Introduction to Alternatives Investing

What Will You Do?

• Study risk, return, diversification, compounding, and portfolio construction

• Compare hedge funds, private equity, venture capital, and traditional investments

• Analyze simplified investment cases and market data

• Participate in market or portfolio simulations

• Evaluate economic, political, and behavioral influences

• Learn from alumni, faculty, and finance professionals

• Present an investment analysis with risks and trade-offs

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Explain how major alternative investment strategies differ in purpose and risk

• Analyze an investment case using financial reasoning and market evidence

• Evaluate portfolio decisions in light of economic, political, and behavioral factors

Students leave with a completed investment analysis, stronger financial literacy, and clearer direction about finance, economics, consulting, business, or investment management.

Why Alternative Investments Skills Matter

Alternative-investment analysis requires students to compare potential return with risk, liquidity, time horizon, and the role an asset plays in a larger portfolio. A compelling opportunity can look different when viewed through diversification or changing market conditions.

Cases and simulations develop financial reasoning and the ability to make decisions with incomplete information. Considering politics, economics, history, and behavior adds context to the numbers. These skills matter in investment management, finance, consulting, banking, entrepreneurship, public policy, and corporate decision-making.

Who Should Attend?

This academy is for high school students who have completed 9th, 10th, 11th, or 12th grade and are curious about investing, finance, economics, business, markets, or how institutions allocate capital. It suits students who want to understand both the potential and the risks of alternatives such as hedge funds, private equity, and venture capital.

Participants should be ready to work with quantitative information, analyze cases, join simulations, discuss uncertain market conditions, and present a recommendation. Prior finance coursework is not listed as a requirement. Interest in evidence and trade-offs matters more than familiarity with industry terminology.

Based on students surveyed in the Dartmouth Precollege Summer Scholars program (2026)

Dartmouth Precollege Summer Scholars gives high school students a concentrated introduction to college-level learning in Hanover, New Hampshire. The program is developed and academically led by Dartmouth. Students explore current ideas through discussion, projects, and sustained work that helps them test an academic interest in depth.

Residential students live in Dartmouth residence halls, eat at 53 Commons, and can join workshops and counselor-supported evening and weekend activities. Time in Hanover and the Upper Valley adds a distinctive New England setting, while the broader experience helps students build independence and clarify what they may want to study next.

Institutional investors, hedge funds, private-equity firms, and venture-capital teams evaluate opportunities, allocate capital, manage risk, and monitor performance. Their decisions draw on financial analysis, market evidence, judgment, and a clear understanding of portfolio goals.

Students sample that work through strategy comparisons, case studies, simulations, and an investment analysis. Guest perspectives from alumni, Tuck faculty, and finance professionals connect classroom ideas with industry practice and help students compare roles across investment management, consulting, economics, and business.