553. Just say Shary sent you!