Graduate Studies Blog
MSC FINANCIAL ENGINEERING
Gear Up for a Career in Financial Engineering and Business Analytics
7 minute read.
As the digital economy continues to grow, candidates with financial engineering and business analytics skills look set to rule the job market.
What’s the hiring climate like right now? What are the hottest skill sets in demand today? Our career adviser from the Graduate Studies Career Development Office (GSCDO) and alumni of our Master of Science in Financial Engineering (MFE) and Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA) programmes discuss these and more in our sharing session.
Senior Assistant Director of GSCDO, Min Chan has spent 25 years in banking where she held various positions in global markets and private banking before returning to Nanyang Business School (NBS). She sheds light on what employers are looking out for.
Meanwhile, alumnus Claire Zhang shared her experience of the MFE programme and how she clinched her dream career as a quantitative analyst at Astignes Capital; and alumnus Vivek Goyal talked about the MSBA programme, and how he combines business and tech skills in his current job as a senior data engineer at Singapore Airlines.
Here are the key highlights from the sharing session.
1. On industry trends and opportunities
MIN: “In quantitative finance, the game-changer in recent years has been the efficiency generated by technology and the accessibility to market data sources. These underpin the spectacular growth of quantitative algo-driven strategies, which are in demand by hedge funds and some expert family offices.
Opportunities abound for MFE students who can navigate complex data sets, on top of having conventional quantitative expertise such as financial mathematics and derivative modeling. We have also observed that hedge funds are now looking into digital currencies apart from traditional assets. Last year, one of our MFE students was hired by a hedge fund as a cryptocurrency trader.
With their data skills that can be applied across many industries, MSBA students take on roles in technology, e-commerce, insurance, FMCG, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, and property. We’ve seen the rise of FinTech companies – among them, upcoming digital banks in Singapore – wanting employees with business technological skills.
Ms Min Chan
Senior Assistant Director, GSCDO, NBS
“With digital revolution, we’re seeing new industries rising. Today, we have MedTech, RegTech, InsureTech, EdTech and more – terms that were unheard of 10 years ago. Essentially, these new business models are driven by technology and data, so possibilities abound. We’re in exciting times indeed. Our MSBA and MFE students will be in demand as the digital economy grows.”
MIN: “Companies will seek talents with advanced knowledge of new technologies such as machine learning, visualisation techniques, Python, SQL, and Tableau, to name a few. Talents should be comfortable working with technology and data to make intelligent business decisions.
Companies also want employees who are enthusiastic about digitalisation. Apart from software engineers and computer scientists who are technically trained, business managers should also be equipped with digital skill sets to navigate this new world. An example would be having the ability to harness digital solutions – from chatbots to digital marketing tools – to bring their organisations up to speed with current digital trends. Business managers may not perform the technical work themselves, but they need to know enough to drive digital solutions for their companies.
Lastly, we will also need to be more agile and flexible, communicate well, and demonstrate empathy for our co-workers – this is especially true for managers who will increasingly lead remote workforces due to the pandemic.”
Ms Claire Zhang
Quantitative Developer, Astignes Capital
MSc Financial Engineering
Class of 2021
“Of course. Being a part of the MFE programme has equipped me with knowledge that encompasses mathematics, programming, and finance – the breadth and depth of this knowledge gives me a competitive edge in the job market.”
As I was entering a new field, I was able to prove to my supervisors that even though I do not have the relevant working experience, I have acquired the relevant training and knowledge across multiple subjects through my master’s degree programme.”
Mr Vivek Goyal
Senior Data Engineer, Singapore Airlines
MSc Business Analytics
Class of 2021
“Anyone working in the field of analytics today will need knowledge in the technical side of things as well as good business perspectives. The MSc Business Analytics programme has prepared me with both technical and business skills.”
Other critical business skills that I gained lets me better understand my clients’ needs, requirements, and how I can deliver them with the best results.”
VIVEK: “Recruitment talks organised by GSCDO provided me with clear perspectives on current market demands including internship opportunities. With their encouragement, I did an internship in data analytics at Johnson Controls before joining Singapore Airlines as a data analytics engineer.
During my internship, I recall working on a data pipeline development project and putting up Power BI reports, where I could apply my classroom knowledge in real-life situations. Taking on an internship while studying proved to be very useful in preparing me for my full-time career.”
CLAIRE: “You can get a lot of support from GSCDO to kick-start your career. GSCDO helped me to develop my CV and updated me on internship opportunities. I did two internships – both in hedge fund companies, one of which is now my full-time employer.
To get your first opportunity in the industry, my advice is to have a short-term plan and a long-term plan as you prepare for job interviews.
The short-term plan is to find out more about the company that you are applying to, the role that you are applying for, and the range of topics that you may potentially be asked about during the interview. Read the news and find any relevant information to keep yourself updated about the industry.
The long-term plan is to study hard and research as much as you can. Apart from the MFE programme, read up on relevant topics, and watch other candidates’ or spokespersons’ interviews to familiarise yourself with the latest happenings in the industry.”
MIN: “At GSCDO, we offer personalised career advice as well as a range of resources.
Our advisers are both industry experts and career programme leaders. We know what the market wants; we also know what you can do to get into the market. Our advisers will partner you in your journey of self-discovery, help you to gain mastery of the market, and assist you in planning and executing your career goals.
Our range of resources to help you includes resume and cover letter writing, interview and networking skills, image workshops, and networking events with alumni and industry players.
We want you to have career readiness and be on top of your game, and supported with the right connections.
While you do your part to stay relevant, our MFE and MSBA faculties also work very hard to constantly update the curriculum and equip you with the latest and most relevant skills. Our curriculum is so robust that our alumni who have become hiring managers continue to consult us year after year, as they trust that we have the talents they need for their businesses.
Don’t forget to invest in the alumni network and friendships that you will form over the course of your MFE or MSBA programme. These are invaluable relationships that will see you through your career journey and it’s a support system that will remain with you for a long time to come.”
Highlights from the sharing session have been edited for length and clarity.
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