Finance Student Spotlight

I chose my major because... I am a capitalist and love the market, business valuation, entrepreneurship and the free exchange of ideas. I chose finance because I enjoy learning how the economy works, how to build financial models and how to embrace, interpret and in some cases, predict change in capital markets. My knowledge of corporate finance, investment banking, and operations of a business has greatly increased because of DePaul and the benefits professors bring due to their involvement and proximity with the world-class business and financial center of Chicago.

My favorite thing to do on campus is... attend events involving the local business community. Recently, I went to a Chicago Council on Global Affairs function on Global Chicago and listened to a proposal on what Chicago needs to do in the next two decades to sustain economic vitality and prosperity. Also, I attend many international roundtables sponsored by University of Chicago’s Graduate School of Business. The most recent one I attended was titled, “Doing Business in China.”

I decided to attend DePaul because... it is centrally located in downtown Chicago, has a small student-to-professor ratio and has many resources and opportunities available to students. Since professors have a smaller number of students than in a larger university, you get to know them better. These are talented individuals whom will offer plenty of knowledge, support and guidance to help navigate the occasionally rocky waters.

The class I most enjoyed here was... investment banking with Ali Fatemi. I learned about business valuation, IPOs, mergers and acquisitions, private equity, options and other alternative investments. We worked in groups so it was fun, exciting and challenging; my group and I developed different financial models and valuations on a weekly basis. Plus, we had guest speakers from industry talk on each topic. Dr. Fatemi was instrumental in synchronizing all of the different mediums from which we were taught.

When I have free time, I like to... Well, time isn’t free, but when I have “extra” time, I like to study Chinese, learn something new, read books and newspapers, travel abroad, exercise and plan. Other than that, I like to spend time with my family, volunteer and attend different business and Chinese events around the city.

My favorite thing to do off campus is... volunteer at Children’s Memorial Hospital in Lincoln Park. I have been going once a week for two years and feel such great satisfaction seeing a smile on a child’s face. It’s such a rewarding experience and I love giving back to the community.

One thing I didn’t know about DePaul before coming was... we have access to many different databases. Bloomberg and ValueLine are two of my favorites. As a finance student, these are very useful tools in aiding research and investment decisions. Our libraries also have many newspaper and business literature subscriptions, books and research assistance available.

The greatest thing about going to school in Chicago is... accessibility; we are within blocks of some of the largest financial institutions in the world. On account of that, opportunities to meet and mingle with people from different industries lie at every corner — whether it’s at the Starbuck’s coffee line or a presentation on campus. Having this information and accessibility, coupled with an outgoing and open mind, gives students at DePaul benefits that other universities may not have.

As a finance major, one of the things that has been unique about my College of Commerce experience... is the Finance Honors Program. In spring quarter of junior year, we were grouped with 40 other high-performance individuals and given specially designed classes for a year together. Not only do you have a chance to intimately know each other, but you’re also pushed a little harder and challenged a little further so you come out with a greater mastery of the material.

My greatest success as a student here has been... teaching myself how to teach myself, and seeing opportunities where I did not before. A lot of times it’s necessary — or helpful — to supplement learning in the classroom with outside material, so it’s vital you are equipped with the skills to do so.

After graduation, I plan to... pursue a career in an investment banking or international finance position. I am also working towards fluency in Chinese in addition to obtaining CFA designation. I plan to attend graduate school in 5-7 years to get my MBA.

The one thing I’d like to say to students considering DePaul... take advantage of the many opportunities afforded by the university and city. Grow, develop and work hard at what you do. Differentiate yourself.