Alumni
Profile: Alan Hartley
Alan Hartley, 23, graduated from the
UNF Coggin College of Business in April 2005 with a B.B.A.
in finance and emphasis in investments. Upon graduation,
Morningstar Inc. in Chicago, Illinois hired Alan. Morningstar
is a leading provider of independent investment research
in the United States and in major international markets.
"As a student, I always
had an interest in business, but was not sure which area
to pursue," remembers Hartley. "I reviewed the
opportunities in international business, management, and
accounting. Fortunately, a professor, whom I am deeply indebted,
recommended me to the advisor of the student managed investment
fund."
Dr. Reinhold Lamb asked Hartley
to apply and interview for the Osprey Financial Group. Following
his interview, Dr. Lamb approved Hartley for the class and
he entered the class as a fund analyst and portfolio manager.
The Osprey
Financial Group is a student managed
investment fund. The program, a two-semester commitment
that counts as six elective credits, enables a select group
of undergraduate finance and MBA students to manage a real
portfolio as a professional investment firm. The real-world
asset management experience begins with application and
interviews to select 12 students for each fall/spring team.
Teams of the students research and present reports to aid
in buy/sell decision-making. There are sector analyst, economic,
fixed-income, and technical analysis teams that all aid
in the decision making process.
"Within weeks of managing
the fund with my classmates, it became obvious as to which
degree to pursue and what field to work," says Hartley.
"Dr. Lamb was so instrumental in my learning at UNF.
The Osprey Financial Group and the connections it provided
to me were among the top reasons why I landed a job as a
stock analyst for Morningstar."
"All of the students
who have enrolled in the Osprey Financial Group classes
have had tremendous talent," notes Dr. Lamb. "Alan
was a wonderful, hardworking student. Many don't realize
how competitive the marketplace is. For Alan to be hired
by a prestigious firm like Morningstar was a significant
accomplishment. We are very proud of Alan and look forward
to hearing about his career."
Hartley also plans to remain
in contact with UNF and the Coggin College of Business as
an alumnus. He reflected on his past and provided some thoughts
and advice to current Coggin College of Business students.
"Set goals for yourself
and strive for excellence, but at the same time always be
open to change since the market is changing so quickly,"
notes Hartley. "And be sure to take risks. You never
want to look back at your life and wish you had accomplished
something well within your grasp."
As a recent graduate,
the Coggin College of Business congratulates Alan Hartley
on his new career and looks forward to watching him shine
in the coming years. |
