About Me
Previous University: Northeastern University
Undergraduate Degree: Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, dual concentrations in Finance and Marketing
Q: What was your background before pursuing your graduate degree?
A: I'm a double Husky! I earned my undergraduate degree from Northeastern in 2013. As an undergrad, my concentrations were in Finance and Marketing.
After graduating, I worked in finance at BlackRock and then at Brown Brothers Harriman. After seven great years, I felt like my career had plateaued and I wanted to move up to the next level and become a manager or a team leader. That's when I decided it was time to return and get my master's degree. My goal is to move up to a higher position in my field, and narrow my focus to investments or portfolio management.
Q: Why did you choose the D'Amore-McKim MS in Finance/MBA program?
A: I originally wanted to get my MBA, but when I learned about the combined degree option, for me it was a no-brainer. If you have the opportunity to do both, why not do both? Studying part-time, my options were to earn an MBA in approximately three years or earn a combined MS in Finance/MBA degree in just a bit more time.
In the MBA you develop critical thinking skills and experience with public speaking and presenting, collaborating with teammates, and tackling real-life case studies. The MS in Finance, on the other hand, dives deep into details. I've learned to master complex calculations, and gained experience with pricing bonds, analyzing stocks, and financial analysis tools. You need both sides of the coin in order to succeed in the business world.
I chose to earn my master's at Northeastern because I had such a great undergrad experience. The professors were amazing, my entire experience was incredibly educational, and the co-ops really set me up to get a job right after college. I knew that my MBA would be another great experience.
I was right. When I went for my Part-Time MS in Finance/MBA orientation, it felt like I came home. I walked around campus seven years later remembering my undergraduate experience and ready for the next chapter.
Q: When did you earn your Bloomberg Market Concepts Certification?
A: I earned my Bloomberg Market Concepts (BMC) Certification through my Portfolio Management class. My professor encouraged us all to get the certification. In fact, he made it a class requirement to take the 10-hour certification course on the mechanics and nuances of financial markets and the global economy, all through the lens of the Bloomberg Terminal. The BMC Certification is an amazing asset to have on my resume. In the financial world, Bloomberg is utilized on a daily basis. I have used it at every job. Very few people though, are actually “certified.” My certification will benefit me throughout my career.
Q: How has this program made you a better leader?
A: When I started in the program, I didn't feel confident as a public speaker or presenter. I've had a lot of practice because I presented in class almost on a weekly basis. I would analyze a case study with a group, or by myself, and then present it. This really pushed me to do better and overcome my fear. I now have the skills to be a leader.
I have two concentrations—investments and corporate finance. These are two very different areas of finance but I thought the combination would make me more grounded. I learned a lot about detailed financial data analysis. I would pull live data, run statistical analyses, and build models. It would show where the stock market is in real-time, the probable chance that it'll move, and what happens if it does move. I also really improved my Excel skills.
I've become incredibly interested in running different analytics and allocating stocks into certain areas; deciding between bonds, stocks, and cash; and hedging with derivatives to improve risk management. I graduate in a few weeks and will be looking for a new role in investments or portfolio management.
Q: What would you tell future MS in Finance/MBA graduate students?
A: Stay organized! It's going to fly by so fast. With everything happening in your classes, you can lose track of your assignments. Stay on top of your work, organize every week, and make a list of everything that's due.
I thought undergrad went by quickly. Grad school goes by even faster!
