Thoughts on the importance of continuous learning — from business to fintech

Q: What was your background before you decided to pursue an advanced degree in fintech?

ONE: I am from India. While living there, I completed my BA and MBA. I worked at both Morgan Stanley and BlackRock as a hedge fund manager. I moved to the United States after I got married to meet my husband, who was already living here.

Northeastern was the top school I considered in Boston. When I visited, I received great support from the faculty and staff, especially the admissions team. I met with my advisors for an hour and felt like they were really invested in my career. They just didn't want to admit me. they wanted to support and guide me.

After spending so many years working as a hedge fund manager, I decided it was time to up my skills and gain more financial knowledge. I wanted to learn more about the latest financial technology, such as data analytics, and really understand it, rather than just the hands-on experience I had gained through my job.

Q: Tell me about your experience with the 360 ​​Huntington Fund.

ONE: I am the Director of Accounting for the 360 ​​Huntington Fund, Northeastern's student managed mutual fund. I originally applied for a cashier position to earn academic credit. But because I enjoyed my experience so much, I decided to continue working with the fund and take on a more important leadership role.

When I first thought about going into cashiering, I was hesitant. I thought I should learn all the applicable concepts and knowledge first. But the other fund members helped guide me. they are there to help you learn. It wouldn't be a problem if someone wanted to jump right in and start right away from checkout.

In my first spring semester I started as an analyst. I learned how to make a stock offer, rate a stock and make an earnings report. I realized that I wanted to continue to learn more, which led me to consider the management position. I became a section leader for the summer semester and handled the assessment models of other students. After completing this role, I was promoted to a management position for the fall semester. It is incredible and enlightening to work at a student-run fund.

Q: How has your course informed your real business experience?

ONE: I studied corporate finance and investment analysis in my courses, which taught me how to evaluate and price stocks. I apply these in my work with the 360 ​​Huntington Fund all the time.

I had decided to transition my career from operational finance to pursue the technical side of the industry, so in my time at Northeastern, I wanted to explore the more detailed side of finance.

Northeastern has designed the curriculum very well. You take a combination of finance and fintech courses, which are essential for success in today's business world. You also have great electives so you can customize the program to meet your goals.

One of the most interesting courses I took was investment analysis, where I was introduced to various investment techniques. I developed my skills and really understood how to apply calculations to the financial world. The best part of my Northeastern experience was the innovative projects and assignments I took on, which helped me think outside the box.

Q: What are your long-term career goals?

ONE: I'm moving west to Seattle because of my husband's job. Once settled there, I hope to enter a management rotation program for the corporate sector. Rotational programs would allow me to move around to different jobs within the same company or try different jobs at the same employer so I could try new things.

My quantitative finance degree has helped me gain so many skills and I feel confident in applying what I've learned to real financial challenges. So I keep myself open to whatever comes my way. I could be an equity research analyst, a credit analyst, or even a real estate analyst.

Q: What is your greatest experience from D'Amore-McKim?

ONE: I am a lifelong learner. Instead of staying in my previous job, I decided to continue to grow and learn by enrolling in this program. After I graduate, I want to continue to improve my skills through online studies or even part-time courses with Northeastern.

The financial industry is constantly evolving, and to stay current with industry trends, I need to dedicate myself to education.

Q: What advice would you give to a future student?

ONE: Don't take your studies lightly. The courses are rigorous and require hard work. You have to give your best from the beginning. Also, be open to all the opportunities available to you.

I've met some really great people here at Northeastern. As an international student, I was skeptical about making good friends, but I was able to make forever friends in such a short period of time.

Keep exploring

Jiao Li, MS in Finance '18

“A degree from a reputable school in the United States is recognized globally and exposes students to more opportunities, so it will be beneficial no matter where I work later in life.”

Bhakti Varma, MS in Finance '19

“While times are tough today, the industry will always be competitive, so giving up is not an option. It's really about putting in the effort and creating your own opportunities.”

Yifei Li, MS in Finance '19

“When I told my friends you could have a real fund here, they couldn't believe it. They never had that opportunity themselves. It's a really attractive part of the program and gives you investment experience that a book can't teach you.”