Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is SEED?
SEED is an organization that manages an equity portfolio and acts as a unified equity manager of the Virginia Tech Foundation.
Do the students really pick the stocks or do the faculty advisors and the Foundation?
SEED members are in total control of the portfolio. We research and select the stocks that we feel have the greatest potential for growth. It is our total discretion on what stocks to purchase, when to purchase them, and when to sell them.
Do you invest in bonds or derivatives?
We do not currently invest in either type of security. The university invests in bonds through the BASIS group.
How do I become a member of SEED?
We start to advertise for SEED recruiting in the fall. We start accepting applications in October. We place applications in the Finance Office (1016 Pamplin), SEED office (2131 Pamplin), as well as have a PDF file of the application on our web site. We require all applicants to fill out an application including two essays, provide a current transcript, and provide a letter of recommendation. We then begin the interview process which can last up to two weeks. We then select the top candidates which we feel can handle the responsibility of managing a multi-million dollar portfolio and who can help improve this organization.
This isn't a club in which anyone can come and pick stocks?
SEED is a student organization which manages millions of dollars. We are looking for students who can make a time commitment to manage this portfolio. SEED members work, on average, 15-20 hours a week. Managing a portfolio is serious business and we need serious students to help manage it.
I'm a freshman, can I apply?
Not at this time. Only rising juniors (current sophomores as of October), rising seniors, and graduate students can submit an application.
I've taken Finance 4114, but I have never picked stocks before. Do I have a chance of making the investment team?
Of course! SEED is an organization for serious students to take their education to a new level and apply their education in a real world setting. Many of the students have never picked stocks before and are on the investment team. This organization lets students expand their horizons and take their education to the next level.
I'm not a finance major. Can I still be on the team?
Sure! While the majority of students are finance majors, some students aren't, or have double majors. We had all majors within the business school as well as many from outside the business school.
I hear that you need to have a 4.0 to be a member of SEED?
Not true! - While SEED does have a rather high cumulative QCA average, we consider applicants with 2.5 QCA's and above. A high QCA does not guarantee SEED membership. We feel that while QCA is a good predictor of ability and performance, that personality, experience, and character are equally as important.