Episode 10.7: From classroom to trading floor — How students learn to lead in finance

Meet Duff Bergquist, Barker Capital Management and Trading Program director and senior instructor of finance. The Barker program, along with its sister club, teach students about investing using real money. The students work with industry partners and alumni to learn about wealth management, risk management and financial analyses. Bergquist walks us through what research means for the Barker students, what life is like for participants and how the Girls Who Invest Program opens new opportunities for women in finance.

Email us at vandaltheory@uidaho.edu. 

Did you ever learn about investing in school?

Bergquist shares how the Barker program and Barker Trading Club give students hands-on experience managing real investment portfolios — with more than $150,000 in active trading funds and $500,000 in endowment support. Students operate like professional analysts, researching and defending their own trading strategies in equities, commodities, cryptocurrencies and foreign exchange. Early-morning meetings and peer critiques teach critical thinking, accountability and risk management, preparing students to make real financial decisions with real consequences.

The Barker program extends well beyond the trading floor. Students compete nationally in events like the CFA Institute Research Challenge, where Idaho’s team reached the global semifinals, and collaborate with companies on consulting projects that address issues like foreign currency hedging and commodity cross-hedging. Some of this research has directly informed business strategies, earning professional-level recognition and even valuation in the six figures.

Bergquist also celebrates student leaders like Catherine Hubinger, who founded a local chapter of Girls Who Invest to expand opportunities for women in finance. Driven by ownership, challenge and impact rather than grades or pay, Barker students embody University of Idaho’s commitment to applied learning, innovation and leadership — turning financial education into real-world experience that launches successful careers.

Music

“Young Republicans” by Steve Combs via freemusicarchive.org, not modified.

“Apricot Twist” by Gregory Joseph Carrozza via Amphibious Zoo.

Chapters

(0:00) Did you learn about investing in school?
(2:55) Getting to know Duff Bergquist
(7:12) What does research look like in Barker?
(14:04) How are PNW businesses involved?
(15:37) What do competitions in investing look like?
(17:52) What is Barker like for the students?
(20:52) What is Girls Who Invest?
(24:20) Final thoughts