MSC FINANCE

Breaking Into The World Of Investment Analysis With An MSc In Finance

Jayson Li always knew he wanted a career in finance. But like many ambitious professionals, he had to find the right path to get there.

With a firm foundation in accounting, he already had a solid grasp of financial statements, auditing, and taxation. However, he realised his true interest lay in financial decision-making, market analysis, and investments. That’s when he turned to Nanyang Business School (NBS) and its MSc Finance programme.

For Jayson, pursuing an MSc in Finance bridged the gap and helped build his expertise in portfolio management, capital markets, and macroeconomics. “A Master’s degree is not just a piece of paper—it’s a way to transit my career smoothly and equip myself with all the skills I need to achieve my career goals,” he explained.

Making the bold choice

Ever the analyst, Jayson didn’t choose NBS on a whim. He did his research, weighing his options against other finance programmes in Hong Kong and beyond. “After researching different programmes, I felt that the MSc Finance programme aligned better with my career aspirations,” he recalled.

Several features of the MSc Finance programme stood out to him. For one, Jayson wanted to join a programme that would push him to develop real-world skills rather than just obtain a certificate. The MSc Finance programme’s demanding curriculum was a welcome challenge for him. “I prefer a challenging programme where I genuinely learn something rather than just obtaining a degree quickly” he shared.

Beyond challenging his wits, studying in Singapore was also a strategic move for the young accountant eager for a career switch.

“Singapore is one of the leading financial hubs in Asia, home to major banks, asset management firms, and multinational corporations. Studying in Singapore gives me proximity to financial institutions and job opportunities, making it ideal for gaining exposure to Asia’s growing financial markets. It’s the perfect place to launch a career in this field,” he explained.

Forging an unforgettable learning experience

One of the biggest draws of the MSc Finance programme at NBS is its bilingual approach, conducted in both English and Mandarin. This unique feature prepares graduates for finance roles in China and across the Asia-Pacific region, something Jayson is gearing up for as he kickstarts his global career.

Aside from the bilingual learning approach, the programme also includes participants to Student Industry Field Trips (SIFTs), offering first-hand exposure to top financial institutions. Thanks to SIFTs, Jayson was able to visit firms like China International Capital Corporation (CICC), China International Trust Investment Corporation (CITIC), and UBS in China, as well as the Bank of New York (BNY) Mellon in Singapore, just to name a few. “Since I planned to work in Singapore, I treasured the SIFTs in Singapore even more,” he recalled.

“When the SIFT Industry Engagement Day was held in November 2023, I didn’t have a well-rounded view of Singapore’s financial and job markets yet. Through the round-table sessions, I gained more insights about fintech and sustainable finance, two cutting-edge fields in the world of finance. I found myself interested, diving deeper into sustainable investment, ESG, and climate.”

Jayson’s newfound interest in sustainable investments, ESG, and climate deepened further when he took electives in Sustainable Finance. One memorable project was his ESG research on Grab Holdings, a multinational tech company. While some groups in his Sustainable Finance electives chose to use the professor’s recommended data provider, he pushed his team to go the extra mile and conduct research on the rating methodologies of different ESG rating providers.

This was how Jayson also first learned of MSCI’s ESG ratings, which he thought of as one of the best rating systems from an investment and finance perspective. Through this project, he was able to secure an eight-month contract for an ESG research role with MSCI, further strengthening his interest and capabilities in sustainable finance.

Through such practical learning experiences, Jayson was able to go beyond the textbook and get a taste of real-world cases from global finance.

Moving from the classroom to a new career

Now working as an investment analyst at a family office in Singapore, Jayson applies his MSc Finance training daily. His role involves market research, portfolio design, and investment analysis across a range of asset classes.

The programme’s rigorous financial modelling and valuation training helped him to develop skills for analysing financial data and building models and valuation frameworks. “I apply these skills in assessing investment opportunities,” he shared.

His coursework in risk management and portfolio management also gave him practical insights into hedging strategies and financial risk mitigation techniques. “I apply these concepts in evaluating investment risks, optimising portfolios, and implementing strategic and tactical asset allocation strategies to manage overall risk control from a holistic perspective and make the model portfolio for the family office,” he explained.

While Jayson secured roles independently, he highlighted the impact of NBS’s career support. With a solid network in Singapore, Hong Kong, and China, NBS gives students direct access to career support, alumni mentorship, and exclusive job opportunities.

The school’s career portal and networking events also provided him with valuable support along the way. “On the NBS careers website, students can look for internships or jobs. I got several calls and interviews from the positions I applied for on the website,” he shared.

Making a mark in global finance

Jayson’s story is a testament to the transformative power of the MSc Finance programme at NBS. With its bilingual approach, strong industry ties, and hands-on learning, the programme equips participants with the skills and connections they need to succeed in global finance.

For those looking to take their finance careers to the next level, Jayson had these words of encouragement: “Stay curious. The financial industry is constantly evolving, so staying updated on market trends, economic policies, and new technologies will give you a competitive edge.”

Find out more about the MSc Finance programme here.

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