One of our goals in creating a UVM History Blog was to better communicate with students and alumni of our fine department. A few weeks ago, I posted a request for information from our alumni. While I’m still hoping for more stories (if you are reading this and would like to share a story with us, please write to Professor Paul Deslandes at paul.deslandes@uvm.edu).
I did, however, want to share one of the responses with you on this blog. It’s from Robert L. Morier (History Major, Class of 2000). Rob serves as Director of Institutional Investments for Indus Capital Partners in New York City.
In his response to my call for stories, Rob wrote the following:
“My name is Rob Morier and I am a UVM ’00 alumni. I graduated with a history major (concentrating primarily in Asia/China but taking course work in Middle East and African history as well while at UVM and abroad). My path from a UVM history major to the asset management industry started with a junior year abroad studying Middle East and African history in London (School of Oriental & African Studies UK), to a summer internship in Hong Kong before graduating. My first job following graduation was in financial services with a firm that took pride in hiring liberal arts majors for business careers. From there, my interest in international markets led me to a ten-year position with an asset management firm in New York City and ultimately in London, where I was running their Europe & Middle Eastern business. I’m now back in the US, living in New York City with my wife Sarah (UVM, ’01) and working with a firm that focuses on international investments.
Specifically, I work in the asset management industry, on behalf of large, institutional investors in regard to my firm’s capabilities in Asia and Emerging Market equities. As institutions (and individuals) assess a potential investment in any of these markets, I believe historical perspective needs to be incorporated into your views and outlook before committing to any of these economies (either through public or private investment). I will typically tell investors it’s not just the potential for future earnings of a company that is important when investing in an emerging market company, but also the historical perspective and experiences of the country in which it is domiciled. Combining both of these vantage points, provides a better peripheral view of your opportunity set.
As a result, I spend a great deal of time with our clients and prospective investors, educating them on the historical context of the events that take place and how these can impact their investments. Although we’re all following these markets in real time, what may look like a relatively short-term event (a political coup in Thailand or separatist uprising in Ukraine) can actually be years or decades in the making. Taking a “top-down” view of these countries and their economies, which I’ve studied since the University of Vermont has helped me in better understanding various investment opportunities and risks.”
Rob’s story is a truly fascinating and inspiring one. He has also indicated to me that he would be more than willing to help UVM students who are interested in cracking into the world of finance and economics.
Many thanks to Rob for sharing his story with us.
