Eleni Marselou-Bonanou ’25

The Asset Management program gave me the opportunity to explore my growing interest in investing. The coursework introduced me to a variety of asset classes and taught me how to evaluate different types of investments, as well as the portfolio optimization methods that can grow their value.

I’ve particularly appreciated the curriculum's STEM focus, demonstrated through courses like Financial Econometrics and Quantitative Investing. The industry's growing reliance on predictive analytics makes data science and quantitative methods vital in modern asset management. These analytical approaches help uncover hidden patterns, reduce uncertainty in forecasting, and create competitive advantages in portfolio construction. Combined with my consulting background, these strengthened analytical skills now allow me to develop my personal investment approach.

The opportunity to take the course Investing Excellence, taught by Jim Millar and Dean Takahashi ’83, has allowed me to learn from skilled and successful investors across varied markets and asset classes. I have learned to identify quality, value, and opportunity, and have been exposed to investments with these attributes, which has helped me refine my personal approach to decision-making and risk management.

Meeting one of my longtime favorite investors, Lei Zhang ’02, was particularly inspiring. From him, I learned about the importance of intellectual curiosity and honesty in investment decisions.

My classmates have taught me the power of a strong network. Whether you’re dealing with challenging assignments, seeking moral support, or navigating recruitment processes, there’s always someone who knows what you don’t. Being able to lean on each other makes all the difference. Particularly in my coding-heavy courses, peer insights proved essential!

Most importantly, my classmates have taught me every day to trust the process as we move into this next phase of our professional lives. Things don’t always come together immediately, but with hard work and patience, they tend to work out. I have no doubt that the friendships and connections I’ve built this year will last well beyond our days at Yale.