Colin Jones

Finance Major at Illinois State University | President of Redbird Investment & Trading Group | Seeking Alpha Through Strategic Investments

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Colin Jones

3.77

GPA

230K

Profit in CME Challenge

Top 12.5%

CME Trading Challenge

50+

RITG Members Led

About Me

I'm a Finance major at Illinois State University with a passion for financial markets, investment analysis, and portfolio management. My experience spans equity research, real estate private equity, and derivatives trading.

"Seeking alpha through disciplined investment strategies and maximizing risk-adjusted returns on the path to financial excellence."

As President of the Redbird Investment and Trading Group, I lead educational initiatives, mentor members, and manage a portfolio that has outperformed the S&P 500 during certain periods. My success in the CME Group University Trading Challenge, where my team achieved top 12.5% ranking with $230K profit, demonstrates my ability to develop and execute effective trading strategies.

Financial Analysis Portfolio Management Risk Management Real Estate Underwriting Trading Strategies Microsoft Excel Financial Modeling Leadership

Experience

Team Leader

CME Group University Trading Challenge
Fall 2025
  • Led a team of 4 in managing a simulated $1M multi-asset futures portfolio
  • Developed and executed trading strategies under real market conditions
  • Implemented risk management protocols including position limits and stop-loss parameters
Top 12.5% Performance | $230K Profit

Real Estate Private Equity Intern

Project Destined
Sep 2025 - Oct 2025
  • Evaluated live real estate investment opportunities through market research and underwriting analysis
  • Analyzed demographic, rental, and comparable property data to assess market positioning
  • Developed financial models and gained expertise in acquisition strategies and financing structures
View Credential

Media Arts Intern

Rockford Public Schools
Jun 2023 – Aug 2025
  • Coordinated and facilitated group activities for teachers and students
  • Produced video and photo content to enhance program visibility
  • Adapted to diverse environments by rotating between locations and groups

Personal Investments

Since 2023, I've been actively managing my personal investment portfolio, applying the same disciplined approach and analytical skills I use in academic and professional settings. This hands-on experience has provided practical insights into market dynamics, risk management, and long-term wealth building strategies.

My personal investment philosophy focuses on fundamental analysis, diversification, and maintaining a long-term perspective while actively managing risk exposure.

Education

Illinois State University

Bachelor of Science in Finance, Minor in Economics

Aug 2023 - May 2027
GPA: 3.77/4.0

Activities: Redbird Investment and Trading Group (President), Real Estate Investment Club, Illinois State Students in Finance, Calisthenics Club

Honors: Dean's List (Fall 2024, Spring 2025), Redbird Academic Scholarship

Relevant Coursework: Financial Accounting, Managerial Accounting, Finance Fundamentals, Economic Reasoning Using Statistics, Business Organization and Management, Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, Calculus I, Legal Environment of Business, Computer Applications in Business

Rockford Lutheran School

High School Diploma

Aug 2019 - May 2023

Activities: National Honor Society

Achievements: Recipient of Diploma II

Leadership & Organizations

Redbird Investment and Trading Group

Illinois State University

President
  • Lead portfolio management simulations and conduct detailed stock market analyses
  • Mentor members and facilitate educational discussions on investment strategies
  • Organize guest speaker events and professional development workshops
  • Manage a portfolio that has outperformed the S&P 500 during certain periods
  • Increased membership attendance and retention through strategic initiatives

Illinois State Students in Finance

Illinois State University

Member
  • Attend organization meetings to stay informed on finance-related opportunities and industry trends
  • Engage in professional development opportunities to enhance knowledge of financial careers

Real Estate Investment Club

Illinois State University

Member
  • Evaluate macroeconomic indicators and their impact on real estate markets
  • Research investment opportunities across residential and commercial sectors

Get In Touch

I'm always open to discussing finance opportunities, investment strategies, or potential collaborations.

crjone3@ilstu.edu LinkedIn @redbirdinvestments