About Pujan
Undergraduate Institution: Stony Brook University
Undergrad Degree: Applied mathematics and statistics
Q: What is your background?
A: Growing up, I was always drawn to the analytical side of problem-solving. After spending two and a half years as a data analyst at Intersystems Corp, a healthcare software company in Boston, I realized that while my role heavily leveraged my statistical background, my true interest lay in finance. I began seeking out opportunities to deepen my financial knowledge, which ultimately led me to Northeastern's MS in Quantitative Finance program.
Q: Why did you choose D'Amore-McKim?
A: When I decided to pivot toward finance, I knew I needed a program that could build on my technical background while giving me exposure to the broader financial landscape. The MS in Quantitative Finance at D'Amore-McKim was exactly what I was looking for. Its comprehensive curriculum blends quantitative finance, like trading and financial modeling, with core finance areas such as equities and corporate finance. This mix allowed me to explore various facets of finance before committing to a specific career path.
Another major draw was the 360 Huntington Fund, Northeastern's student-led mutual fund. At D'Amore-McKim, this opportunity to help manage a real investment fund gave me practical insight into portfolio management and decision-making. I know these will be invaluable as I move forward in my career.
Q: What did you gain from your experience with the 360 Huntington Fund?
A: My experience with the 360 Huntington Fund has been transformative. Coming in with no prior investment background, I quickly found the Fund's “learning by doing” approach, which balanced guidance with independence, invaluable. I started as a Junior Equity Research Associate, where I built my first financial model and delivered my first stock pitch. That intimidating but highly rewarding challenge gave me the confidence to analyze and present investment ideas.
By my second semester, I became Chief Financial Officer, which broadened my perspective to the full portfolio, including understanding risk management, position sizing, and trade execution. Most recently, I served as Managing Director, overseeing nearly $2 million in assets and leading a team of students. I had leadership and project management experience you can't replicate in the classroom.
Beyond the classroom, the fund provided incredible opportunities, like attending the Global Asset Management Education (GAME) Forum in New York. Each year, four students are selected to represent the school at this competition, which D'Amore-McKim won in both 2024 and 2023. The experience offered vital industry networking and helped shape my career aspirations.
Q: How did you discover your passion for quantitative trading?
A: When I started grad school, I wasn't sure exactly which role I wanted to pursue; I just knew I was drawn to finance and eager to explore the possibilities. Through my classes, mentorship from professors, and especially my experience with the 360 Huntington Fund, I discovered my passion for quantitative trading and research.
The Fund gave me a top-down understanding of portfolio management that complements my statistical and coding background. It also pushed me to grow in areas like leadership, communication, and decision-making, skills that are essential in any finance role. Even if you don't see yourself in long-term equity research, the experience of managing a nearly $2 million fund as a student is unparalleled. The critical thinking, risk analysis, and teamwork you develop are applicable across the financial industry.
Q: Besides the Fund, how have you applied classroom learning in real-world settings?
A: My part-time job at the Student Activities Business Office has been an excellent complement to my MS in Quantitative Finance. The concepts I learn in class, like corporate finance, financial management, and budgeting, come to life as I help student organizations navigate real financial decisions. Whether it's advising on funding strategies or managing budgets, I get to apply classroom theory to practical challenges every day. It is incredibly rewarding to see academic concepts translated into practical solutions.
Q: What advice would you share with future students?
A: If you're considering the MS in Quantitative Finance program, my biggest advice is to use every resource available and stay open to new experiences. Get involved in clubs, take on projects, and explore different areas of finance because you never know what might spark your passion.
Also, don't try to navigate everything alone. Find one or two key mentors from your faculty or career advisors and build strong relationships. Their guidance can help you maximize your time here and steer you toward the right opportunities. The support system at D'Amore-McKim is incredible—lean into it, you won't regret it.
