Program: MS Finance
Current Job: Staff accountant at Shah, Dixit & Associates, Burlington, MA
Finding My Path to Advanced Finance
After completing my bachelor's in commerce with majors in accounting and finance and earning my Chartered Accountant certification in India, I gained valuable auditing experience at EY that helped me develop core financial skills. While I valued this experience, my true passion has always been finance, and I wanted to deepen my expertise to expand my career opportunities. Pursuing a master’s in finance at the University of New Hampshire's Paul College of Business and Economics became the perfect next step in my professional journey.
Why UNH's Paul College Was the Right Choice
When searching for the ideal graduate program, Paul College stood out because of its unique balance of theoretical and practical learning. With access to expert faculty and hands-on financial experience, it offered the ideal environment to deepen my finance skills and prepare for real-world challenges.
I was particularly drawn to Paul's applied curriculum that bridges academic research with real-world learning. Between analyzing live data through case studies and participating in the innovative student-managed investment fund, I was actively involved in practicing concepts I learn in the classroom. This emphasis on experiential learning provided invaluable preparation for the complexities of a career in finance.
More broadly, Paul College offered exactly the supportive yet challenging environment I was looking for to achieve my full potential. From collaborative projects to competitive finance events, I had the opportunity to learn from high-caliber peers and enrich my perspective. The resources and community support available to pursue my goals within finance have been incredible.
Mentorship That Makes a Difference
One of the highlights of my academic experience was taking three finance courses taught by Professor Yixin Liu - Corporate Finance, Cases in Finance, and Finance Experience. As Director of the Master’s in Finance program, Professor Liu brings years of experience not only teaching advanced financial theories but mentoring students like me.
What I appreciate most is her ability to balance intellectual challenge with strong student support. Her corporate finance course interweaves stimulating case studies with hands-on data analysis, helping us build practical skills. The Finance Experience course allowed us to manage an actual investment fund and put financial concepts into practice. With her contagious passion for finance and dedicated mentoring style, Professor Liu created an environment perfect for developing proficiency and pursuing career ambitions.
Unexpected Discoveries: Programming in Finance
One aspect of my Programming in Finance course that truly surprised me was the immense versatility and customization possible with Python for financial modeling and data analysis. Prior to this course, I primarily used Excel and was unaware of how powerful Python libraries like Pandas and NumPy are for structuring, visualizing, and gaining insights from complex financial data sets.
After gaining firsthand experience with machine learning capabilities and the ability to parse through vast data quickly to identify key drivers of performance, I'm excited to apply these skills professionally. Having advanced programming knowledge tailored to financial analysis allows me to provide actionable insights and drive better decision making across financial advising, investment analysis, and audits.
My goal is to utilize Python to deliver customizable visualizations and scripts that reveal meaningful relationships in financials to address unique client needs. The streamlining power of programming for finance is applicable across industries and will be a valuable skill throughout my career.
Program Strengths: Flexibility Meets Rigor
The master’s in finance at UNH stands out for its balance of rigorous core curriculum and ample flexibility to customize with elective courses aligned to my interests. Spanning corporate finance, analytics, financial theory, and reporting, the required classes equip students with both technical skills and depth of knowledge to excel in finance leadership.
What I appreciate is how the curriculum then allows me to specialize further through electives in emerging areas that appeal to me. Whether pursuing the Financial Analytics track to take Big Data in Finance and honing programming abilities, or the Investments route to analyze alternative assets, this range of options ensures I develop specialized expertise.
This personalization layered on a solid foundation produces well-rounded graduates ready to add value. Furthermore, experiential learning options like the student-managed investment fund enable me to put classroom concepts into practice. It is this combination of broad transferable theory, customization based on passion, and practical application that make UNH's Master's in Finance program distinct.
Career Growth: From Auditor to Finance Leader
After years as an auditor at EY, I realized I wanted to pivot my career more directly into finance leadership rather than accounting. Though I gained valuable technical skills in my role, I wanted to complement my knowledge with advanced financial theories, data analytics, portfolio modeling, and risk management abilities to transition into a finance manager position long-term. This master’s in finance program at UNH perfectly bridged where I was in my career with where I aspire to be.
The curriculum allowed me to build in-demand financial acumen through corporate finance, investments, and programming coursework while customizing my education based on my interests in big data and financial technology applications. Hands-on learning through the student managed investment fund also expanded my repertoire.
I envision these expanded analytical and leadership skills gained through both rigorous coursework and experiential learning will enable me to demonstrate increased value in the workplace. With the networks and professional development resources provided as well, I am be equipped to pursue finance roles with more confidence.
Advice for Prospective Students
For those considering the UNH Master’s in Finance program, my advice is simple: don't hesitate to apply! It's an incredibly well-rounded public program capable of preparing anyone passionate about finance to thrive. As one of the nation's leading public universities, UNH offers immense resources at an affordable price point.
To make the most of the program:
- Approach the curriculum with an open and collaborative mindset
- Participate actively in group projects
- Engage with professors during office hours
- Attend professional development seminars
- Join the finance club
- Seek out internships
Seize every opportunity available, from the student-managed investment fund to interview coaching to distinguished guest speakers. You will undoubtedly be challenged but also supported to achieve your fullest potential, readying you for meaningful finance careers after graduation.
The program brings the most value to proactive candidates excited to immerse themselves in this transformative learning community.
