What did you do for your undergrad, and how did it help prepare you for graduate school?
I majored in Economics for my undergrad. Economics teach me to think more strategically and look at a problem/business in a bigger picture.
Why did you choose your MS Degree Program at JSOM?
I was told that the JSOM professors were knowledgeable and caring. My curiosity drew me in and that brought me to JSOM. The experience was wonderful, learning from the JSOM professors has shaped me personally and professionally. The JSOM students there were also very intellectual and curious. It was a great educational experience.
What is a memorable experience you had while attending JSOM that has helped shape your career path?
Maybe it was a life-altering internship, a great mentor, enlightening case study, etc.
The experiences that stood out to me the most were the appointments I had with my professors and the case discussions in Dr. Von Drathen classes. My professors, especially Dr. Ma and Dr. Von Drathen, guided and provided me with invaluable life and professional lessons, and to them I am greatly thankful. I truly believe that the JSOM faculty and students are what makes JSOM special.
What makes you proud to be a Jindal Alum?
Jindal students are hardworking and intellectually curious. I am proud to be part of the group that make up Jindal.
If you could describe the Jindal School in three words, which words would you choose?
Conscientious, Curious, Innovative
Anything else you’d like to share that we haven’t asked above?
“To any goal-oriented finance students out there who are looking for an excellent graduate program, I highly recommend the MSF program at JSOM.”
My background experience was a mix of technical qualifications as a software engineer and work experience as a futures trader and Sales Finance Manager. Even though I had worked in the finance domain in different capacities, I didn't have experience of academic finance and when looking for options for my graduate level education my priority was to complement both my previous education and work experience. The MS Finance program at JSOM not only fulfilled all the criteria but also boasted of world class faculty and a very enhanced learning program and facilities.
I chose my MS degree in Finance at JSOM primarily because of the curriculum and the faculty staff. The courses taught covered all of the areas in finance and it gave the opportunity to specialize in different concentrations, such as financial technology or investment analysis. Additionally, the faculty is very well prepared and up to date in the latest research.
During my research for a good graduate school, I saw that the MS in Finance at JSOM offered more than just quality education, it provided an access to huge knowledge pool and experience from the faculties and the peers alike. It had the widely diverse class with students from all around the world to learn from, while having 200+ student organizations to develop myself outside of the classroom and make friends. Being located really close to Dallas, a major city which has great opportunities also influenced my decision to enroll at JSOM.
Senior Investment Associate, Diamond Realty Investments, Inc.
Tellez underwrites potential commercial real estate development projects across the country that his company may consider for investment. Tellez earned an MS/Finance at Jindal School. “The master’s degree I earned at UT Dallas 100 percent catapulted my career,” said Tellez, who completed his undergrad degree in economics at Texas Tech. “I was extremely hungry but I was struggling to get the attention of ‘big time’ finance players in Dallas due to lack of experience,” he says.
Strategic Analyst, Midway Asia Head Office, Merlin Entertainments Group
Jiang, an MS/Finance graduate, has a broad range of responsibilities at Merlin, where he works in its Hong Kong office.
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