The finance department will host the fifth annual “Careers and Curriculum in Finance Night” tonight in the Loosemore Auditorium of the DeVos Center. The event begins at 6 p.m. and is expected to conclude at 8 p.m. Students who attend can learn more about the various opportunities in finance both in and out of Grand Valley State University.

The event has seen gradual increases in attendance since its beginning five years ago, both by students and speakers. As GVSU graduates have gone on to work in the area, companies are more apt to attend these events.

Some of the speakers include: Scott Setlock, Brandon Finnie, Erin Pinkster and Greg Geisler. One thing they all have in common: a GVSU diploma. These graduates have all successfully started their careers at financial companies in West Michigan.

Professor Sridhar Sundaram, the chair of the finance department, will give the welcome address, followed by Dr. James Williams, dean of the Seidman College of Business, with brief remarks.

Faculty from the finance department, along with other GVSU staff, will speak about study abroad programs, internships, advising and the student-run club Investment Portfolio Organization. After a question and answer session on these topics, students will have the opportunity to hear from business professionals in West Michigan.

Qualified individuals from Mercantile bank, Adamy Valuation, Meijer, Waddell and Reed, Fifth-Third Bank, Actium and Global Forex Trading will share their insights. Topics of discussion will be: banking, investments, corporate finance and financial planning.

The final discussion will be among Sundaram, Dr. Susan Edwards, an assistant professor of finance, and the panel regarding possible career paths in finance and the skill set needed to be successful.

The guest speakers, faculty and IPO will have tables set up in Hager-Lubbers Exhibition Hall after the final discussion.

“This will give the students a chance to ask any questions they might have after listening to what the speakers had to say,” said Joann Shelton, who works in the finance department. “It will also let them network with professionals in West Michigan.”

Students from all class levels are encouraged to attend the event. Younger students will be able to learn more about the financial opportunities that lie ahead, while the upperclassman can network and gain insight into various internship opportunities.

Refreshments and food will be available, along with several prize drawings for small gifts. For more information e-mail [email protected] or call 616-331-7390.

[email protected]