Billionaire investor Warren Buffet bought his first stocks at the age of 11.
These days, Penn students are taking a leaf out of Buffet's book and trying their hand at investing as an undergraduate.
"Like anything in life, it helps to start out early," said Wharton junior Peter Wang, who already has five years of experience in investing.
Certain clubs in Wharton are providing a forum for student-investors to share ideas and learn from each other.
While professional clubs at Wharton are more career and networking orientated, these clubs strive to give members a hands-on experience in the real world of investing.
The Pennsylvania Investment Alliance, a student-run investment club, is one example.
Members of the organization pitch ideas for potential buys and make decisions as a group.
Investing at PIA takes place in the form of a mutual fund, where students pool their money to invest in a number of stocks. Though it is not mandatory to participate, members who choose to add to the fund typically invest $500.
The Wharton Investment Club takes a slightly different approach.
It holds a simulation event in which participants have a fictional one million dollars with which to trade a variety of securities. Prizes are given to those with the best investment portfolios.
In addition, club executive board members and senior students also provide a tutorial session about investing for amateurs.
"We give context on what's going on so that members can read [newspapers such as] The Wall Street Journal," Wharton junior and WIC president of Vincent Marron said.
Joining investment clubs is a way to complement Wharton classes, said Wang, who is a member of PIA.
"We back up teaching with practice," Wharton junior and PIA president Andre Prudhomme said.
Interest and experience in investing can also create a good impression with recruiters from the finance sector.
"People who join these clubs show that they have a passion for the markets," Michigan University junior Eric Medina wrote in an e-mail. Medina is the president of Michigan Interactive Investments, a student-run investment club.
Learning how to invest may have broader implications, even for those not considering a financial career.
Understanding the way a company operates and knowing how to value companies are important skills that can be applied to a number of different careers, Prudhomme said.
It's also useful personal knowledge.
"Many people, regardless of what industry they are in, hold stocks or bonds. Joining these clubs and learning the most basic of ratios will allow you to better manage your finances," Medina wrote.
