Reflections on My First Semester in the Master's in Asset Management Program

This past September, I joined the Master’s in Asset Management Class of 2024, and my journey thus far has been incredibly rewarding. The first semester has not only deepened my understanding of finance and investment but has also provided me with unique opportunities to engage in meaningful, real-world projects that align with my career goals and personal values.

Although I’ve been a serial entrepreneur in the education sector for eight years, academically, I have been fascinated by finance and investment since I was an undergraduate at Pitzer College, where I majored in mathematical economics. Still, I had reservations about joining the Asset Management program due to my previous focus on fundamental investment, with most of my quantitative coursework during my freshman and sophomore years. These concerns totally dissipated in the first few weeks at Yale SOM, though. The Asset Management program’s structure allows individuals at different levels to adapt seamlessly. During the summer prior to first semester, we engaged in preparatory courses on DataCamp, enhancing our knowledge of Python and time series analysis. The Asset Management Bootcamp before the start of the semester also helped us review accounting and finance modeling.

My classmates in the program are incredibly diverse, with peers coming from data science, computer science, biology, economics, philosophy, film studies, and aerospace engineering backgrounds, as well as some experienced professionals from the industry. Most of our assignments are group-based, allowing us to learn from each other and enhance our skills collaboratively. The small-cohort nature of the program fosters a close-knit community, reminiscent of the camaraderie in high school.

One of the most rewarding parts of the Asset Management curriculum is that courses aren’t just about learning theories; they are an exploration into the practical, real-world application of ethical principles in business. We discuss the essence and necessity of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and the concept of doing good while doing well in business. Our class discussions are dynamic, involving debates and intellectual exchanges that offer deep insights into the nuances of business ethics.

For example, our cases in the Business Ethics course aren’t just academic exercises; they are real stories that are brought to life and teach us about the complex interplay between profit-making and ethical decision-making in business. This has been instrumental in preparing me to become a better impact investor and a socially responsible entrepreneur. It has instilled in me a keen awareness of the ethical implications of business decisions and the importance of aligning profit motives with societal good. As I move forward in my career, the lessons learned in this class will undoubtedly guide my approach to business and investment strategies.

Apart from my academic pursuits, my time as SOM has been enriched by my participation in the Yale Venture Club, of which I serve as the co-chair. Our primary focus is on venture capital in China and its international expansion. We aim to build a robust venture capital ecosystem for Yale in China. I am actively involved in organizing the Yale U.S.-China Entrepreneurship and Investment Summit, an initiative that aligns perfectly with my interest in fostering cross-border entrepreneurial and investment relationships.

Overall, my time at SOM as a member of the Master’s in Asset Management program has been incredibly rewarding.  I look forward to taking my newly acquired skillset and experiences with me as I pursue and achieve my career goals.