Meet the Master’s in Asset Management Class of 2026

We in Admissions are thrilled to welcome the 66 members of the Master’s in Asset Management Class of 2026 to Yale SOM. Orientation, which kicked off on August 11, is one of my favorite moments of the year. I loved finally getting to meet this incredible group in person. It’s one thing to read through applications and impressive résumés; it’s entirely different to see the personalities behind them come to life.

Our first session of Orientation invites students to introduce themselves with some fun facts and photos—a lighthearted and engaging way to break the ice. This year’s class didn’t just make a good first impression; they stole the show. Imagine the collective surprise in the room when one student mentioned they could do a backflip on demand. With the whole class cheering them on, they executed a perfect backflip. The room erupted in applause and laughter, and in that moment, the energy and camaraderie of our new cohort were instantaneously certified. What a way to kick off the year! This spontaneous act of enthusiasm set the tone for what promises to be an engaging and dynamic journey ahead.

The Asset Management Class of 2026 is a globally diverse cohort, with students holding 23 different citizenships—the most diverse representation of countries in the program’s history. Among the class members, 91% speak at least two languages, and 39% speak at least three, including Arabic, Azerbaijani, Bulgarian, Chinese, Danish, French, German, Gujarati, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Malay, Marathi, Portuguese, Slovak, Russian, Tamil, Telugu, Turkish, Ukrainian, and Vietnamese. One remarkable student performs opera in five different languages.

This dynamic group brings a rich array of interests and talents to campus. Members of the class enjoy cooking, baking, drinking coffee, and sharing food with friends; many included their favorite dishes in their résumés, so this is certainly a class you will want to join for dinner. Chess enthusiasts will find kindred spirits among their peers, with several new students being grandmasters and nationally ranked players in their home countries. Athletic prowess is also a hallmark of this class, which boasts an NCAA swimmer, an aerial circus performer, two triathlon finishers, and three marathoners, as well as numerous competitive surfers, skiers, fencers, and black belts. Several class members are certified scuba divers, with one volunteering as a sea turtle rescuer.

The Class of 2026 shares a deep commitment to doing good and doing well in their asset management careers, embodying the school’s mission of educating leaders for business and society. We are so excited for them to begin this journey!