Can you tell us a bit about your background?
Finance background, no work experience before the program.
Did you get admitted to other programs?
Cornell MFE, Chicago MSFM.
Why did you choose this program (over others, if applicable)?
Not a difficult choice.
Tell us about the application process at this program
There was no problem, a timely process.
Programs like Baruch MFE, UCB MFE have refresher courses for incoming students. Does this program offer such courses? How useful was it?
They used to have pre term. But it was cancelled.
Tell us about the courses selection in this program. Any special courses you like?
Python/SQL. Data Analysis, Optimization for FE, Continuous-time Models, Quantitative Risk Management.
Tell us about the quality of teaching
The quality of teaching was very good. Teaching assistants were very responsible. They were changing to teach more practical stuff on statistics and programming rather than just pricing.
Materials used in the program
Primarily professor lecture notes.
Programming component of the program
Python, C++, R, Matlab. They were shifting to practical programming tools like Python/R, which was pretty helpful for job interview.
Projects
In the Fall Semester mostly individual homework. Group and individual projects on various topics are done in the Spring esp on selective courses. Those courses are not as difficult as core courses.
Career service
Mainly the Center for Career Education at Columbia, also MSFE Resume Book, some positions through the department.
Can you comment on the social interaction between students of different ethnics, nationalities in the program?
Good social interaction between different ethnical groups and nationalities. Of course, people having the same mother language would prefer communicating more in it to people from their countries rather than in English.
What do you like about the program?
Good brand, very good faculty, courses are practical.
What DON’T you like about the program?
Career service is not that strong compared to CMU/Baruch etc.
Suggestions for the program to make it better
Establish better relationships with the financial industry in order to improve career placement.
What are your current job status? What are you looking for?
Entry level at Morgan Stanley.
