Q:What do you do in your current job/what are your responsibilities?
A:I currently work at PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PwC) as a Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) Associate. I am involved in the execution of national and cross-border middle market M&A transactions, advising clients on buy-side, sell-side, and fundraising. A part of my job consists of analyzing and researching various companies and industries since the clients I am working with come from various sectors (pharmaceutical, industrial, retail, luxury, etc.). One of my responsibilities is to identify the trends and key players among these sectors. The other part of my job is more related to financial analysis. I am responsible for analyzing financial statements and building financial models to value companies through different methods (Discounted Cash Flows, Multiples, Leveraged Buyout, etc.) and realize business plans for companies.
Q:What skills did you build in the D'Amore-McKim MS in Finance (MSF) program that you are applying at your current job?
A:I developed a lot of skills during my time in the MSF program at Northeastern that have definitely helped me get into the M&A sector. The first one is my knowledge in Finance in general that I use everyday at work. I also improved upon the analytical skills needed when working in the M&A sector. My presentation and software skills, specifically with Excel and Bloomberg, that I gained during the program are very helpful and are appreciated among my colleagues.
Q:What would you say to a colleague considering enrolling in the MSF program?
A:I would recommend the program because it has really helped enhanced my career. Finance is a huge discipline and I think the MSF curriculum at D'Amore-McKim covers many important aspects. The faculty is great, helpful, and very have diversified backgrounds with many years of experience in the industry. On top of that, the Graduate Career Center at D'Amore-McKim offers many opportunities to network and to learn how to handle job interviews, which are very important skills to have in this competitive market.
Q:Why did you choose the D'Amore-McKim MSF?
A:My decision was based on many criteria. First of all, the reputation of the D'Amore-McKim School of Business and the MSF program were important to me. I was looking for a program that could bring a pragmatic approach when teaching Finance, and the MSF at D'Amore-McKim could fulfill this. In addition, there is the opportunity to be part of the 360 Huntington Fund, the student managed fund of the D'Amore-McKim School of Business. This group allows students to manage a portfolio of more than $600,000, providing the unique experiential learning opportunity that Northeastern is known for. The experience I acquired with the fund was tremendous and made a difference. I also wanted to study in the city of Boston where I could enjoy all the pleasures the city had to offer!
Q:What was your biggest take-away from earning your MSF at Northeastern?
A:I have many but two of my greatest takeaways are the 360 Huntington Fund and my network. The experience with the 360 Huntington Fund taught me a lot about equity analysis and portfolio management, skills that I use in my current role with PwC. Throughout the program I also created a network of classmates that are now working all across the world.
Q:Where do you see yourself in 5 or 10 years?
A:I see myself in the Private Equity investment sector.