Born and educated in Bratislava, Slovakia, Katarina has had a passion for mathematics since the age of 10. She studied the discipline at undergraduate level, at UCL in London and during this time, decided to pursue a Masters in either finance or economics. “Although I enjoyed doing maths I wanted to do something more related to the ‘real world’,” she says. “I have always been interested in economics and finance, especially in relation to politics and public policy, and wanted to gain a deeper understanding of the issues involved.”

Katarina chose Saïd Business School’s MFE programme for its combination of theoretical core courses where she could use her mathematics background, with applied electives that would enable her to gain deeper exposure to some more practical fields. The diversity of people she has met both on her course and throughout the university has been the highlight of her time in Oxford. “They come from very different backgrounds but have one thing in common – they are truly inspiring!”

Another highlight of Katarina’s Oxford experience has been taking part in sporting events. She rows for Magdalen College Boat Club and has competed against a Cambridge college at the Henley Boat Races. Katarina also plays Ultimate Frisbee for OW! (Oxford University Ultimate Frisbee Club). “We managed to come 8th in the University Mixed Indoor Nationals, and I also went to Cambridge to compete in Varsity.”

After graduation, Katarina will work for the Prague office of McKinsey & Company. “After a spending a couple of years in Prague, I am considering doing an MBA at an American University to further broaden my education,” she says. “As I am very passionate about education, I would eventually like to utilise my skills to improve education standards in central Europe – either by policy work or maybe by setting up a school myself.”