Master of Science in Finance (MSF) Student Stories

Coming from an accounting background, the MS in Finance program was pivotal in making me future ready. The diverse range of courses seamlessly blended core financial expertise with advanced technical and data analytics skills. This unique combination facilitated my smooth transition from traditional audit into finance transformation, equipping me with both the mindset and technical capabilities to drive strategic value in my career.

Snigdha Thakkar

The MS in Finance program at Gies was a truly valuable experience for me, especially coming from an oil and gas finance background. The program strengthened my financial modeling, valuation, and data analysis skills, and helped me think more strategically when evaluating real business decisions. What I appreciated most was how the coursework connected theory to practical applications through case discussions and hands-on projects. Learning alongside classmates from different industries and countries also broadened my perspective and improved the way I collaborate and communicate. I graduated feeling more confident in my analytical skills and better prepared to take on higher-level responsibilities in my career.

Azka Fauzan Wahyudi MSF

The MSF program at Gies helped me develop strong data analytics skills and practical financial expertise through hands-on learning. At the same time, the program's supportive culture made me feel encouraged and valued at every stage of my academic and professional growth.

Qi Liu

The MSF program at Gies provided me with an exceptional academic experience. The teaching quality is consistently high; even for subjects I had previously encountered, the faculty’s ability to explain complex concepts in such an intuitive and engaging way always provided fresh insights. The curriculum is thoughtfully structured, allowing students to deep-dive into any niche of finance they are passionate about while challenging themselves with the most rigorous and informative courses in the field.

Chengyixin Cui

Leaving a 13-year career as a Tax Inspector to join the MSF program at Gies proved to be a transformative decision. The program seamlessly expanded my tax and legal background with hands-on financial expertise. In the Big Data Analytics in Finance course, I learned Python and combined it with AI to successfully build my own stock trading program. While I am not a professional software developer, this experience gave me the exact vision and knowledge to understand, speak, and analyze the modern world of big data — a skillset that is becoming increasingly critical as tax authorities worldwide shift toward continuous data collection from individuals and institutions, demanding new analytical capabilities from tax professionals. Learning alongside peers from diverse professional and cultural backgrounds further broadened my perspective. As someone who moved here with my family, the university's family-friendly environment also made our transition smoother. At Gies, the learning experience was defined not by pressure, but by collaboration, hands-on application, and a genuine sense of engagement throughout the journey.

Hakan Birlik

I came to the MS Finance program with dread and bewilderment. Despite my experience in banking, I knew the program would mark a pivotal moment in my life. And the program delivered far more than I had anticipated. I developed an understanding of financial data and modelling through thorough coursework and practical projects that demanded clear conceptual understanding and teamwork. Alongside that, exposure to professional tools like Bloomberg, CapitalIQ and WRDS combined with rich access to research literature strengthened my understanding and provided the confidence to pursue challenging job roles in the industry. The road ahead is difficult, but this program has planted in me something no setback can take away: a disciplined commitment to self-improvement and a genuine passion for the craft.

Malavika Vijayakumaran