When multiple qualified applicants interview for the same job, an employer’s choice often comes down to which candidate brings something extra to the position.
     An anonymous donor has provided College of Business students an ace in the hole for just such opportunities.
     With the recent installation of a Bloomberg Terminal, students and faculty now have access to the real-time data and research tool leading financial professionals use to track market activity and analyze trends.

     “The potential is tremendous,” said Finance Professor Jim McCabe.  “Once we learn to use it effectively, we’ll incorporate it into student assignments. It’s a great advantage to have on a resume.”
     Installation of the system and the anonymous donation that sparked it were coordinated by Finance Professor Imad Elhaj. Elhaj will be teaching an upper level investments course this fall and plans to invite industry experts to detail how they use the Bloomberg.
     “Our donor told us more of our students would find internship and career opportunities if they knew the Bloomberg system,” said Elhaj.  “He said our students were at a competitive disadvantage without it.”
     Elhaj said bond and equity managers use their terminals to improve their positions and make trading decisions. “The system allows you to receive and process a variety of streaming data, including financial, regulatory, economic and political, on a minute-by minute basis.
     “Besides doing better in class, students who go through Bloomberg Product Certification will add a valuable tool to their skill set,” he said.
     The system includes a computer with a unique, expanded keyboard and a subscription to Bloomberg’s proprietary network of news and financial data, some of which includes information dating back to the turn of the 20th century. It also provides access to more than 26,000 news wires from around the globe.  Banks, government agencies, investment firms, money managers and news organizations are avid Bloomberg users.
     McCabe, who expects to use Bloomberg in his fall coursework, was among a group of students, staff and faculty participating in a training session conducted by Bloomberg representative Paul Fulcher.
     “Some investment houses use the terminal as a test for new hires,” said Fulcher.  “If you really want to increase your marketability, get certified.”
     Fulcher believes finance, economics, accountancy and CIS students will gain the biggest edge in learning the system, although anyone interested in market, business or financial analysis will find it useful.
     “It’s an amazing tool,” said finance major Alex Allmon.  “I read an article about it before coming to the training session, but it’s even better than I thought.  I’m thinking of getting certified.”
     The anonymous donor agreed to contribute half the cost of a three-year commitment—roughly $37,500—if the college could find matching funds. Assistant Dean for Development Jane Goldstein identified alumni willing to meet the initial challenge, including James Shircliff and River Road Asset Management, Fred Snyder and Alexandra Ivanova.
      “Our goal is to extend the Bloomberg subscription beyond the three-year contract and perhaps add more units,” said Goldstein.  “We’re hoping others will step up continue this great advantage for our students.”
     To learn more about the Bloomberg service, see a demonstration or pledge support for its on-going use, email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 502.852-4888.