I graduated with an undergraduate degree in economics from Harvard, in my home state of Massachusetts.The many Harvard alumni moving on to Oxford following graduation cultivated my interest and once I started looking into the available masters in finance programmes, the highly mathematical nature of the course at Saïd Business School appealed to me most.

 

Alongside being a phenomenal school I chose Oxford to ensure that I got an international education. I didn’t do an exchange year while at college due to my athletic commitments (I rowed for Harvard and for the US national team) so learning in a foreign country alongside a geographically diverse student body was important to me.

My MFE experience gave me a much deeper understanding of financial theory and market behaviour and on a social level, the chance to learn and work on assignments with such an internationally diverse group of people was enormously helpful. With globalisation today making finance an increasingly cross border experience, this has proved invaluable. The mathematical tools I learnt might not be required every day but the analytical tools are constantly applicable I have worked in the banking sector since graduating from Oxford, so we are right at heart of the current economic turmoil and some of the biggest news has been centered around our clients. It’s been remarkable to spend my working time since leaving Oxford in the eye of the storm. The lessons that people learn in crisis situations provide a much deeper understanding of their environment; it’s given me a better perspective on financial institutions and the market as a whole.

Of course the current climate is something I didn’t expect when I graduated, but the MFE programme, along with my demanding rowing training schedule has very much disciplined and prepared me for the current challenges of working a 100 hour week in high pressure environments.