A Semester of Firsts: Highlights from the Asset Management Program
Swetha Rakhecha ’25 reflects on the academic and extracurricular opportunities provided by the Yale SOM Master's in Asset Management program.
Coming into the Master’s in Asset Management (AM) program at Yale SOM, I expected to participate in rigorous academics, dynamic discussions, and opportunities for professional growth. The program has surpassed my high expectations, leaving me in awe and teaching me to embrace the fact that I will continue discovering new ideas and resources until graduation day. These first three months have been a blend of intense learning and meaningful connections. The steep learning curve began the day I arrived on campus, and (in hindsight) I’ve appreciated every minute of it.
SOM’s reputation for excellence set the bar high, and the program has delivered on every front. My professors and classmates bring a wealth of real-world insights to our discussions, encouraging me to think beyond traditional paradigms. Returning to the classroom after five years in the workforce has been invigorating, especially since I am surrounded by some of the world’s best minds. Learning here is anything but passive; it’s hands-on, rooted in trial and error, and designed to push intellectual boundaries. The AM program has broadened my understanding across a diverse range of asset classes and investment strategies, sharpening my analytical skills and preparing me to navigate the complexities of today’s financial landscape. Every aspect of the program challenges us to excel as scholars and future practitioners, and every day in class reaffirms why the AM program is so highly regarded.
Core courses like Quantitative Investing with Professor Toby Moskowitz have been intellectually stimulating, providing critical tools for analyzing portfolio construction and implementing data-driven strategies. Electives like ESG Investing, taught by Professors Stefano Giglio and Eddie Watts, have stood out for their engaging discussions and focus on real-world applications. Investing Excellence with Jim Millar and Dean Takahashi has been another highlight, fostering a disciplined investment mindset. I thoroughly enjoyed Professor Zoe Chance’s course Mastering Influence and Persuasion, which was an incredibly empowering experience for me. The course complemented technical rigor with emotional intelligence and other essential soft skills, equipping me with the tools to build a thoughtful and impactful leadership strategy.
The Colloquium series, which brings industry veterans to speak to AM student, has also been a standout aspect of the program. It offers us a window into the strategies, experiences, and thought processes of today’s influential leaders. This fall, we had an inspiring session with Matt Mendelson, CIO of the Yale Investments Office. He provided a fascinating deep dive into the principles guiding Yale’s investment strategy and the complexities of managing one of the world’s most renowned endowments.
Beyond academics, SOM’s vibrant community has been a constant source of energy and connection. Social events like board game nights and Friendsgiving, and community celebrations such as Diwali, Halloween, and Spirit Week, have brought us together and offered a welcome counterbalance to the program’s academic intensity.
What truly sets SOM apart is its people. The culture of support, collaboration, and community shines through in every interaction. Events hosted by the Investment Management Club and the Business and Environment Club have provided fantastic opportunities to network and connect with peers who share similar professional interests. As a lead for the Impact Investing Club, I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with an amazing team to organize events that spark meaningful discussions. I’m also taking advantage of the chance to participate in two major case competitions, the Turner MIINT Competition and the Turner Impact Portfolio Challenge. Both align perfectly with my passion for impact investing, allowing me to combine theory with practice alongside talented and driven teammates.
Having grown up in Chennai, India, I’m about to experience my first “northern” winter. While I brace for the snow and colder weather, I’m eagerly anticipating the fantastic lineup of spring courses. I’m also looking forward to learning from incredible speakers who will visit campus in the coming months, including Charles D. Ellis, Cliff Asness, and Jessica Hoffman Brennan. Learning directly from leaders in the field has been one of the most unique and enriching aspects of being at Yale, and I’m excited to continue engaging with these extraordinary opportunities.
The journey has just begun, but I can already see how the knowledge, networks, and values I am gaining here will shape the trajectory of my career. SOM is a place where each day offers new opportunities for growth, and where collaboration is not just a concept but a lived reality. I am deeply grateful for the chance to be part of this vibrant community. It’s both exhilarating and humbling, and I am eager to see where this journey will take me in the months and years to come.
