Andrea Bobkowicz with KWPMP students Matthew MacNeil and Olivier Cloutier Faucher, Class of 2023 at the NBF conference.
Andrea Bobkowicz with mentee Garv Bhandari.
Andrea Bobkowicz, Wealth Advisor, National Bank Financial; founder, Bobkowicz Advisory Team and women empowerment advocate
Bobkowicz has been an investment professional for more than thirty years.
"It is our responsibility to guide and mentor the next generation," she says.
While the students learn the fundamentals in the classroom, Bobkowicz says it’s mentors who help students navigate what their career will look like in the real world. The mentor/mentee relationship is crucial and Bobkowicz advises students to use their mentors wisely.
"In portfolio management, your success will be measured by performance, benchmark comparisons, peer evaluations and ultimately client satisfaction," she says. "I strive to create opportunities for them to engage with industry leaders, arranging lunches with management, fund portfolio managers and connecting them with relevant events."
She stresses that at the core of every great manager is a great teacher, citing Warren Buffett and his mentor, Benjamin Graham. She adds that students in the KWPMP are fortunate to have an industry expert with Sukyong Yang, who possesses a breadth of experience and insight.
Bobkowicz has a specific message for women in the program:
"Proceed with confidence and understand the important role you play in providing a diversified perspective in global markets and client relations."
Alex Guarino (far left) with NYC-based KWPMP alumni.
Chester Ntonifor with mentee Giovanni Di Nunzio.