Navigating financial markets with confidence

Q: Tell us about yourself.  

Today, I consider myself a results-oriented finance professional with a solid foundation in quantitative analysis and equity research and over three years of experience in risk consulting. After completing my undergraduate degree, I joined KPMG India and later worked as a risk consultant at PwC India. During that time, I became interested in financial markets, which led me to pursue a master's degree to deepen my financial expertise and enhance my programming skills. 

Q: What were you looking for in a graduate program? 

A: I was looking for a strong quantitative finance program in a major financial hub like Boston or New York. I knew I needed a school that would prioritize the international student experience and offer resources to prepare me for success in the global job market. Northeastern's MS in Quantitative Finance stood out because I could learn programming languages like Python and MATLAB, which were key to my career goals.  

The curriculum, with its practical, project-based courses like Data Analytics in Finance, was exactly what I needed. While I explored other options, Northeastern's reputation, experiential learning emphasis, and strategic location made it the ideal fit. 

Q: Were you prepared for your graduate co-op in investments? 

A: When I started my graduate co-op at Amica as an investments intern in equity research, I felt completely prepared from day one. My role involved diving deep into market analysis and identifying investment opportunities, which was crucial since Amica relies on these investments to generate revenue from its insurance premiums. The thorough research I conducted directly supported the company's investment strategies. 

A significant part of my preparation came from my experience with the 360 Huntington Fund at Northeastern. This student-led mutual fund provided me with hands-on exposure to financial modeling, market analysis, and investment decision-making. These experiences were not just theoretical; they were practical and directly applicable to my tasks at Amica. 

During my co-op, I researched four promising companies and even pitched a stock to the investment committee. This wasn't just a classroom exercise; it was a real-world challenge where I presented my analysis and defended my recommendations. The confidence and expertise I displayed were a direct result of the rigorous preparation I received from the 360 Huntington Fund. 

Northeastern's program didn't just teach me the theory; it immersed me in the practice, ensuring I was ready to make an impact on day one of my graduate co-op. 

Q: How did you move up the ranks managing the 360 Huntington Fund? 

A: I started as an analyst in the 360 Huntington Fund, pitching stocks and covering holdings. My first pitch was on Philip Morris—a challenging but valuable learning experience. In my second semester, I became a senior analyst, covering Kinder Morgan in the energy sector. Later, I took on the role of Chief of Equity Research, which gave me the highest voting power in stock pitches and deeper involvement in investment decisions. 

Midway through my last semester, the Managing Director unexpectedly stepped down and I was asked to step in as Managing Director.  In this role, I led Fund meetings, oversaw investment strategies, and guided analysts through their research. It was an intense yet rewarding experience that strengthened my leadership and decision-making skills. 

Even after graduating, I remain closely connected to the Fund, following its performance and staying in touch with current members. The Fund played a defining role in my time at Northeastern, shaping my understanding of equity research and investment management. 

Q: How did the career team assist you? 

A: The Graduate Career Center was a game-changer for my co-op search and landing a full-time job. I started with their on-demand resources, which helped me fine-tune my resumé and provided video-based mock interviews and practice questions. 

Next, I dove into networking opportunities at D'Amore-McKim. I attended executive networking dinners and represented Northeastern twice at the Boston Investment Conference. These events were incredible for connecting with industry professionals and expanding my network. 

Finally, I worked closely with the advising team. Their structured guidance on tailoring my resumés and job applications was invaluable. Thanks to all this support, I obtained a graduate co-op role over the summer and secured a full-time job just two days after my final exams. 

As an international student, the Office of Global Services helped me navigate the Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and visa processes, ensuring smooth transitions to two work experiences.  

Q: Have you pivoted your career to manage equity portfolios? 

Yes! I now work full-time at Lumida Wealth in New York City. Before starting my master's degree, I had experience at two of Big 4s (PwC & KPMG) in risk consulting. I've since pivoted to managing equity portfolios ranging from $1.9M to $1.5B in AUM. My expertise includes company valuation, data analytics with Python and MATLAB, and crafting investment strategies through primary equity research.  

My coursework and graduate co-op played a key role in preparing me for this position. My graduate co-op helped me adapt to the U.S. financial markets, and the rigorous coursework gave me the confidence to contribute investment ideas and make meaningful recommendations. The combination of hands-on experience and structured learning truly set me up for success. Looking back, the support from the Graduate Career Center and the practical exposure I gained over 16 months changed my life. 

Q: What advice would you share with future students in your program? 

A: My biggest piece of advice is to stay focused and consistent. Take full advantage of the opportunities and resources at D'Amore-McKim. If you extend your program to 16 months, you'll have more time to focus on job applications. The Bloomberg Business Lab and FactSet access are invaluable tools for financial research.  

Get ahead in your coursework so you can make time for other opportunities, like networking and work experience. Consistency in these areas—whether it's submitting applications or engaging in professional development—is key.  

Beyond academics, embrace holistic experiences. I was involved with the 360 Huntington Fund, a teaching assistant role, the Options Club, and mentorship programs, all of which helped me grow. Growth comes from stepping into uncomfortable situations, where you learn the most.