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We can't wait to meet you.

Please find our application timeline and recruiting events below.

Our application is open!

Deadline: 9/4/26

Apply Now

Deadline Countdown

September 4th, 2026 · 11:59pm EST

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We want to get to know you and give you the opportunity to get to know us. To that end, we offer numerous events and event types throughout the recruiting process.

Email Lists

Subscribe to our general interest mailing list by emailing smif26@purdue.edu.

Recruiting Timeline

Application Opened: May 20th at 5:00pm EST
Application Closes: September 4th, 2026 at 11:59pm EST

Upcoming Events

SMIF Coffee Chats

Date & Time: January 14th – 16th
Description: Coffee chats with current SMIF members and leadership.
Sign-up: Coffee Chat sign-ups open closer to the date.

SMIF Information Session

Date & Time: Monday, January 12th, 8:00 pm – 9:00 pm, Location TBD
Description: Brief presentation on the organization, followed by a panel of current SMIF members and open Q&A. Attendees are strongly encouraged to arrive on time.
Sign-up: No need to sign up.

Women's Panel

Date & Time: Thursday, January 15th, 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm, MSB 150
Description: Female members within SMIF will be sharing personal experiences of their time. The panel will be followed by an opportunity for attendees to get to know and chat with current SMIF members.
Sign-up: No need to sign up.

Diversity Panel

Date & Time: Sunday, January 18th, 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm, MSB 150
Description: Members within SMIF will be sharing personal experiences of their time in SMIF. The panel will be followed by an opportunity for attendees to get to know and chat with current SMIF members.
Sign-up: No need to sign up.

For Applicants

Interview Prep & Helpful Tips

New to investing or to SMIF? Don't worry — we recruit for curiosity and work ethic first. Use the resources below to walk into your interview prepared and confident.

Know SMIF

Understand our mission: a student-managed equity fund within the Daniels School of Business.
Be familiar with our sector coverage and recent publications on the site.
Have a thoughtful answer for: 'Why SMIF?' and 'Why this sector?'

Know the Markets

Be able to discuss a recent market headline and its implications.
Know where major indices (S&P 500, Nasdaq, 10Y Treasury) are trading directionally.
Daily reads: WSJ, Bloomberg, FT, or Axios Markets.

Pitch a Stock

Prepare one long idea: thesis, catalysts, valuation, and key risks in 2–3 minutes.
Pick a name you genuinely understand — not the most complex one you can find.
Be ready for pushback. We want to see how you think, not that you're 'right.'

Technical Foundations

Review the three financial statements and how they link together.
Understand basic valuation: DCF intuition, P/E, EV/EBITDA — when each is useful.
No finance background? Lean into your analytical strengths and willingness to learn.

Behavioral Prep

Prepare 2–3 stories using the STAR framework (leadership, teamwork, failure).
Tie your 'why finance' and 'why investing' to specific experiences, not buzzwords.
Have thoughtful questions ready for your interviewers.

Day-Of Tips

Business professional dress. Arrive 10 minutes early.
Bring a printed resume and a notepad.
Be yourself — we evaluate fit as much as skill.