With Dedication and Drive, Award-Winning Student Successfully Transitions from Computer Engineering to Finance

What motivated you to earn your master’s degree at this point? Why did you choose to fulfill your goal at Metropolitan College?
It all started by being fascinated by the hedge fund industry but coming from a computer engineering background! I was fascinated by the combination of programming and algorithms with trading, which led me to start developing trading strategies (little did I know about efficient market hypothesis and modern portfolio theory). I felt my lack of financial knowledge and decided to apply for my master’s in finance.

What do you find most engaging about the discipline of insurance management? Do you have a particular focus within the broader field?
The most engaging aspect of my experience in the program was absolutely the faculty. I was lucky to have the honor of meeting a perfect combination of academic and industry-experienced faculty. We’ve had professors from Wall Street who taught us through real stories and scenarios in the industry, along with one of the smartest people I have ever met— my advisor, Assistant Professor Alexander Becker. I always say to my friends that “when he talks, I feel like I am two standard deviations below the mean IQ.” What else can we expect from a program?!

Regarding my focus, I studied investment analysis, and I am keen to learn more in the quantitative field of finance.

Congratulations on your high achievement in the Financial Management program and your Award for Excellence in your studies! Looking back, what do you consider to be the main ingredients of your success?
Dedication. I am a believer that “talent” and “luck” are normally distributed, therefore, it’s unwise to count on them, so I say to myself, “If I want something, I commit to it.” To be perfectly honest, I wasn’t aware of this award’s existence during my studies but I wanted to learn as much as I could. A fun fact—I spent both of my birthdays during the program in the library.

How were you able to successfully balance your studies with your commitments outside the classroom?
Outside of the classroom I was studying CFA level 1, sometimes watching financial documentaries, and reading fun financial books like When Genius Failed, The Intelligent Investor, etc., and playing tennis. So, there is a high correlation between my hobbies and studies. I genuinely enjoy finance.

Was your success in the program driven by a particular outcome—such as professional advancement, educational achievement, personal satisfaction, or something else?
Absolutely yes! I had three goals in my mind:

• Prove myself to myself.
• Become a knowledgeable person in my field.
• Forge good relationships with my professors.

What’s next for you? Would you say that your program helped prepare you for the next phase of your career?
I want to compound my knowledge of finance, leveraging dividends of experience to build a high alpha portfolio of life goals and investment in personal growth.

You were recognized by faculty and peers for your hard work and dedication to the Financial Management program. What “words of advice” or encouragement have served as a guiding principle, or simply inspiration, for you? Any words of wisdom you would like to pass along to students starting in the program?
Look for tough classes, courses, and professors! Don’t be afraid (they are all great!) and don’t let the fear of a lower GPA stop you from truly learning. You are already putting in the time and effort, so have fun, take the risk, and manage it by working hard. You’ll be fine!

Is there anything else you would like to add?
I am deeply grateful to my parents for their unwavering support. Their encouragement has meant the world to me. I also want to express my appreciation to my great advisor, Professor Becker, whose guidance and mentorship have been instrumental in my academic journey, and to Professor Ivan F. Julio for his sincere help and support. Additionally, I appreciate the wonderful faculty at Boston University Metropolitan College for their valuable insights and encouragement.

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