MAF Takes on New York: 3 Things I Learned About My Finance Journey
There is no better way to experience the frontlines of the finance industry than taking a quick trip to Manhattan. Ever since applying to the Master of Analytical Finance program (MAF) almost a year ago, I had been looking forward to the New York trip. In addition, 100 Women in Finance, PWC, and Moore Capital LLC supported pre-programming sessions for the women in the MAF program. Our attendance at these additional events wouldn’t have been possible without the support from the Women of Emory Impact Circle.
As someone aspiring to become a leader in a male-dominated industry, it was empowering and inspirational to be able to meet and speak with powerful women leaders in the finance industry – including a surprise visit from Moore Capital LLC’s president, Elaine Crocker. By the end of our first 24 hours in New York City, I picked up three bits of wisdom that I brought back home with me as I continue the MAF program.
- You don’t need a specific degree to be in the industry. Coming from a liberal arts college with social science art degrees, I questioned my place in finance for not having a strong quantitative background or any industry knowledge at all. However, the robust and unique curriculum of the MAF program has helped me embrace my non-traditional background. Being exposed to different financial institutions and roles within the industry in New York broadened my perspective. Speaking to successful leaders who also came into the industry with non-traditional backgrounds gave me the confidence I didn’t know I needed to move forward. Finance is an interdisciplinary industry, and those who truly succeed are innovative thinkers who can think critically – a degree does not define your success.
- There is no “perfect job” now, or anytime. During our visits to Moore Capital LLC and Palladium Equity Partners, we spoke to individuals who when they first started their careers, had no clue about the role they are in now existed. I have been stressing about what type of role I’d like to have after graduation and choosing something “perfect” for me. Unlike a lot of my peers who know exactly what they want to do, I only learned about roles like investment banking and portfolio management just recently. Listening to the unique paths of everyone I met in New York taught me how many different roles are within a financial firm, and how skills are always transferrable to the next department. I don’t need to seek the “perfect” job now, I need to seek a workplace where I will be supported to learn and take on new roles. 30 years from now, I might be in a role that doesn’t currently exist. In an industry that is constantly changing and evolving, you never know where you’ll end up.
- What it means to be part of the Goizueta family. This trip would not have been possible without the Master of Analytical Finance program and the Women of Emory Impact Circle. As a newcomer at Emory, I have been overjoyed with the overwhelming support from the Goizueta Business School family. In New York, we met with Emory alumni and board members who welcomed us with open arms and were excited to share their knowledge. Being part of Emory is more than just a brand, and it doesn’t just end at graduation. As a pioneer of the MAF program, I take pride in shaping the program’s future and offering support and mentorship to future classes. I hope to one day be the finance leader sitting at a table with the future generations of financial leaders.
