Team of Finance Students Excels in CFA Institute’s Prestigious Equity Research Competition

Three graduate students from the University of New Haven’s Pompea College of Business recently earned runner-up honors at a Local Final. The CFA Institute’s Research Challenge is of the most prestigious global competitions in equity research. The students advanced through the regional competition and presented their investment analysis before a panel of finance professionals in Hartford, Connecticut.

The CFA Institute Research Challenge brings together university teams from around the world to conduct in-depth financial analysis of a publicly traded company and present their findings in a professional research report and presentation.

For the University’s team, the competition provided an opportunity to sharpen their financial modeling, valuation, and presentation skills. In the reflections that follow, team members share how the challenge shaped their academic journeys and strengthened their passion for careers in finance.

Participating in the CFA Institute’s 2026 Research Challenge was a transformative experience. Initially, I struggled with confidence before even registering because I had never undertaken a project of that magnitude, and the complexity of equity valuation felt intimidating. However, encouragement from my peers shifted my mindset, reminding me that the worst outcome would simply be learning. Once we began, I was determined to finish what I had started and to give my absolute best.

The most challenging aspect was developing realistic and defensible assumptions for our valuation model. Translating qualitative insights into quantitative forecasts required discipline, critical thinking, and strong financial judgment. Through this process, my financial modeling, valuation techniques, and Excel skills improved significantly. I also discovered the depth of Microsoft Word’s capabilities in producing a professional, structured research report.

Most importantly, this experience clarified my career direction. The rigor of equity valuation and the intellectual challenge of defending our assumptions solidified my interest in equity research. Receiving positive feedback from the judges, particularly on our clear, concise, and focused presentation, validated our hard work and strengthened my confidence. This challenge not only sharpened my technical abilities but also strengthened my resilience and professional belief in myself.

Competing in the CFA Institute Research Challenge and finishing as runner up with Team B has been one of the defining moments of my academic and professional journey at the University of New Haven. Under the mentorship of Professor Fang Chen, Ph.D., this experience challenged me not only as an analyst but also as a leader and aspiring investment professional.

My path to this moment began long before the competition. Growing up in Zimbabwe taught me the value of resilience, discipline, and integrity. Economic instability and uncertainty made me curious about how financial systems work and how sound investment decisions can shape economies and communities. That curiosity eventually led me to pursue finance.

This competition brought together everything I have been working toward. Through our analysis, we had to move beyond surface-level financial metrics and develop a complete investment view by examining regulatory risk, capital-structure pressures, and long-term ratebase growth. Presenting that thesis in front of industry professionals was both challenging and rewarding.

Serving in a leadership role within the team also pushed me to grow in new ways. Coordinating research, refining our financial models, and working through multiple revisions of the presentation reminded me that finance is not only about numbers. It is about teamwork, clear communication, and the ability to explain complex ideas in a way that investors can understand.

Finishing as runner-up was incredibly rewarding, but the greatest value came from the experience itself. It reinforced my belief that with discipline, mentorship, and hard work, it is possible to move from humble beginnings to competing on an international stage in finance.

Looking back, this experience reinforced why I chose this path. Coming from Zimbabwe to study in the United States and compete at a national level has been a meaningful milestone in my journey. Finishing as runner up validated the hard work our team put in and strengthened my confidence as I continue building a career in investment.

I am grateful to Dr. Chen for his mentorship and for pushing us to think critically and present with professionalism. The CFA Research Challenge has not only strengthened my technical skills but reinforced my commitment to the discipline and standards that define the investment profession.

Participating in the CFA Institute Research Challenge was one of the most rewarding academic experiences of my time at the University of New Haven. Throughout this journey, I gained a deeper appreciation for how strong and practical our M.S. in Finance and Financial Analytics program truly is. Many of the concepts I first learned in my early coursework –financial statement analysis, ratio analysis, analytics, valuation, and financial modeling– became essential tools in preparing our research report and investment recommendation.

Applying classroom knowledge in a real-world, competitive setting was both challenging and exciting. Using platforms such as FactSet, building detailed valuation models, analyzing industry and company performance, and presenting our findings before industry professionals allowed me to bridge theory and practice in a meaningful way.

I am sincerely grateful to the Pompea College of Business for providing such a rigorous and career-focused program. I also want to thank all the professors who have contributed to our academic growth, especially Dr. Chen for his mentorship, guidance, and high standards throughout this process.

This experience reinforced my confidence, strengthened my technical skills, and confirmed my passion for pursuing a career in finance. Representing the University of New Haven was truly an honor.