Finding the right master's in finance degree program goes beyond just the course content. Choosing a program with a close-knit community and supportive professors can make all the difference — and open doors in unexpected ways.
Here, Juliana Guerra ’22 (BBA), ’23 (MSF) shares her experience in the MS in Finance program at the University of San Diego's Knauss School of Business, how it helped her align her passions for art and finance, and how, with a little help from a finance professor, she landed a job in alternative investing after graduating.
Q: There are many schools to choose from. Why did you choose to attend the MS in Finance program at USD?
Juliana: I loved the small, intimate class sizes at USD and having the opportunity to develop close relationships with my classmates and professors. I had completed my undergrad at USD and spent my senior year watching the new business building go up so it was a no-brainer to stay an additional year to get my master's.
Q: What was your background before joining the master's in finance program?
Juliana: My original plan was to go to law school, but I was a finance major and during my senior year I decided to pivot my post grad plans to finance instead of law. In addition to studying finance, I double-minored in French and art history. I appreciate the breadth of opportunities in finance and I soon learned about art finance as a growing field. It was when I realized I could combine my two passions that I became interested in honing my skills in finance further through a master's program. I didn't have any internship experience in finance prior to the summer after I graduated undergrad, where I worked in the research department at a boutique wealth advisory firm in La Jolla, where I am currently employed as an Investment Research Analyst.
Q: How did the MS in Finance program help you grow as a professional?
Juliana: It helped me expand both my technical skills as well as soft skills, such as presenting. Creating proposals and presentations are a huge part of my current job and I constantly draw upon the time I spent working on projects and presentations in the MSF program, where I honed my communication skills and ability to present complex ideas clearly using charts, graphics and other visual aids.
Read more: The Value of a Master's Degree in Finance: Is It Worth It?
Q: How did the Knauss School faculty and staff support you beyond the classroom?
Juliana: I had wonderful experiences with all of my faculty in the master's program, especially professors Svetina, Wiese and Ratcliff. They were always available to answer questions and provide encouragement and support during busy or stressful times. Additionally, I had great experiences with my faculty in undergrad, who were a big reason I decided to pursue my master's degree at USD. I actually obtained my internship and current full time job through my derivatives professor, Tim O'Donovan, my senior year. I am so grateful to him for connecting me to the CEO of my company, also a USD alumnus (Dick Pfister ’93), which has allowed me to get my foot in the door to the more niche world of alternative investing.
Q: Reflecting on your experience at USD, is there anything else you’d like to share?
Juliana: I am most grateful for the connections I made with faculty and my fellow classmates. I truly looked forward to every class during my master's program, the professors and my classmates always kept it lively and fun. I will always cherish the memories, inside jokes and friendships I made.
Schedule a consultation with an MSF admission advisor if you have questions about the program or want to learn more.
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