Welcome to Oakwood!
I am incredibly excited to welcome you all to our student-run ESG-focused investment fund.
Oakwood is driven by educational excellence and results. Our mission is to equip you for
success in the competitive world of finance by providing stimulating experiences and skill
development. Our aim is to ensure that when the time comes, you can seamlessly transfer
these honed skills to the next chapter of your career.
At Oakwood, we place a strong emphasis on fostering a unique culture. We seek individuals
who are genuinely passionate about joining our community, people who care deeply for one
another and are willing to support each other selflessly. This core aspect of our culture is
vital to us. Whether you are an upcoming, current, or past Oakwood member, we aim to
create an environment where alumni actively engage in supporting our current members
with insider tips to break into the competitive world of finance. In pursuit of this, we host an
annual Oakwood dinner every summer, bringing together current and past members to
strengthen these relationships.
If you haven't already, make sure to connect with our social media pages to stay updated on
the latest information, including networking events, career opportunities, and educational
resources.
I look forward to meeting you all soon!
Joshua Li
Oakwood Managing Director 2023-24
At Oakwood, our core mission is to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel within the finance sector. We facilitate opportunities for students to thrive, not only academically, but also professionally. The Fund is instrumental in this process, providing valuable support to students through an array of initiatives such as mentorship sessions, workshops, and various educational events. We firmly believe that education is a powerful catalyst for transformation, possessing the ability to shape lives and ultimately, bring about a positive impact in our society.
At the heart of our fund lies ESG, a critical framework that has consistently demonstrated a strong correlation with high financial performance. We prioritize investing in companies that uphold exemplary standards in economic, social, and governance aspects. Trusting our reports will provide you with comprehensive insights into a company's profile, shedding light on both their strengths and vulnerabilities. Additionally, these reports offer a deeper understanding and validation of a business's decisions, risks, and sustainability practices.
Our dedicated team prepares fortnightly reports on the most reliable companies, ensuring
we optimize our ROI. To enhance accessibility and convenience, we are introducing banner-
like posts on LinkedIn. These concise posts contain the same valuable information as our
reports, allowing you to digest our evaluations on the go. Through this experimental
approach, we aim to make the concept of ESG more accessible to financial enthusiasts at all
levels, empowering them with newfound knowledge about this evolving pillar in finance.
We are committed to fostering a learning environment and facilitating a deeper
understanding of the market's dynamics.
Ivan Hung
Director of ESG
At Oakwood, our structure revolves around seven teams:
1. Technology
2. Bonds
3. Commodities
4. Financials
5. Healthcare
6. ESG Report
7. Macro/Risk Report
Within each team, we have approximately three to five analysts responsible for conducting
in-depth market research and delivering stock pitch presentations. Additionally, a senior
analyst oversees the team, ensuring all tasks are executed to the highest standards.
Senior Analysts form the backbone of each team, acting as the gatekeepers of work quality. This track is designed for students with prior internships or work experience in Finance, providing them with a meaningful year-long leadership role within the Fund. Like junior analysts, senior analysts are recruited in early Autumn Term and receive leadership training before being assigned a specific industry sector (usually within the same team as previous years). They collaborate with the directors to select 3-5 analysts for their industry team. Senior analysts enjoy considerable autonomy in guiding their team's development and selecting stocks for the Annual Stock Pitches. They receive close support in the form of pre-prepared educational material and personal assistance from the directors.
Our Junior Analyst Programme offers a year-long commitment to the Fund
and serves as a comprehensive training ground for individuals with little or no prior
experience in market research and investing. The selection process, comprising two stages
in early Autumn Term, leads to the assignment of analysts to specific industry sectors.
Working alongside a senior analyst and a team of 3-5 peers, junior analysts thrive in a
structured learning environment. They collaborate to create industry reports and deliver
stock pitches grounded in sound fundamental and quantitative evidence.
Junior analysts are
entrusted with researching companies, evaluating their earnings quality, and considering
macroeconomic factors. Additionally, they have the opportunity to develop and strengthen
their modelling skills, producing detailed revenue builds and DCF models for forecasting.
The culmination of the programme takes place at the Oakwood Annual Stock Pitches in late
Lent Term, where teams present 1-2 stock pitches to the management team, investors, and
potential industry fund managers. Exceptional returning students may be recommended for
promotion to senior analyst positions in the following academic year.
Membership with Oakwood is attainable through a selective application process consisting
of two stages: CV screening and an interview. Prior experience in the field is not a
prerequisite; we welcome individuals from all backgrounds. What matters most to Oakwood
is the passion and motivation that potential members exhibit, coupled with a genuine
hunger for knowledge and a desire to create a meaningful impact.
For those interested in joining us, vacancies are currently closed for the academic year 2023-4. However, analyst positions might potentially be available in January 2024. Information will be made available in various social media platforms, including the UEAFIS website, LinkedIn, and Instagram.
Our Past and Present Members have received offers at: