MBA with concentration in corporate finance transforms aspiring learner into accomplished treasury professional

Q: What did you do before pursuing your Full-Time MS in Finance/MBA?

A: I helped manage a small family restaurant and worked as an event manager at a seasonal resort. Balancing these two roles allowed me to explore my interests in operations and project management. It also taught me how to think on my feet and address challenges in a fast-paced environment while maintaining service quality. Working in hospitality during the pandemic provided a crash course in navigating multiple operational challenges and developing innovative solutions to unprecedented problems—skills that are invaluable in any industry. 

Q: Why did you choose D'Amore-McKim's Full-Time MS in Finance/MBA?

A: Once I decided to pursue a career in finance, I recognized the need for a graduate program to support this significant career shift. While the coursework would provide me with the theoretical foundation and exposure to various aspects of business, gaining practical experience was crucial for making the transition a reality. The D'Amore-McKim MBA program stood out with its signature six-month corporate residency, offering the hands-on experience necessary to bridge the gap and break into the financial industry. 

Q: How has the D'Amore-McKim's faculty helped your academic and professional development?

A: The faculty at D'Amore-McKim had a remarkable ability to simplify complex concepts, making them accessible and easy to understand. My finance professors, many with extensive corporate experience, connected the dots between theory and practice by focusing on real-world applications through case studies and hands-on learning. By the end of my second semester, I had built a strong foundation in finance and gained enough knowledge to pass the notoriously challenging CFA Level 1 exam—a milestone I could not have achieved without their expert guidance and support. 

Q: Did you utilize Graduate Career Center resources?

A: The Graduate Career Center was crucial in my job search. My career advisor helped refine my resumé to highlight transferable skills from previous work experience, like managing staff and budgets, which aligned well with finance roles. The career center's resumé workshops and mock interview sessions gave me the confidence to excel in my corporate residency interview. My career advisor guided me through the offer process, ensuring I made the best decision for my career. 

Q: What were your responsibilities as a corporate resident at Citizens?

A: During my corporate residency at Citizens, I worked as a treasury intern in the Central Model Development team, where I contributed to building and maintaining the financial models used across the treasury and finance departments. A key part of my role involved back-testing, recalibrating, and ensuring our models met regulatory compliance, as reviewed annually by the federal regulators. 

The learning curve was steep, as I was treated as a full team member rather than just an intern. To support my transition, I was paired with a mentor who guided me through the initial months, steadily increasing my responsibilities over time. This supportive environment allowed me to gain a solid foundation in interest rate risk management. I developed coding proficiency in Python and R, which allowed me to work effectively on complex models.  

Throughout the six-month residency, I felt valued, supported, and encouraged to take ownership of my work. By the fourth month, I presented a model calibration to the management team, and after their approval, it was successfully implemented. Knowing my work made a notable impact was incredibly rewarding. 

Q: How did your corporate residency lead to a full-time job offer? 

A: My corporate residency was a pivotal experience that helped me grow personally and professionally. The six months at Citizens solidified my interest in corporate finance and risk management, confirming my desired career path. 

During my corporate residency, I had the opportunity to demonstrate to my manager my eagerness to learn and the value I could bring to the team. Citizens offered me a full-time position in the treasury rotation program. Over the first 18 months, I'll rotate through three departments before choosing one for a permanent position. I look forward to contributing to the treasury department's success. This is a terrific opportunity, and thanks to my coursework and residency, I feel confident and prepared. 

Q: What advice would you give future students?

A: My advice is not to be intimidated by the program, even if you don't have a background in the field you are pursuing. The first-semester core coursework will challenge you as you level up in all facets of business, but starting the second semester, you start to pick the courses that interest you most. Don't hesitate to contact faculty and staff for support and guidance—they're always willing to go the extra mile, and that truly sets the D'Amore-McKim apart.