About Sasha
Country: United States of America
Current Position: Finance Associate, Bridgewater Associates
Undergraduate Degree: Finance
Q: What inspired you to choose Northeastern?
A: I chose Northeastern as an undergraduate student because of its strong emphasis on experiential learning, a hallmark of the university's curriculum. The opportunity to gain hands-on experience while still in school was invaluable in helping me explore different career paths and industries.
I was still determining my professional goals and academic focus, and participating in the co-op program provided me with an opportunity to navigate those uncertainties more effectively. I refined my career aspirations, identified areas that didn't fit me, and ultimately decided to specialize in finance.
Additionally, the chance to earn an undergraduate and graduate degree in just five years set Northeastern apart from other institutions.
Q: What led you to pursue the PlusOne MS in Finance program?
A: I applied for the PlusOne MS in Finance program because I knew that graduating with both an undergraduate and graduate degree in just five years streamlined my career trajectory, giving me a significant edge in the competitive recruiting process and preparing me for long-term success in finance. This allowed me to deepen my finance expertise in a focused and efficient way.
My undergraduate co-op work experience gave me practical exposure to the industry, and I saw the value of connecting those experiences to the advanced concepts I would learn in graduate courses. It was a great choice. The master's coursework was the perfect bridge between theory and practice. It allowed me to take what I learned on co-op and apply it directly to my advanced coursework.
Q: Did your co-op experiences shape your career direction?
A: My co-op experiences helped me explore different aspects of the finance industry, identify my interests, and gain the experience needed to secure a job in my chosen field. They highlighted the importance of understanding what aligns with my goals and what doesn't.
My first co-op at Bain Capital focused on cash reconciliation, which leaned toward accounting. While this gave me valuable foundational skills, it also allowed me to realize that I prefer finance. My second co-op with an investment bank introduced me to market research, which I found quite engaging and dynamic. For my final co-op, I transitioned to the private equity side of the private markets, which was a completely different experience in another area of finance. I worked part-time over the fall while I started my graduate coursework. These co-ops & internships solidified my passion for finance and confirmed my career choice.
Q: How did you come to work at Bridgewater Associates?
A: Northeastern's resources and my graduate degree were instrumental in preparing me for my current role at Bridgewater Associates as a finance associate. The co-op program allowed me to build a strong and diverse resumé, and the rigorous coursework prepared me with advanced financial skills. The extra year entirely focused on intricate financial concepts and theories through the PlusOne program solidifying a great decision. I better understand the concepts theoretically, but more importantly how to apply, dispute, and analyze them.
The in-depth coursework and intensive training helped me articulate my knowledge effectively in interviews and now on the job. In the onboarding training process, I've been developing technical skills in tools like Power BI, Excel and our proprietary interface while completing my accreditation exams.
Q: How was your Washington D.C. Residency?
A: Participating in the Washington, D.C. Residency elective was incredibly valuable. It introduced me to new macroeconomic concepts and the importance of understanding political aspects in business. As a compliment to my finance degree, it provided insights and connections that I'll carry with me, especially as my career progresses.
The week-long intensive course felt like a conference, I traveled to Washington D.C. and heard from speakers from industries including cybersecurity, public affairs, and private affairs. They shared perspectives on the challenges of making business decisions in a political context. It highlighted the importance of understanding political aspects when managing or running a department in a globally present firm. Engaging with policymakers and industry leaders helped me understand the broader context in which financial decisions are made and the proliferate impacts they have.
Q: How has Northeastern shaped you?
A: Looking back, Northeastern didn't just prepare me academically. It taught me how to take risks, embrace uncertainty, and step out of my comfort zone. I'll carry that with me beyond graduation, and I'm so grateful for it.
When I started as an undergrad at Northeastern, I needed to figure out what I wanted to do with my life—and what I didn't want to do. I gained work experience in different environments, from big companies to smaller startups, and each experience taught me something new. I learned that it's just as important to know what you don't want to pursue as it is to find your true passion.
I developed financial expertise that has helped me land a great job. I couldn't have done this without the PlusOne MS in Finance. The connections I made with my classmates were just as valuable; learning from their different perspectives and experiences has expanded my view of the world and my journey to continue to learn.
