From Degree to Dream Job: Stories of MS in Finance Alumni

Colleges and Universities, Must Read, Student Section, top20

From Degree to Dream Job: Stories of MS in Finance Alumni

MS in Finance alumni earn a lot. We aren’t the only ones saying that. Numbers support it.

Why it matters?

When investing a substantial amount of money in a degree, mere figures aren’t enough to instill confidence in your decision. You need to see the faces and hear the names of those who have succeeded. You require undeniable proof that an MS in Finance will lead to a successful career.

And that’s precisely why we have found 5 MS in Finance alumni whose stories can fuel your ambition.

Dive into the Financial Deep End: Take Action Now

If you are willing to make an MS in Finance alumni success story rather than read one, choose the right university and get started today!

If you still need some nudging, here are 5 MS in Finance alumni stories to inspire you:

5 Inspiring MS in Finance Alumni Stories

1. Vaishnavi Karwa

Source

College/University: Brandeis International School Of Business

Graduation Year: 2021

Current Position: Senior Financial Analyst, American Express

How MS in Finance at Brandeis Helped Her?

The program helped her focus on practical learning and industry applicability
It helped her build a solid professional network.
She learned how to set herself apart in an ever-changing job market.

Vaishnavi’s Words Of Wisdom For You:

Vaishnavi Karwa advises prospective MS in Finance students to:

Embrace daring opportunities,
Stay up-to-date with technology,
Continuously improve their interviewing skills,
Maintain a curious mindset, fearlessly ask questions, and
Participate in extracurricular events to create lifelong memories.

Connect with Vaishnavi on LinkedIn.

2. Anusha Srinivas

Source

College/University: Zicklin School of Business, Baruch University.

Graduation Year: 2022

Current Position: Finance Manager at American Express

How MS in Finance at Baruch College, Zicklin School of Business Helped Her?

Strengthened financial modeling skills
Enhanced knowledge in valuations and equity research
Developed skills in corporate finance and accounting

What You Can Learn From Anusha

Taking a cue from Anusha’s success story, MS in Finance aspirants should:

Be open to learning and working with people from diverse backgrounds.
Develop strengths in financial modeling, valuations, and equity research.
Keep exploring new areas in corporate finance and accounting.

Connect with Anusha on LinkedIn.

3. Axel Adriel Peluso Nieto

Source

College/University: The University of Miami Herbert Business School

Graduation Year: 2020

Current Position: Economist & Finance Professional at Valley Forge Fabrics, Inc.

How MS in Finance at Miami Herbert Business School Helped Him?

The MS in Finance program at Miami Herbert Business School provided Axel with a flexible study plan that allowed him to tailor his education to his career goals.
The challenging curriculum of the program expanded his knowledge
The professors and academic advisors at Miami Herbert helped Axel throughout his graduate school experience.

Key Takeaways From Axel Adriel Peluso Nieto’s Journey

Keep challenging yourself to grow and learn each day.
Customize your education and pursue your career goals with a flexible study plan.
Seek out knowledgeable professors and academic advisors to help guide you through your educational journey.

Connect With Axel Adriel Peluso Nieto on LinkedIn

4. Michelle Weinfeld

Source

College/University: Robert H. Smith School of Business, University of Maryland Graduation Year: 2020 Current Position: Financial Analyst at Dice

How MS in Finance at the University of Maryland Helped Her?

The course helped her acquire a strong foundation in finance and accounting
She developed skills in teamwork, management, forensic accounting, financial modeling, and financial analysis
Obtained a Master’s degree in Finance that aided in obtaining CPA and CFE licenses in New York State

Watch Michelle Weinfeld Talk About Her MS in Finance Experience

5. Carson Reeder

Source

College/University: University of Central Florida

Graduation Year: 2023 (Carson is in the 1st batch of MS in FinTech @ the University of Central Florida)

How MS in FinTech at the University of Central Florida is Helping Him?

He is gaining expertise in using cutting-edge tools like GPT and OpenBB to solve complex financial problems.
He is learned how to combine AI capabilities with data-driven insights for informed financial decision-making.
Having founded UCF’s FinTech Innovators Club to educate and raise awareness about the rapidly evolving landscape of financial technology, he is also learning networking and management.

Carson Reeder’s Goals And Future Plans:

Carson plans to continue exploring innovative solutions in the space of financial technology. He also aims to continue fostering learning and collaboration through his involvement in the FinTech Innovators Club.

Connect with Carson on LinkedIn

So there you have it, the inspiring stories of MS in Finance alumni who have turned their degrees into dream jobs.

Yes, an MS in Finance in the US can cost a pretty penny, but with the success stories we’ve seen, it’s clear that the investment is worth it. So don’t let a lack of funds stop you.

Apply Now

College Finder

Get personalized assistance to shortlist colleges, programs etc based on your profile.

Try Now!

10 Steps to 100% Clarity on Jobs After MS in Computer Science & Information Technology

Colleges and Universities, Must Read, Student Section, top20

10 Steps to 100% Clarity on Jobs After MS in Computer Science & Information Technology

The computer and information technology jobs are projected to grow 11% from 2019 to 2029.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, It’s much faster than the average for all occupations.
With such promising growth, it’s no wonder that many are interested in pursuing MS in Computer Science and IT. So, let’s see 10 steps to attain a clear path to landing a job after MS in CS & IT.
Keep reading to find out.

1. Evaluate Your Skills

According to a National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) survey, 70% of employers prefer candidates with relevant work experience. In contrast, 60% prefer candidates with relevant coursework.

Evaluate your skills and learn new technologies that are in demand. Taking online courses and working on personal projects can help you gain the relevant skills and experience employers seek.

A few excellent examples are

Introduction to Computer Science by Harvard University (edX), Algorithms, Part I by Princeton University (Coursera),
Operating Systems and You: Becoming a Power User by Google (Coursera)
Introduction to Data Science in Python by University of Michigan (Coursera)

2. Research Job Opportunities

Research the companies you want to work for and learn about their mission, values, and work culture. Then, utilize job search platforms like LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor to find job opportunities and read reviews from current and former employees.

According to a survey by the Pew Research Center in 2016, 79% of Americans who have looked for work in the last two years utilized online job boards.

Visit companies’ websites that interest you and check their career sections for job postings. It is a good way to learn about the company’s mission, values, and job openings.

Apply Now

3. Network

According to a study by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), employee referrals are the most popular source for new hires, with 30% of hires coming from referrals.

Networking with professors, attending career fairs, and joining online communities can help MS students build their professional network and increase their chances of finding a job through referrals.

Attending industry conferences and events to keep up with your field’s latest IT trends and technologies is a good way to stay relevant with industry demands.

4. Update Your Resume

According to a survey by CareerBuilder, 54% of employers have rejected a job applicant because of a resume not tailored to the position. MS students should tailor their resumes to the job they are applying for and highlight relevant skills and experience.

Include skills relevant to the job you are applying for, such as programming languages, software development tools, and data analysis techniques. Showcase your MS in Computer Science and Information Technology prominently on your resume, along with any relevant coursework, research, or projects.

Pro tip: Use action verbs such as “developed,” “designed,” and “implemented” to describe your experience and accomplishments clearly and concisely.

5. Build Your Portfolio

A study by Upwork found that 59% of hiring managers consider a candidate’s portfolio when making a hiring decision. Building a portfolio of relevant projects and research can help MS students showcase their skills and knowledge to potential employers.

Projects like developing and training AI models, creating chatbots or recommendation systems, and exploring natural language processing are prominent. They are relevant to CS & IT trends.

Pro tip: Tailor your portfolio to your audience to increase the chances of making a strong and memorable impression.

6. Practice Interviewing

According to a survey by Robert Half, 63% of employers say that candidates who ask thoughtful questions during interviews are more likely to receive a job offer.

MS students should research the company and prepare responses to common interview questions. Then, begin by asking thoughtful questions to gain knowledge.

Research the company you are interviewing to learn about its mission, values, and culture. This will help you tailor your answers to their specific needs.

Focus on your strengths and how they align with the job requirements during the interview. Be prepared to give specific examples of your skills and experience.

Pro tip: Prepare responses to common interview questions, such as “Tell me about yourself” and “Why do you want to work for us?” Practice these responses with friends or family to gain confidence.

7. Apply for Jobs

A report by Indeed found that the average job posting receives 250 resumes, but only 4-6 candidates are called for an interview. Therefore, MS students should apply to various jobs that match their skills. It increases their chances of being selected for an interview.

Research companies you are interested in to learn about their job openings and application requirements. Tailor your application materials to their specific needs. Some computer science and Information technology career opportunities are:

Software Developer
Data Scientist
Computer Systems Analyst
Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning Engineer
Cybersecurity Analyst
Database Administrator
IT Consultant
Network Administrator
Technical Support Engineer
Systems Administrator
Information Security Analyst
IT Project Manager

Apply to various jobs that match your skills and interests, even if they are not your dream job. This will increase your chances of getting hired.

8. Follow Up

Wait a week or two after applying to follow up with a company. Then, be patient and respectful of their hiring process. According to a survey by CareerBuilder, 22% of employers are less likely to hire a candidate who does not send a thank-you note after an interview.

Following up with a thank-you note and asking for feedback. It will show employers that you are professional and interested in the job.

9. Attend Interviews

According to a study by The Ladders, interviewers decide on a candidate’s fit within the first 90 seconds. Therefore, MS students should dress professionally, arrive early, and ask thoughtful questions to make a good first impression.

Utilize career services offered by your university or college. These services include resume reviews, mock interviews, and job search advice.

10. Evaluate Offers

According to a report by Glassdoor, the average job seeker spends 33 days searching for a job but only 10 days evaluating a job offer. Therefore, MS students should carefully evaluate job offers based on salary, benefits, job responsibilities, and company culture.

Consider the salary and benefits offered by the company, such as health insurance, retirement plans, and vacation time. Evaluate the job responsibilities to ensure they match your skills and interests.

Make sure they align with your career goals. Then, assess the company culture to determine if it fits you well.

So, for a head start, remember…

While technical skills are important, developing your soft skills is equally essential for the computer science and IT sector. Seek out internships or part-time work, stay up to date with industry trends, and keep upskilling.

College Finder

Get personalized assistance to shortlist colleges, programs etc based on your profile.

Try Now!

Financial Aid for MS in Data Science: Your Top 10 Options

Top 5 Financial Aid Options for MS in Data Science in the US

Colleges and Universities, Must Read, Student Section

Top 5 Financial Aid Options for MS in Data Science in the US

48,000 US dollars!
That’s the average tuition fee for an MS in Data Science in the US.
Yeah! It’s a lot of money.

But before you give up, take a look at the bigger picture.

The highest-paid data scientist earns $130,770, while the lowest-paid makes $77,620 annually. So, you will earn back what you paid within one year of securing a job in the US.

Okay, your concerns are valid.

Will I get a job in the US? And will my degree be recognized if I return to my home country?

Here are your answers:

Source: What international students overall say about their US degree.

76% of Indians secure full-time employment in the US.
74% of Indians find jobs in India after studying in the U.S.

So, a US degree won’t be a wrong decision.

But if you’re wondering how to handle the hefty tuition fees, this article is your GOLDMINE. You’ll discover 5 financial aid options for MS in Data Science in the US.

Stick around till the end for some bonus tips!

In a hurry? Here’s financial aid for MS in Data Science at a glance:

Scholarships
Assistantships
Fellowships
Student Loans
Work-Study Programs

Ready to uncover the gold, one piece at a time? Here you go!

1. Scholarships

The basics: Scholarships are financial awards that will help you pursue higher education. They can cover partial or full tuition, living expenses, and sometimes additional costs.

You get scholarships based on academic merit, community involvement, leadership, or a combination of all these factors.

Finding scholarships:

University-specific scholarship: Check the websites of your target universities for graduate student scholarships or Data Science scholarships.
Online portals: Use online websites like to find scholarships.
Indian Government Websites: Check government websites like the Ministry of Human Resource Development to find government-funded scholarships.
Private Organizations and Trusts: Look into scholarships offered by Indian organizations and trusts such as Tata Trusts, Inlaks Scholarships, and Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation.
US-India Educational Foundation (USIEF): Visit the USIEF website for information on scholarships and fellowships for Indian students studying in the US.

How to get:

Find eligibility criteria and shortlist the MS in Data Science scholarships you are eligible for.
Submit a well-crafted application, including a personal statement highlighting your achievements, goals, and how the scholarship will help you.
Get letters of recommendation from authority figures like professors, or mentors,
Submit all documents before the deadline.

Our expert suggestion for financial aid for MS in Data Science:

2. Assistantships

Source: Research assistantship at NJIT

The basics: Assistantships are part-time employment opportunities for graduate students within the university.

There are Research Assistantships, where students work in research, and Teaching Assistantships, where students assist a professor.

Assistantships offer financial support, typically in the form of a stipend and tuition remission. It also gives hands-on experience in your field of study and helps develop professional skills.

Finding assistantships:

University websites: Browse the websites of the universities you’re interested in. Specifically, search for financial support for Data Science.
Departmental resources: Contact the Data Science department for information on available assistantships.
Faculty members: Contact potential advisors or faculty members in your area of interest.
Networking: Connect with current or former students from the university who can help you find assistantship opportunities.

How to get:

Apply early, as many universities have specific deadlines for assistantship applications.
Highlight any research or teaching experience you have in your application. It will increase your chances of securing an assistantship.
Prepare a strong CV highlighting your skills, academic achievements, and experience relevant to the assistantship.
Get ready for interviews(if asked) by reviewing your experiences, accomplishments, and the responsibilities of the assistantship role.

Our expert suggestion for financial aid for MS in Data Science:

The City University of New York offers full-time students in good academic standing, with in-state tuition coverage and tiered roles with varying service hours.
Worcester Polytechnic Institute offers Teaching Assistants (TAs) and Research Assistants (RAs) positions, typically requiring a 20-hour per week commitment.
New Jersey Institute of Technology offers teaching and research assistantships that provide part-time work opportunities for students, with around 400 positions available annually.

Apply Now

3. Fellowships

The basics: Fellowships are merit-based financial awards that will cover your tuition fees, along with a stipend for living expenses.

It will help you to focus on your studies or research without needing to work. They are provided by universities, research institutions, or private organizations as master’s degree funding.

Finding fellowships:

University websites: Explore the master’s degree funding and department pages of universities you’re interested in.
Research institutions and private organizations: Check their websites for fellowship opportunities in your field of study.
Online databases: Websites like ProFellow, or Fellowship Finder can help you search for fellowships based on various criteria.
Indian organizations and government: Some Indian organizations or government bodies may offer fellowships for students pursuing higher education abroad.

How to get:

Eligibility criteria: Ensure you meet the eligibility requirements for the fellowships you’re applying to. It can be academic merit or a specific research focus.
Strong application: Submit a well-crafted application highlighting your achievements, research interests, and goals.
Research proposal: Many fellowships require a research proposal, which should be well-structured, clear, and demonstrate the significance of your research.
Recommendation letters: Request letters of recommendation from professors or mentors who can affirm your skills and potential.

Our expert suggestion for financial aid for MS in Data Science:

4. Student Loans

The basics: Student loans are funds borrowed by students to cover tuition and living expenses while pursuing higher education.

They can be offered by federal or private institutions and need to be repaid, usually with interest, over a specified period.

Finding student loans:

Private loans from US lenders: Some US-based lenders offer private loans to international students. Examples include Prodigy Finance, MPOWER Financing, and Discover.
Online bidding platforms: It is an alternative student loan option where lenders compete to provide student loans with the most favourable terms and interest rates.
Home country loans: Indian banks and financial institutions, such as SBI, HDFC Credila, and Avanse, offer educational loans for Indian students studying abroad.

How to get:

Eligibility: Check the eligibility criteria for various loan programs, including credit history, income requirements, or having a cosigner.
Compare loan terms: Compare interest rates, repayment terms, and other conditions across different loan providers.
Documentation: Gather necessary documents, such as admission letters, proof of identity, and financial statements.
Apply: Submit loan applications to the lenders of your choice and follow their specific application procedures.

5. Work-Study Programs

The basics: Work-study programs are part-time employment opportunities for eligible students. They allow you to earn money and make payments for your education while gaining work experience.

Finding work-study programs:

University job portals: Many universities have job portals listing work-study opportunities.
Campus departments: Visit various campus departments, such as libraries or administrative offices, to inquire about available work-study positions.
Off-campus employers: Some work-study programs partner with off-campus employers. Check with your department of financial support for Data Science related opportunities.

How to get:

Eligibility: Ensure you meet all the criteria for work-study programs, which may include financial need or academic performance.
Apply for financial aid: Submit the required financial assistance application, such as IWS or CSS Profile, depending on the university.
Search for positions: Browse available work-study positions on your university’s job portal or through campus departments.
Apply for jobs: Submit job applications to the relevant departments or employers, including your resume and other required documents.

Our expert suggestion for financial aid for MS in Data Science:

WPI offers on-campus part-time job opportunities where you can typically earn $1,500 to $2,500 per academic year.
NJIT offers degree-seeking students work-study programs in academic departments, administrative offices, and community-service initiatives that can reduce their education expenses.

As we wrap up this guide, let’s not forget some additional strategies that can be financial support for your Data Science journey.

Bonus Tips:

Tuition waivers or discounts: Some universities may offer tuition waivers or discounts for eligible students based on merit or financial need.
Internships: Gain valuable work experience and cover living expenses by securing internships during your studies.
Sponsorships: Research and apply early for sponsorships from private companies, organizations, or foundations supporting students in specific fields.

College Finder

Get personalized assistance to shortlist colleges, programs etc based on your profile.

Try Now!

First Name

Last Name

Mobile Number

State

Area Of Study

Preferred Country

Admission Status

Enrollment Month

Students from Top MS in Data Science Universities in the US Reveal Top Tips

6 Tips from MS in Data Science Students from Top US Universities

Colleges and Universities, Must Read, Student Section

6 Tips from MS in Data Science Students from Top US Universities

I’m really worried about the cost of studying abroad.
I’m a bit concerned about the course structure and curriculum.
Another thing that worries me is finding a job after graduation.
If that sounds like you, you’re in the right place!

Moving to another country for your studies is undeniably a huge step.

As experts in guiding students on their study abroad journey, we understand your concerns and are here to help.

That’s why we’ve gathered tips for Data Science students from alumni and current students.

Here’s a glimpse of what they have to say:

Select a university with a strong curriculum and supportive faculty
Find on-campus jobs for financial independence
Participate in project-based programs to improve job prospects
Take advantage of the interdisciplinary coursework to broaden job prospects.
Build a strong portfolio during the study program.

1. Select a university with a strong curriculum and supportive faculty.

Source: Jay Sorathiya

“From starting as a Chemical Engineering student who had to learn programming from scratch to eventually building advanced ML applications and working with distributed systems on cloud, my journey has been incredibly rewarding,” shares Jay Sorathiya, an MS in Data Science graduate from Ying Wu College of Computing (NJIT).

“NJIT’s amazing curriculum and teaching played a significant role in shaping me into a Data Professional. I will be forever grateful for my time at New Jersey Institute of Technology’s Ying Wu College of Computing,” emphasizes Jay.

Quick Wins:

Tips from MS in Data Science Students at NJIT recommend choosing between computational, and statistics tracks to suit your interests.
Learn to create, implement, and assess advanced statistical models for difficult business issues.
Benefit from experienced faculty in computer science and math. It will ensure well-rounded guidance for a successful career.

2. Find on-campus jobs for financial independence.

Source: Krisha Sha

Krisha Sha, an MS in Data Science student, says, “Within a span of two weeks, I started my part-time job as a Teaching Assistant (MS Grader for Software Engineering) at NJIT. This was one of the smallest yet most proud moments of my journey so far.”

Quick Wins:

Joining NJIT’s work-study programs will help you manage the costs and make your study abroad journey more affordable.
Explore various on-campus job roles. Consider becoming a teaching assistant, programmer, web developer, help-desk consultant, or game-room desk attendant.
On-campus jobs help to build essential skills and boost your resume during your studies.

3. Participate in project-based programs to improve job prospects.

Source: Rosemarie D

“I greatly enjoyed the GQP, which connected me with a company and a project that allowed me to interact and develop. The project work helped me grow my skills in a corporate environment while still in school,” says Rosemarie D, an MS in Data Science graduate from Worcester Polytechnic Institute.

Quick Wins:

By participating in WPI’s project-based approach, you’ll tackle real-world problems. It will help you impress potential employers with your problem-solving skills.
It gives you the opportunity to land potential jobs in the future.
It provides you a platform to work with faculties, collaborate in teams and showcase your data science abilities.

4. Take advantage of the interdisciplinary coursework to broaden job prospects.

Source: Yang Tao

“During my course of study, I could choose different classes like AI, machine learning, big data, and business intelligence. Each course benefited me during my job hunting, as I talked about my projects in the different courses to match different roles and job descriptions,” Yang Tao shares university-specific Data Science advice from Worcester Polytechnic Institute.

Quick Wins:

Tips from MS in Data Science Students emphasize the flexibility to customize your coursework and projects at WPI.
Learn advanced topics like visual analytics, machine learning, statistics, and big data management based on your passion. It will help to develop a skill to branch out into different industries.
It will make you an attractive candidate in the job market, broadening your possibilities.

Apply Now

5. Build a strong portfolio during the study program

Source: Daina Boquin

“Having a portfolio of your work is really important, especially if you want to have some authority on an issue. You want to be able to show someone and demonstrate, ‘Look, I have done this before.'”, shares Daina Boquin, a Data Science graduate at The City University of New York.

Data Science Graduate Testimonials like Daina’s emphasize the value of building a strong portfolio during your studies.

Quick Wins:

Tips from MS in Data Science students highlight the importance of gaining skills. It will make you competent in the job market.
Working on hands-on projects and collaborations helps you build a strong portfolio.
Learn from dedicated faculty who are using open-source best-practice tools. It will help you meet higher employer demands.

Do you want to get in touch with more alumni? We are here to help.

With these insider tips in hand, you’re ready to unlock your data science potential!

If you want more resources, here is some further reading:

College Finder

Get personalized assistance to shortlist colleges, programs etc based on your profile.

Try Now!

First Name

Last Name

Mobile Number

State

Area Of Study

Preferred Country

Admission Status

Enrollment Month

Graduate Education

CATEGORIES

From Degree to Dream Job: Stories of MS in Finance Alumni

Why it matters?

Dive into the Financial Deep End: Take Action Now

5 Inspiring MS in Finance Alumni Stories

1. Vaishnavi Karwa

How MS in Finance at Brandeis Helped Her?

Vaishnavi’s Words Of Wisdom For You:

2. Anusha Srinivas

How MS in Finance at Baruch College, Zicklin School of Business Helped Her?

What You Can Learn From Anusha

3. Axel Adriel Peluso Nieto

How MS in Finance at Miami Herbert Business School Helped Him?

Key Takeaways From Axel Adriel Peluso Nieto’s Journey

4. Michelle Weinfeld

How MS in Finance at the University of Maryland Helped Her?

Watch Michelle Weinfeld Talk About Her MS in Finance Experience

5. Carson Reeder

How MS in FinTech at the University of Central Florida is Helping Him?

Carson Reeder’s Goals And Future Plans:

Further Reading: Resources To Help You Spell Success After MS in Finance

Top Articles

College Finder

CATEGORIES

10 Steps to 100% Clarity on Jobs After MS in Computer Science & Information Technology

1. Evaluate Your Skills

2. Research Job Opportunities

3. Network

4. Update Your Resume

5. Build Your Portfolio

6. Practice Interviewing

7. Apply for Jobs

8. Follow Up

9. Attend Interviews

10. Evaluate Offers

So, for a head start, remember…

Top Articles

College Finder

CATEGORIES

Top 5 Financial Aid Options for MS in Data Science in the US

1. Scholarships

2. Assistantships

3. Fellowships

4. Student Loans

5. Work-Study Programs

Top Articles

College Finder

CATEGORIES

6 Tips from MS in Data Science Students from Top US Universities

1. Select a university with a strong curriculum and supportive faculty.

2. Find on-campus jobs for financial independence.

3. Participate in project-based programs to improve job prospects.

4. Take advantage of the interdisciplinary coursework to broaden job prospects.

5. Build a strong portfolio during the study program

Top Articles

College Finder