MSC FINANCIAL ENGINEERING

Building a Global Career With NTU’s Financial Engineering Masters

While studying for his bachelor’s degree in investment in Beijing, Alex Tan realised his growing interest in quantitative finance.

“To be more competent in this field, I decided to further my studies in financial engineering,” he says. “I shortlisted Hong Kong, Japan, and Singapore for this next step. Ultimately, I chose Singapore because of its solid reputation as an international finance hub. Plus, I love its tropical weather.”

After meticulous research and discussions with seniors and classmates, he decided on Nanyang Technological University, (NTU) Nanyang Business School’s (NBS) Master of Science (MSc) in Financial Engineering (MFE) programme.

“NTU is known for opening doors to global career opportunities,” Alex says. “This was perfect for me, as I knew I wanted to go all out to see the world.”

“NTU is known for opening doors to global career opportunities,” Alex says. “This was perfect for me, as I knew I wanted to go all out to see the world.”

How MFE Exceeded His Expectations

Alex graduated from the MFE programme in July 2022. Reflecting on his learning journey, he describes two aspects of the programme that impressed him.

First, the programme’s rigorous curriculum assured him he would emerge from it well-equipped for the industry.

“I like a good challenge, and indeed, the programme truly challenged me,” he says. “It required deep dedication, time, and effort on my part. The reward is that the lessons I gained helped me greatly during my job search.”

Upon graduation, Alex applied to join the Rate Sales team at China International Capital Corporation. He shared that MFE modules such as Fixed Income Securities and Bond Management Strategies prepared him well for the tests during the job application process.

He clinched the job and is now based in the company’s Tokyo office. The MFE modules, he says, are also invaluable for his current role, where he brokers Chinese government bonds with investors.

“Trust me, even if one doesn’t choose a quantitative finance career, he or she can still apply the skills acquired from the MFE programme to many aspects of work. Analytical, programming, and finance skills are all in demand in various finance fields,” Alex says.

Second, Alex highlights that the MFE programme has taught him to be highly collaborative.

“Working with people of different nationalities during the MFE programme, I learnt to be a better person,” he says. “I improved my communication skills and experienced how generosity and teamwork make life’s journey enjoyable. Without my classmates, the programme will be a lot more painful.”

From Shanghai to Singapore and Tokyo

One could call Alex a global soul – which is why he was drawn to Singapore and NTU’s international flavour while considering where to embark on his master’s degree.

He had begun his career in Shanghai and did stints in Beijing and Singapore before heading to Tokyo.

Alex can converse in three languages: Mandarin, his native tongue; English; and Japanese, which he studied and has passed the highest level of its proficiency test.

He describes the cities he has worked in: “Shanghai is modern and fancy, and life is convenient there. Beijing is a super big city. There are always new things to explore after work. In Singapore, the work culture is more generous and inclusive, while in Japan, things are rigid, which means there is good risk control.”

Alex always brings an open mind and heart to places and people wherever he might be.

“I focus on the goodness of others and learn from that. This approach allows me to make more friends and understand diverse cultures,” he says. “I gradually adapt to the place by building up my social and support networks in a new city.”

He adds, “My motivation for exploring new places is simple: I don’t want to regret anything in life while I still have the time and energy. And that’s my tip for prospective applicants to the MFE programme too. Just go for it!”