Can you tell us a bit about your background?
No previous experience in finance.
I studied part-time in the program from 8/2004-12/2006
Did you get admitted to other programs?
No. The only program I applied to, and was admitted to, was Baruch MFE (known as Applied Mathematics for Finance)
Why did you choose this program (over others, if applicable)?
I audited a class and was immediately attracted by the way the instructor interacted with the students. Moreover financially it made the most sense for me at the time.
Tell us about the application process at this program
After submitting my application and being interviewed by Dr. Stefanica, I was informed of my admission to the program.
Programs like Baruch MFE, UCB MFE have refresher courses for incoming students. Does this program offer such courses? How useful was it?
Yes, attended Baruch's three refresher courses: linear algebrea, advanced calculus and probability. Absolutely a must as the MFE program builds on these courses.
Tell us about the courses selection in this program. Any special courses you like?
Elective courses that I particularly enjoyed:
Risk Management class taught by Dr. Lev Borodovsky (Guest lecturer and co-founder of GARP). Why? the course focuses on the PRACTICE of risk management taught by a leading practitioner.
Structured Finance by Dr. Sylvain Raynes. Why? taught by a practitioner who believes in making a science out of finance, particular structured finance.
Required courses that I particularly enjoyed:
Advanced Computational Methods in Finance by Dr. Salih Neftci. Why? Dr. Neftci made seemingly difficult suggest accessible. One of the best professors I ever had. Will be dearly missed.
Numerical Linear Algebra and Numerical Methods for PDEs in Finance by Dr. Stefanica. Why? The foundation of financial engineering numerical methods and computation.
Required courses that I particularly appreciated:
Probability and Stochastic Calculus by Dr. Elena Kosygina. Why? appreciated the rigorous teaching handed down by Dr. Kosygina.
Tell us about the quality of teaching
Program had a nice blend of practitioners and academicians. TA's for the most part were helpful.
Materials used in the program
Standard textbooks in financial engineering were used.
Programming component of the program
C++ and VBA. Except the probabililty and stochastic calculus classes, almost all courses had a programming/computation element.
Projects
These were mostly group projects. The exception being the probability and stochastic calculus courses.
Career service
1. Program director and faculty referral (extremely helpful)
2. Alumni referral (extremely helpful)
3. The standard school career service (somewhat helpful)
4. Career fair (not so helpful)
Most of the students got placed via the first two routes. I have also heard of people getting internship via school career service.
Can you comment on the social interaction between students of different ethnics, nationalities in the program?
People from different ethnicities got along extremely well. There were no divisions along nationality or ethnic lines.
What do you like about the program?
The high degree of interaction between the faculty (including the director of the program) and the students. Every student receives individual attention from the director.
Leading industry practitioners such as Peter Carr, Jim Gatheral, as guest lecturers in the program.
What DON'T you like about the program?
Hard to say since the program has improved significantly since I have graduated.
Suggestions for the program to make it better
Establish direct and formal recruiting relationships with more leading financial institutions (this has been the focus for a while and significant progress has been made through persistent efforts from the director and growing alumni base)
What are your current job status? What are you looking for?
Working for the current employer since graduation.
Other comments
Joining Baruch's MFE program has been one of the best decisions in my life.