Quick info

• MFin Class of 2020
• Job title: Finance Associate, Residential Mortgage and Derivatives Trading, Bank of America Merrill Lynch
• Previous education: Bachelor of Business Administration, Schulich School of Business, York University

Why did you decide to study the MFin program?

Many working professionals might find it difficult in deciding between the MFin and the MBA program but the choice was fairly simple for me.

I wanted to deepen my understanding and knowledge across the different finance streams while obtaining invaluable hands-on experience from a faculty that encompasses leading practitioners within their respective fields. I can confidently state that the MFin program easily delivered all that and beyond.

What was your main reason for choosing Rotman?

I chose Rotman because of its globally recognized brand that empowers you to proudly mention that you are a Rotman alumnus no matter where you are in the world. The ability to leverage the reputation of your school in both personal and professional settings will remain with you forever.

How has your involvement in the Creative Destruction Lab contribute to your Rotman experience? 

It is one thing to have the way you view the world change through course lectures and projects but it is a totally different thing when you are changing the world yourself. The Creative Destruction Lab (CDL) provides you with precisely an opportunity to potentially change the world by coaching you and pairing you up with a science and technology based start-up that are looking to either scale their business operations or to commercialize their core idea through securing their first round of funding. My involvement with CDL has significantly expanded my horizons in terms of the strategies and decision-making skills that revolve around start-ups. It has also provided me with a rare opportunity to study and work with emerging technologies that will potentially disrupt the way we live in the near future.

How are you finding Rotman’s community?

Due to the part-time nature of the MFin program, I was unable to commit to any community clubs at Rotman. However, I was selected onto a team of 5 who undertook a full-year consulting engagement for a Canadian Charity, MitoCanada (www.MitoCanada.org), and was tasked to develop their new strategic plan for the next 5 years. Being the only MFin candidate on the team, I was able to learn a lot from my MBA peers in respect to performing market research and on putting together an impactful deck for senior management.

What has been the highlight of the Rotman experience? 

Casino night where all your favourite professors become blackjack and poker dealers.

Has Rotman and the MFin program met your expectations?

I would say that both Rotman and the MFin program have exceeded my expectations.

I did not expect to be able to take part in so many different activities and meet so many individuals outside of my MFin cohort.

However, there are numerous events and workshops which provide ample opportunities to connect with people studying in different programs. The MFin program itself has proved to be extremely rewarding in terms of introducing me to different areas of Finance that I have not worked in which has most definitely expanded and broadened my career aspirations. 

What would you say to someone considering choosing the MFin?

No matter how fun we make it seem, this program is very intensive. This means that you should be mentally prepared to commit a substantial amount of time and resources in order to thrive in this program – especially if your current job is also very demanding.

What are your future plans?

Eventually, I see myself working abroad. Rotman has provided me with opportunities to work with an extremely talented and diverse pool of candidates. This has directly allowed us to further develop our teamwork skills relating to balancing different strengths and weakness within the pre-assigned groups. More importantly, this has enabled each and every one of us to recognize the fact that diverse teams usually devise solutions that are more unique and globally-focused.

This post was written while Jack was a student in the program.

Accelerate your finance career by earning your Master of Finance. Our innovative 20-month program features top-ranked faculty, cutting-edge curriculum and dynamic connections to Bay Street. From classic corporate finance to fin tech disruption, gain valuable knowledge and skills that will have an immediate impact on your current role – and transform your future.