Kenneth Woods Portfolio Management Program shapes the next generation of investment management leaders through close ties with industry

For twenty five years, the Kenneth Woods Portfolio Management Program at the John Molson School of Business has given select undergraduate students the opportunity to invest a real-life portfolio in real time. Students are now working with a portfolio of over $6.2 million.

We spoke to major players in the world of investment management with ties to the program to find out how a strong relationship with industry sets KWPMP students apart.

Perry Ng, Associate Portfolio Manager, Canadian Large Cap Equities, British Columbia Investment Management Corporation (BCI)

Ng leads the internship program that places KWPMP students with BCI. He cites three reasons for getting involved with KWPMP:

1. The program’s track record for producing high quality students.
2. Program Director Sukyong Yang’s clear determination and passion to deliver on that legacy.
3. The demand at BCI for exceptional students who can deliver in and capitalize on a high-quality workplace.

"Many famous investors and most industry practitioners would agree that the investment management industry is one where practical hands-on application of theory to the real world is where the majority of knowledge and skills are gained," says Ng.

In order for students to have an edge in this competitive industry, there must be built-in opportunities to engage with industry to stay ahead of the ever-evolving market, he continues.

"This allows universities to teach their students the most relevant skills, the students learn the most relevant skills, and employers like BCI have access to talent that is better equipped for the modern investing landscape."

Sain Godil, Portfolio Manager, Global Alpha Capital Management Ltd.
KWPMP Class of 2011, John Molson MSc 13
Robert Beauregard, CEO & CIO, Global Alpha Capital Management Ltd.
KWPMP Client Committee member

Since graduating from the program, Godil has served as a mentor to students. Under the leadership of Global Alpha’s co-founder and CEO Robert Beauregard, Sain has also facilitated internships with KWPMP students at their firm.

“The program’s hands-on experience sets it apart and fosters early career development,” says Godil, adding that the integration of industry into the fabric of the program ensures students are industry-ready, promotes mutual learning and drives advancements that benefit the students and the businesses.

Reflecting on his own time in the program, Godil shares:

“I loved the idea of managing real money, presenting decisions to a client committee, being mentored by some of the sharpest minds in the business, all while completing my education. There was nothing better than this to prepare me for the real world of portfolio management.”

For his part, Beauregard has been a client committee member for the past several years.

“My first introduction to Kenneth Woods was in 2010 when we had a student - Sain Godil - who came to see us seeking an internship,” says Beauregard. “At the time, we were a very small firm and he was so persistent that we did in the end bring him on as an intern and today Godil is a partner at the firm.”

Beauregard understands the value of the program and says he is happy to foster the next generation of investors.

Martin Tzakov, Partner and Portfolio Manager, Pembroke Management
KWPMP Class of 2014

Tzakov has served as a mentor in the program and facilitates internships for students at Pembroke Management. He says the internships have been a huge success and are but one example of the benefits of close ties between academia and industry.

"At Pembroke, where we typically hire analysts directly out of university, we’ve seen firsthand how they contribute fresh thinking and inspire innovative approaches," he says.

Students graduating from the KWPMP possess the practical skills needed to hit the ground running from day one, he says, making them well-prepared for the demands of the investment industry.

"What truly sets the program apart is the unwavering dedication of all its stakeholders. From Ken Woods’ visionary contribution to the three program directors I've had the privilege of working with—Sukyong Yang, Abraham I. Brodt, and Reena Atanasiadis—and the ongoing commitment of numerous Montreal-based investment firms who continue to hire students year after year, this collective effort has been the foundation of its success," he says.

"As we approach the program’s 25th anniversary, this milestone stands as a testament to the program’s enduring success and impact."

Learn more about the Kenneth Woods Portfolio Management Program at the John Molson School of Business.