MFRM is a program that strives to equip students with both academic knowledge and real-life working experiences. After the first semester of the program, I was paired and assigned to an industry project to utilize what I learned in class into practical working deliverables.
The professional working project is a great opportunity not only to get your feet wet in the real-life finance world but also to built relationships with some talented Toronto finance professionals.
Starting October, the program offers several online industry project introduction sessions. Despite challenges presented by COVID-19, I was able to network with various risk professionals and learn the detail of each project. The sessions start with introducing the project managers, who work in almost any finance sector, including banks, insurance companies, accounting firms, start-ups, pension funds, non-profit organizations, etc.
After the project managers introduced the project, there were several breakout rooms where we had a better chance to ask questions and have a detailed understanding of the projects. Through these opportunities, I was able to practice online networking skills and be better prepared for the upcoming recruiting season in June.
Talking to bay street finance professionals and knowing firsthand information about the Toronto finance world is a truly formative experience for me, and has had a significant influence on my career path planning.
My MFRM partner and I had the opportunity to settle into our rewarding project with RMA Toronto. During the project, we got the chance to speak with several RMA members, who are very senior and experienced risk professionals working in different risk sectors. We were very excited to have these unique opportunities to learn from senior employees about their career journey and lessons.
Before starting our industry project, our career consultant Mahsa Mashayekhi hosted an MFRM career week in the first week of January.
The career week aims to help MFRM students manage their career strategy moving forward. It consists of different development workshops, speakers, practice labs, and alumni panels to get us prepared for networking and recruiting.
I really enjoy the sessions, especially the High Impact Communication hosted by Adam Lazarus. In this highly interactive training session, we learned the key elements of professional communication skills, which would help us effectively deliver our message and command an audience. The session was particularly tailored to the COVID-19 situation, and we learned how to be a more effective, professional communicator in the online setting environment.
I really appreciated all the events and supports provided by the MFRM program, especially at this unique time. COVID-19 does not stop our networking and relationship building, and my Rotman experiences are fantastic. I am looking forward to my remaining courses next semester!
The Master of Financial Risk Management is a full-time program designed to prepare ambitious young professionals for careers in risk management and finance.