Our Story

The Finance and Investment Group (FIG) was founded in 2008 by a driven undergraduate finance student at the University of Illinois Chicago. While excelling academically, he noticed a gap — there were few opportunities for students to gain real-world finance experience within the classroom environment.

So, he created FIG — a space where students could gather weekly to sharpen their financial modeling skills and engage in thoughtful discussions about current events and market trends.

As the group grew, so did its impact. The Portfolio Management Team was formed under FIG to give students a more focused platform for stock analysis and investment pitches, while FIG continued to build strong connections between students and finance professionals.

Today, FIG is more than just a student organization — it’s a launchpad for aspiring finance leaders. We host networking events with industry firms, bring in UIC professors to share cutting-edge market research, and organize panels featuring students and professionals with hands-on experience.

Our mission is simple: to develop our members’ knowledge, expand their networks, and prepare them for lasting success in the finance industry.