My name is Sanders Lockman, and I am a junior at the University of Georgia studying Financial Planning and Philosophy. I have a strong interest in the financial markets, with a particular focus on portfolio construction tailored to individual investor goals and long-term investment strategies that emphasize risk management and capital preservation. Outside of academics, I serve as the President of Young Life in Athens, Georgia, coach lacrosse, and actively train for Ironman triathlons. I am also an avid reader, with a particular interest in philosophy, markets, and long-term decision-making.
I developed a strong interest in financial planning and investment strategies during the summer of my sophomore year while working as a Wealth Management Intern at Morgan Stanley. Through this experience, I gained hands-on exposure to the portfolio construction process and learned multiple approaches to evaluating companies and investment opportunities. I have since passed the Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) exam, demonstrating a strong foundation in financial markets, securities, and regulatory frameworks. Building on this experience, I will be returning to Morgan Stanley this summer for an eight-week program within the firm's Wealth Management division. In addition, I am a member of the Institute of Leadership Advancement (ILA) at the University of Georgia, a selective leadership program that has further developed my leadership skills, professional judgment, and long-term decision-making abilities.
My investment philosophy centers on long-term wealth creation while managing risk with discipline and intention. I believe effective risk management begins with evidence-based investing—allocating capital only to companies supported by strong fundamentals, durable competitive advantages, and clear financial justification, rather than short-term market hype. In addition, I emphasize exposure to non-cyclical businesses, as these companies tend to demonstrate resilience across economic cycles. By prioritizing fundamentally sound and less economically sensitive investments, my approach seeks to reduce downside risk during periods of broader market volatility while allowing for steady long-term growth. Ultimately, my goal is to build sustainable, long-term wealth rather than pursue short-term market gains.