Milwaukee’s Classroom to New York’s Stage: A Journey Worth the Challenge

The magnetic draw of New York City, with dreams of Broadway shows and Times Square’s endless energy, was more than tempting for a college student from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Yet, she had her sights set on an entirely different “big show.” What was more important than sightseeing? Impressing the top brass of a $23 billion asset management firm, Balyasny. Accompanied by two fellow Marquette University students, she was about to compete in the firm’s inaugural US stock pitching competition the following day. Certainly not your typical weekend plan!

As destiny would have it, her dedication paid off. The team clinched third place. And to add to the triumph, she bagged an interview—a door-opening moment leading to an internship opportunity with Balyasny’s proprietary research team, starting this summer.

For Balyasny, the competition wasn’t just a one-and-done affair. It’s become a staple event, now a twice-yearly commitment across the US, with the curtain rising on its second showcase this past February.

Incentives are serious business here. Not only is there prize money for the top three contenders, the top two teams and standout students also earn what’s often elusive—interviews for coveted internships at Balyasny. Remarkably, during February’s contest, six out of fifteen participants advanced to the interview stage for the 2026 internship program.

“Essentially, it’s an early talent pool for us,” remarked Hannah Dinardo, the firm’s head of campus recruiting. “We’d love to fill a good portion of our summer internships through this competition.”

This strategic approach isn’t isolated to Balyasny. The “buy-side” sphere, characterized by hedge funds and private equity, is increasingly turning to universities, fishing for early-stage talent. Once solely reliant on individuals with banking experience, firms are now frequently tapping into fresh university talent.

“Securing young talent,” mused Steve Schurr, a Balyasny portfolio manager and competition architect, “is best seen as an early investment, albeit not exactly inexpensive.” Most of Schurr’s team began their careers straight out of college—a testament to this model.

Conversations with Business Insider featured Guiter, Schurr, and Dinardo, aiming to equip finance-aspiring students with insight on entering the competition and making an indelible impression once there.

Inside the Competition

The process is quite an engagement: starting with campus clubs and their brightest offering stock pitches as application entries. This is open predominantly to sophomores. Importantly, the reviewing phase keeps school identities hidden till the final selections.

Ultimately, five schools get an all-expense-paid pass to the New York showdown. There, teams unveil their pitches before seasoned portfolio manager judges and fellow contenders—10 minutes of presentation, followed by a grilling seven-minute Q&A.

Striving for diversity beyond traditional schools, Dinardo affirms an inclusive approach, spotlighting lesser-known institutions like Marquette University. Interestingly, last year’s champs hailed from The University of Alabama.

“It’s a dynamic way to gauge a student’s thought process, market perspectives, and stock evaluations,” said Dinardo. “It offers recruiters a chance to witness students in action, different from mere interviews, and benchmark them against peers.”

Strategic Campus Involvement

Crafting an invitation doesn’t happen overnight. It’s about joining the right college clubs.

“The competition enlightens us about the right clubs and communities where our quest aligns,” Dinardo expressed.

Students in clubs less visible to Balyasny should refine their educational objectives.

“A club’s curriculum matters,” she mused. “Can sophomore members effectively compete here? Do they adeptly handle an investment pitch from ideation to fruition?”

Dinardo values clubs with an engaged core, as opposed to those hosting stray students grazing for résumé fodder.

The Necessary Dedication

For Guiter, the competition was all-consuming—juggling classes, jobs, and commitments. “We immersed ourselves 80-plus hours a week towards the end,” she began. Days flew by in devotion—a testimony of determination beyond the comfort zone.

She reflected, “The intensity was surreal, yet every second was worth it.”

Rehearse and Refine

Walking in unprepared is a folly few can afford. Continual practice in articulating and defending stock ideas is key.

“Repeated practice is crucial,” Guiter insisted. Her group, backed by their investment club and professors, burned hours rehearsing their pitch. “We’d simulate in-class sessions—even endure intense question marathons,” she recounted.

Here lies a vital prep step: a 45-minute revision session with Balyasny’s analyst team. This heads-up grants a better understanding of the rigorous interrogation that awaits.

Strive for Distinction

Standing out is about choosing the road less traveled. With no strict parameters, Guiter’s team opted for a healthcare stock—a path less trodden amidst tech and AI rivals. “The healthcare sector promised depth—ample research material to build upon,” she elaborated.

Schurr concurred, suggesting that evolving quickly as an equity investor necessitates “creative intelligence, independent thought, and adaptive mindsets.”

To illustrate technological savvy, Guiter’s team leveraged ChatGPT, deep diving 10 years of earnings commitments in a nuanced analysis.

Details, Details, Details

Reflecting on their competition, Guiter advises: highlight project dedication and methodologies during pitches. Even if the panel disagrees with your stock choice, your research depth speaks volumes.

Schurr noticed winning teams that undertook “extensive, variant work, articulating business nuances, even countering misplaced perceptions, all while showcasing their research.”

The essence? Judges aren’t just looking for a great idea; they’re hunting for analytical sleuths, individuals exceptional at digging up unique insights.

CORRECTION: March 12, 2025—An earlier version of this story misstated the timing of Guiter’s internship and the prize money awarded.

Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International–Monitoring.