We’re excited to have finalized our first-ever class for the Master of Financial Risk Management (MFRM) program. Wondering what the class is like? In this post, we’re pleased to introduce Ali Koteiche and Carmen Quiroz, two students in our inaugural MFRM class in September 2016.
Tell us a little bit about yourself
Ali: My name is Ali Koteiche and I was born and raised in Beirut, Lebanon. I moved to Mississauga, a suburb in the Greater Toronto Area, to complete my undergrad when I was 17. I actually have an identical twin brother, who pursued the same degree at the same university! Outside of school I have various interests; I really enjoy traveling, watching films and playing tennis.
Carmen: I’m from Mexico, and the oldest daughter of three. I grew up in a close knit family where mathematical and analytical abilities are something we all enjoy, so this program seems like a natural fit for me. Outside of academics, my passion is swimming. I’ve been a swimmer for 14 years and I am the captain of a masters swimming team.
Why are you interested in Risk Management?
Ali: I’ve always been interested in working within finance departments, insurance brokerages, and underwriting firms. I chose to focus particularly on risk management because this field would give me an edge in the financial industry and can further help me achieve my long-term career goals.
Carmen: In my case, I’ve been working in the credit and risk department of a microfinance company for 3 years now, so I felt that I needed to learn more about risk management in order to excel at my job.
Why did you choose the MFRM program?
Carmen: I wanted to study in another country, so I began by exploring programs outside of Mexico. When I came across the MFRM program, I liked the approach that Rotman has taken with the curriculum and the overall structure of the degree. There aren’t too many programs focused on financial risks; most of them are finance management and have one or two subjects about risk. Fortunately, MFRM offers the specialized knowledge that I’ve been looking for.
Ali: I agree, I also liked the structure of the program. Aside from that, I think the domestic and global reputation of Rotman speaks for itself. In addition, Rotman has a wide network of finance professionals, students and alumni, which will become invaluable in my career.
What are you most excited about when you start the program in September?
Carmen: Personally, I’m really excited to meet new people from different cultures and to be able to learn about financial risk management from the perspective of another country. I can’t wait to learn from Rotman’s faculty and from the depth of understanding of financial markets that has developed in a country like Canada. I hope to be able to apply this new knowledge in my day-to-day career in the future.
Ali: I’m excited about working with students and faculty that share similar interests and career goals as myself. I’m also looking forward to learning from various top financial professionals such as Richard Nesbitt, Tiff Macklem, and John Hull! The convenience of the BMO finance research and trading lab is also a promising aspect of this program that I find to be an asset.
What are your career goals?
Ali: In the short term, my goal is to gain relevant experience in risk management. In the long term, I want to land a job in the consulting field. I hope to work with big players such as Strategy, Bain & Company, Oliver Wyman, etc.
Carmen: Ultimately, my goal is to work in an international bank in a capacity where I can create and analyze risk-based financial products. This program can help me get there.
This post was written written in June 2016.
The Master of Financial Risk Management is a full time program designed to prepare ambitious young professionals for careers in risk management and finance.