Dean Tobin, a senior finance major in the Charles F. Dolan School of Business and president of Fairfield University's Student Managed Investment Fund (SMIF), attended the London School of Economics Alternative Investments Conference on Feb. 12 and 13, making history as the first Fairfield invitee.

Located in Grosvenor Square, London, the conference featured educational panels, workshops, and networking events. With a participant acceptance rate of only seven percent, the event draws heavily from Ivy League and "near-Ivy" schools.

“This event has taken my level of understanding of alternatives to a brand-new stage," said Tobin. "Understanding insights from some of the world’s biggest leaders in finance opened up my mind to new ideas that many people don’t necessarily think of.”

Tobin's invitation allowed him to showcase the skill and commitment of SMIF members and the increasing recognition of Fairfield Dolan's SMIF. Offering unparalleled networking opportunities and insights into the world of alternative investments, numerous industry leaders were among the attendees at the London conference.

"The networking was just phenomenal [at the event]. These firms took an interest in everybody and it has allowed me to get in touch with people who I wouldn’t have been able to get in touch with otherwise," said Tobin.

SMIF is a student-run portfolio consisting of stocks, bonds, ETFs, and mutual funds, and Tobin's leadership has played a crucial role in the group's progress. Over the past year, SMIF has seen massive growth on campus and has increased the number of analysts from 25 to 50 members while also introducing new sectors such as the fixed-income sector.