Torch Funds
Gain valuable experience managing a real investment portfolio
The University of Tennessee’s Torch Fund program allows graduate and undergraduate students, studying finance at the Haslam College of Business, to gain valuable experience managing a real investment portfolio.
What are Torch Funds?
The Torch Fund program is an experiential learning opportunity for finance students within the University of Tennessee’s Haslam College of Business.
Portfolio Reports
See our most recent portfolio performance reports.
How to Apply
The Torch Funds selection process is highly competitive. Learn how to apply and start managing a portfolio.
Students are selected, through a competitive application process, to serve as managers and analysts for one of our four portfolios (combined ~$3.5M AUM):
Carroll, Haslam, LaPorte and McClain.
The key to getting the most out of an academic career is to invest in yourself.
Become engaged in student organizations and institutions that support academic achievement for finance students.
Masters Investment Learning Center
A fully staffed investment lab, featuring 20 Bloomberg terminals with training programs and live support.
Chartered Financial Analyst Institute
The CFA Institute is an international organization focused on contributing within the field of investment management. The University of Tennessee’s Department of Finance is CFA affiliated. As a result, CFA material is integrated into finance coursework, and scholarships are available to offset costs of taking the CFA Level 1 exam.
East Tennessee CFA Society
A regional organization promoting industry standards and professional development through the CFA program.
Torch Funds
Testimonials
“Helped me to improve my research”
Torch helped me develop confidence in my ideas/work and helped me to improve my research capabilities.
– Class of 2021
“One of the best educational experiences”
Torch was one of the best educational experiences I had while at UT. It has uniquely helped to prepare me for my career in a way that the classroom cannot replace, and if students are serious about careers in high finance they should look at Torch as an absolute necessity as they look to target positions in the field.
– Class of 2021
“Helpful in gaining more experience”
Being surrounded by similarly motivated students was huge for me, as was the in-depth research and analysis on our sectors and holdings. The proposals and meetings were also very helpful in gaining more experience.
– Class of 2022
“Cannot say enough good things about Torch Fund”
To this day, I cannot say enough good things about Torch Fund and am so proud to be a part of this community. Everyone in the program is extremely talented and has so much to offer. I am beyond grateful to have been given the opportunity to participate in the program.
– Class of 2021
“Challenged me to learn new things”
Torch pushed me outside my comfort zone, challenged me to learn new things and apply principles from other finance courses. It gave me the opportunity to gain professional experience without leaving campus. It helped me improve my leadership and team skills that are used everyday in my current role. Torch also gave me fantastic opportunities to network and opened many doors that allowed me to select the best job for me personally after graduation.
– Class of 2021
“One of the most challenging things I did in college”
Overall, Torch was one of the most challenging things I did in college. I tell people often that I learned more in Torch than all of my other finance courses combined. Day in and day out I follow capital markets for work, and the things I learned in Torch help me in my job every day, the biggest being taking complex issues and breaking them down in a way I can understand and then translate them to others. Torch also taught me how to listen and ask good questions.
– Class of 2022
“Single-handedly linked me to my post-graduation employer”
The Torch Fund program single-handedly linked me to my post-graduation employer, provided the experience, knowledge and skills required for my career, and proved my academic capabilities.
– Class of 2022
“Challenged me to grow my financial skills”
Torch significantly impacted my senior year at UTK. It provided a group of peers that challenged me to grow my financial skills and dive deeper, while also allowing me to utilize my strengths in communication and organization to assist them.
– Class of 2023
“Higher confidence, new skill sets and increased financial acumen”
Being in Torch has been the most valuable experience of my undergrad. The skills and experience I gained I will always treasure and utilize throughout my career. I was uncertain if I would succeed when I started, but at the end I was a brand-new individual with higher confidence, new skill sets and increased financial acumen.
– Class of 2023
“My favorite class in all of college”
Torch was easily my favorite class in all of college, and I learned more in this class than all of my other finance classes combined. It taught me so many career skills that I will use for the rest of my life. I grew so much as a person, student, teammate and man. I will always remember the Torch Fund, and I am so grateful that I could be a part of it at Tennessee.
– Class of 2024
“Teaches so many skills that are impossible to learn in a regular classroom”
There’s no way I would’ve gotten the job that I did if I had not been a part of the Torch Fund program. Torch teaches so many skills that are impossible to learn in a regular classroom and prepares students for the real world in a way unlike anything else I’ve experienced on campus. Amazing program!
– Class of 2024
“Changed the trajectory of my life”
Torch changed the trajectory of my life for the better.
– Class of 2022
If you are an employer interested in engaging with current or past Torch Fund student managers or a student with questions about the program or application process, please contact us.
