What’s the story behind the UIC Barcelona Student Investment Club?

When I was an exchange student at the Western University in Ontario, there was a student group on investment called the "Western Investment Club", but at the time I didn't pay too much attention to it. However, last year I began to take an interest in the stock market, and so I reached out to a Canadian classmate who was part of this club to learn about his experience.

How did that go?

It was very inspiring. I thought, "why don't we create a similar club at UIC Barcelona?” The idea began to take shape. With the aim of creating a club, I started speaking to friends who knew a great deal about the stock market, others who wanted to know and others who thought they knew. We just had to find a space where those of us who share this common interest could connect.

And then the idea turned into a project.

We soon began talking to clubs at other universities and gradually outlined, adapted and shaped the project. We were clear about what we wanted the club to be like and finally we made it happen, with the university’s support. Two months on, I think we're on the right track, even though there's still a long way to go.

How have the club's meetings gone so far?

As we are holding the sessions online, we are putting a lot of effort into finding good speakers. So far, we have been able to bring in two highly reputable investment bankers and we have a long list of speakers willing to participate. The group has a lot of potential for expansion, there are a lot of ideas being discussed and we are eager to grow in every sense of the word.

What would you highlight from this expansion phase?

The club is not only a great opportunity for students who want to learn about investment, but also for those of us who got the project off the ground. Those of us behind the project are not professionals, we are simply students with a thirst for knowledge and a will to dedicate countless hours to make sure everything runs as smoothly as possible. Besides, we are learning a lot, which is something we love.

The club does not invest actual money, but I understand that the experience is just the same. What has most surprised you about the stock market that you were unaware of until now?

All of us agree on the fact that this industry seems very complex and abstract from the outside, but as you find out more, you come to see it isn't. There are people who want to make it complicated, but the investors we've met have simplified it for us. Turning such a complicated industry into an easier one is the most difficult part.

Once established, how would you like the club to evolve?

We would like to gradually build upon our current foundations and make it a real source of knowledge and prestige for the university. Ideally, all the students who participate would come out well prepared, there would be a lot of involvement from alumni and it would be a community of motivated, inquisitive people eager to help the project grow.

Can anyone be a member?

Yes. Everyone with an interest in the world of investment is welcome, even if their background is not strictly related to economics.