04
Learn differently
Lily Ouyang,
MMF’21
"After only several months in the MMF program, I feel like a different person. Through my classes and job in Desautels Capital Management, I’m developing a deep understanding of the technical mechanisms of finance and a stronger set of analytical tools. I’m learning the nitty gritty of different industries and sectors. I’ve even watched my presentation skills improve dramatically. I came into the program thinking that I would focus on portfolio management or active investment, but through interacting with industry contacts that I’ve made through career services, I’ve realized that I’m better suited for consulting. As I prepare to launch my career, I’m confident that the MMF will equip me with everything I need to become an effective practitioner."
Katerina Paraschis,
MMF’21
"While working in corporate law, I realized that I wanted to fill the role of strategic advisor for clients, helping them succeed in the most critical moments of their business. The MMF program provided a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between law and finance in a realistic, fast-paced environment. I faced a steep learning curve at first, but it has been a satisfying experience to build a foundation of financial skills and knowledge in a very short period of time. I have especially appreciated the ways in which MMF faculty members and advisors are committed to creating a collegial environment for students to learn and gain practical experience. We have all the support we need to reach our full potential."
Esteban Fernandez,
MMF’21
"When I realized that sales was not the right fit for me, I was searching for a way to pivot to finance. The MMF program offered the highly specialized financial training that I needed to take my career in a new direction. While the program is demanding, it’s rewarding to work with students who are equally motivated to succeed, and professors and administrators who are deeply invested in our success. For every new analytical tool we learn to use, for example, we receive multiple training sessions. I remember one time when MMF program staff were awake at four in the morning to deliver a training for students like me who were joining from different time zones. That’s the level of commitment they demonstrate."
Alyona Pereslavtseva,
MMF’21
"I was never interested in following a defined career path where you do the same thing every day. I knew that a career in finance would provide the challenge I needed to stay engaged. I had never worked in a finance environment, but I trusted the MMF program to set me up for success. The practical and theoretical components of the program are designed in a way that prepares students for the realities of the workplace. As a risk management analyst for DCM, I started working on real problems on Day One. Now I can demonstrate to a future employer that I have learned by doing."
From the classroom to the boardroom
Aïcha Traoré,
MMF’20
"I’ve always had a strong interest in pursuing a career in finance because I’ve witnessed the potential for impact firsthand. I was born and raised in Côte d’Ivoire, where my father served as a financial manager for our government. His influence gave birth to my passion for finance. After high school, I moved to Canada to build a foundation for the future.
Nicolas Genest,
MMF’18
"I was on track to become an accountant when I took my first finance class. I was immediately drawn in by the idea of not just helping companies analyze what happened in the past but helping them use that information to create a strategy for the future. As a native of Montreal, I always dreamed of going to McGill.
Mitch McEwen,
MMF’21
"There’s never been a more exciting time to be in the field of finance. Thanks to the MMF program, I discovered my true passion for sustainable finance and environmental, social and governance (ESG). I have always been intrigued by the idea of corporate social responsibility and, through exploring the interface between finance and ESG in class and at Desautels Capital Management (DCM), the MMF program challenged me to think beyond the bottom line.
Pratyaksha Yadav,
MMF’18
"I was working at Ernst & Young in New Delhi when I was first introduced to the world of finance. I was part of a project that helped an international nonprofit maximize their social return on investment. Something about the combination of social impact and finance spoke to me. When I started looking for graduate opportunities, I found that the MMF program was perfectly tailored for someone with my background who had a cursory view of finance but wanted to learn more.