The combination of volatility in capital markets and an uncertain and challenging job market for new graduates mean that talented students are often left with virtual portfolios and stock games as their only options to learn vital skills in financial analysis and asset management.

In 2011, Simon Fraser University took an unprecedented step towards offering a solution to this situation with the establishment of Beedie Endowment Asset Management (BEAM) – a $5 million endowment fund, made possible through the generous support of the Beedie family, to be managed entirely by undergraduate students.

Building on Simon Fraser University’s previous success with the Student Investment Advisory Service (SIAS), a fund managed entirely by graduate finance students for over ten years, BEAM provides approximately 10 students each year the opportunity to manage one of the largest undergraduate student-run funds in Canada.

BEAM is not an investing simulation or game – the current cohort of students (following in the footsteps of the alumni now placed in roles in Vancouver, Toronto and New York) has been managing the fund since June 2013, after completing an intensive four month course on security analysis and fixed income fundamentals and an additional session on investment management, under the guidelines of an Investment Policy Statement. Since then, they have created over 50 equity/ fixed income research pitches, formulated research reports and developed multiple comprehensive research books. In addition, the team regularly presents its results to an advisory panel of Vancouver’s Top Industry Professionals.

BEAM is not just a student-run endowment fund – it is the future of undergraduate finance education: an extremely demanding, hands-on experience that will equip students with the abilities necessary to enter and excel in capital markets.

We invite you to learn more about BEAM from this site and welcome any questions you may have about the fund, its operation, or its members. Finally, we extend a special welcome to current SFU students considering applying to BEAM – it has been an unforgettable experience for the current cohort and we look forward to successful future generations of BEAM members strengthening this venture’s role as one of Canada’s largest and most innovative undergraduate-run investment fund.

BEAM is one of the largest student run investment funds in North America. Students invest real funds and manage a portfolio of global securities on behalf of the SFU Treasury. 

Students in BEAM run the fund and manage all aspects of its operations including investment research, asset allocation, security selection, trading and risk management.  Students are also responsible for the performance of the fund and report each quarter to an advisory panel on the fund’s operations and performance.   

BEAM provides a unique experiential opportunity for students to apply the knowledge they have learned in class.  As students are responsible for all aspects of the fund, they gain not only financial skills highly desired in the workplace, but also gain valuable experience in leadership and accountability. 

Graduates of the program place well in the job market and many have gone onto build impressive careers in finance.  BEAM students completing the program join this remarkable network of alumni.

As the faculty advisor I had the privilege of advising and mentoring students in BEAM for the past year.  As with financial markets, there is always change, with new challenges but also opportunities, and I look forward to working with the new members joining BEAM.