In this original CSE Connect Blog Post, Diana Babich, MSF’25, details career-related resources and activities that were especially impactful during her first year at Brandeis International Business School.
Reflecting on my first year at the business school, my experience has been an enriching journey marked by unique opportunities and memorable events. Transitioning from undergraduate studies to the dynamic environment at Brandeis was a significant shift that has profoundly shaped my career aspirations and personal development.
I have had the chance to engage with industry professionals, explore the vibrant community, have amazing classes, and delve into creative learning experiences that extend beyond traditional finance education, each event has left a lasting impact on my academic and personal growth. Brandeis has not only provided me with the technical knowledge necessary for a successful career in finance but has also instilled in me a passion for continuous learning and professional excellence.
Industry Trek to the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston!
As part of my journey through business school, visiting the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston stood out as a highlight. For many of us, this visit was an opportunity to connect classroom concepts with real-world financial operations and policies.
A panel discussion with Federal Reserve employees was a unique opportunity for me. I asked questions about their day-to-day roles, the challenges they face, and their career paths. Their insights into the practical aspects of implementing policy and overseeing financial institutions brought the complexities of their work to life.
This visit reinforced the importance of staying informed and adaptable in the dynamic field of finance. It was a day filled with learning, inspiration, and a sense of connection to the broader financial system, I aim to contribute to in our future careers.
For any business student, a CSE Industry Trek is an invaluable experience that bridges the gap between academia and the real world.
Odyssey Cruise
As a new student, I was excited to kick off my new degree, and this event exceeded all my expectations.
From the moment we boarded the ship, the atmosphere was electric. The Boston skyline was absolutely breathtaking, providing the perfect backdrop for the day. I couldn’t help but take a ton of photos with my new friends and classmates.
As the day went on, I found myself feeling incredibly grateful to be part of such a vibrant and supportive community. The Odyssey Cruise was more than just an event; it was a reminder of the amazing people and experiences that make our school so special.
The networking opportunities on the cruise were invaluable, allowing me to build relationships with peers, faculty, and industry professionals. These connections are not only enriching on a personal level but also provide a strong foundation for future career growth.
For anyone who hasn’t experienced it yet, I highly recommend joining the next Odyssey Cruise. It’s a wonderful way to see Boston, enjoy great food, and most importantly, connect with the incredible people in our community.
Rose Art Museum with Jennifer Voldins
This class was not just about admiring art but also about boosting our creativity and out-of-the-box thinking – essential skills for any finance role.
We were divided into two groups, and each group rotated through two engaging tours. The tour was incredibly inspiring and really pushed us to think differently. After the tours, we were divided into smaller groups of four to five people to tackle a hands-on project: designing a slide for a ball, to make the ball travel faster than those of other teams. This exercise was fascinating as it demonstrated the intersection of art, creativity, and finance while emphasizing the importance of teamwork, and offering new perspectives and innovative approaches to problem-solving.
After the tour, we ended the session around 12:30 pm and took a short walk over to the MakerLab. Though the visit to the MakerLab was optional, I’m so glad I went. We met Ian Roy and his team, who collaborate with many student start-ups, providing assistance and guidance.
Their work is truly fascinating and it was eye-opening to see the resources available for students.
Overall, the visit to the Rose Art Museum and the MakerLab was an enriching experience. It was a perfect blend of creativity and practical learning, and I left feeling inspired and ready to apply these new skills in my finance studies.
Spring Social at Margaritas
It was the perfect opportunity to unwind and socialize with fellow colleagues outside the usual academic environment. Conversations and laughter filled the air as we bonded over shared experiences and made new connections.
From savoring the mouth-watering tacos to clinking glasses in celebration of the semester, every moment was enjoyable. This event reminded us all of the importance of taking a break, relaxing, and enjoying each other’s company.
FIN-217F-1: Corporate Financial Modeling
Taking Financial Modeling with Professor Hamza has been a transformative experience for me. This course is meticulously designed to build essential skill sets for integrated corporate financial modeling, making it an invaluable part of my academic journey.
The course begins with a quick refresher on critical Excel skills, ensuring everyone is on the same page regardless of their prior experience. This foundation is crucial as we move into more complex topics. We then dived into developing the building blocks of financial models, step by step, and learned how to integrate them into pro forma financial statements forecasting.
This structured approach makes the process of building cash flows for valuation, scenarios, and sensitivity analysis much more approachable.
The culmination of the course is a financial modeling project where we get to showcase everything we’ve learned. Presenting our models to the class was both challenging and rewarding, giving us a taste of real-world financial analysis and presentation.
The hands-on experience, combined with the professor’s expert guidance, has significantly enhanced my confidence and capability in financial modeling.
Looking forward, my final semester at Brandeis is filled with anticipation, especially with courses like Transfer Pricing that are set to enhance my expertise in this specialized area. I am excited about the journey ahead and am dedicated to tackling the challenges and seizing the opportunities that will come my way.
