Student investors turn real

Few college students get the chance to test what they’re learning with $1 million in real money.

Students in Commodity Investing by Students (COINS) do just that, managing a $1 million investment portfolio for the Virginia Tech Foundation across agricultural, energy, and metals markets. Their decisions generated a record $647,000 in profits that were returned to the foundation during the 2025–26 academic year.

Students from disciplines including finance, engineering, computer science, agricultural and applied economics, and mathematics learn to analyze data, assess risk, communicate ideas, and make investment decisions when outcomes aren’t certain.

For senior Jay Rajurkar, co-chief executive officer, that experience opened up interests he hadn't initially considered.

“COINS has transformed my college experience,” Rajurkar said.

Originally drawn to engineering, Rajurkar discovered interests in commodities, trading, and macroeconomics through his roles as a silver analyst and metals division head. The experience also strengthened his communication and leadership skills and helped him pursue internships and career opportunities.

Founded in 2012 through a partnership with Virginia Tech alumnus Bruce Holland, his wife, Debbie, and the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics, COINS has grown from four students investing in four commodities to nearly 40 students managing investments across 11 commodities.

Managing real money comes with responsibility. New members begin as junior analysts and complete an intensive training program designed to build a foundation in commodity markets and investment analysis. After successfully completing the program, they become analysts assigned to specific commodities.

"We hold our members to a high professional standard," said Shamar Stewart, assistant professor and faculty advisor. "The discipline and experience they gain are skills they'll carry with them throughout their careers."

Training covers fundamental and technical analysis, statistics and modeling, while a quantitative research component allows students to apply advanced data analysis to market analysis and investment decisions.

Students see those skills put to the test as weather, geopolitics, energy demand, and broader economic conditions affect the markets they follow.

“Trading copper, gold, and silver with our commodities investment group has been incredible for my development,” said senior Riya Shah. “With all the volatility, I get to watch these play out in real time, which is the coolest part.”

COINS students also participate in commodity and energy trading competitions and travel to New York, Houston, and Washington, D.C., to meet industry professionals and learn more about the financial, commodity, and policy issues affecting global markets.

"These experiences support our mission of preparing students to be career-ready in commodities, trading, finance, and agriculture,” said Olga Isengildina-Massa, John B. and Kristi L. Rowsell Professor and lead faculty advisor.

Nearly 100 COINS alumni remain involved with the organization. An advisory board established in 2022 provides strategic guidance, professional development opportunities, and mentorship for current students.

Tyler Neff ’17, ’18, now a senior derivatives trader at Scoular, said COINS gave him experience he could put to work immediately in his career.

“My experience in COINS was instrumental in laying the foundation for a successful career after graduation,” Neff said. “The real-world experience investing in markets, combined with strengthening my data analytics skills, allowed me to confidently translate information into actionable decisions from day one on a trading desk.”

Just as important, he said, were skills that went beyond investment analysis.

“The collaborative and diverse nature of COINS helped me develop the communication, teamwork, and interpersonal skills that have become invaluable as I have progressed through my career.”

Student member recruitment begins each fall during Gobblerfest. This year's event will be held Aug. 28.

To learn more about COINS, get involved, or support the organization's mission, visit coins.aaec.vt.edu.