What is the UC Investments Academy?
The UC Investments Academy is a collaboration between the University of California and industry partners designed to prepare students for meaningful careers in finance. By combining academic learning with direct mentorship from investment professionals, the Academy equips UC students with the insight, skills, and confidence to thrive in the fields of finance and asset management.
Launched by the UC Office of the President (UCOP) in 2022, the program began at UC Merced with 100 students and has since expanded to every UC campus. UC Merced is proud to have served as the pilot site and continues to partner with UC Investments to provide students with exceptional access to career pathways that were once beyond reach.
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Program Overview
The UC Investments Academy is a free, systemwide program that empowers University of California students to explore the world of finance and investing. No prior experience is required. Designed and led by the team that manages UC’s multi-billion-dollar investment portfolio, the Academy offers the same hands-on training that prepares professionals for successful careers in asset management and beyond.
Through a combination of online modules, interactive projects, and live sessions with industry leaders students gain practical skills, mentorship, and insider access to the finance world. Participants learn how to manage their own money, build lasting professional connections, and develop the confidence to pursue careers in finance, investing, and entrepreneurship.
Students can choose between two customized UC Investments Academy tracks:
- Career Track – Designed for students interested in pursuing a career in finance or investing. This track provides deeper technical training, education, and progression through the full Academy curriculum. Approx. 5–10 hours per week for 1–2 months (Fall and Spring).
- Personal Finance Track – Ideal for students who want to build financial literacy, explore the industry, and strengthen career strategy and networking skills without committing to a finance career. Approx. 1 hour per week on average (Fall and Spring)
The UC Investments Academy is open to all UC Merced students who are eager to learn about investing, develop their professional skills, and join a growing community of peers and mentors. Participants can work at their own pace while benefiting from direct access to finance professionals and real-world experience.
Source: UC San Diego
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UC Investments Academy Spotlight: Robiye Hernandez
” When I first arrived at UC Merced, I had no idea what I wanted to do. As a first-generation college student with no background in finance, breaking into such a competitive industry felt out of reach. But joining the UC Investments Academy completely changed my path.
The Academy gave me hands-on training in financial modeling, valuation, and investment analysis, the same tools used by professionals at some of the top firms in the world. More than that, it connected me with mentors, professors, and industry leaders who guided me and helped me build the confidence to pursue my goals. What stood out most was how practical and career-focused the program was. It helped prepare me for the real world.
That preparation paid off. I landed a summer internship at Alpha Wave Global, where I valued a European luxury company using models we built from the ground up. The following year, I interned in Bank of America’s Global Investment Banking division in New York, and by the end of the summer, I received a full-time offer.
Today, I’m a Global Investment Banking Analyst at Bank of America, helping companies make major financial decisions, from raising capital to pursuing acquisitions. Every day, I draw on the skills, discipline, and confidence I gained through the UC Investments Academy.
Looking back, I can honestly say the Academy changed my life. It opened doors I never thought possible and gave me the belief that I belong in this industry.”
