Brandeis International Business School

What made Brandeis International Business School a good fit for you?

I decided to pursue a master’s degree in economics and finance after working as a financial analyst for three years. This decision was easy, since I was fascinated by finance and policy, but selecting the right program proved to be more difficult. My work experience showed me how integrated and globalized financial markets were, so I wanted an academically rigorous program with a truly global outlook. Brandeis was unique in this regard.

How did the academic offerings mesh with your interest in gaining a wider global view?

Academically, I had the flexibility and support to focus my coursework on risk management. The coursework itself was extremely thoughtful and the faculty was approachable and dedicated to the education of their students. The International Business School also offered programs tailored to access new cultural and business perspectives, and to make connections around the world.

And the student body itself represented dozens of nations and professional backgrounds, which offered a great cultural exchange and the opportunity to learn from others who bring a different perspective.

How has your Brandeis experience proved useful in your career?

After finishing my master’s degree, I returned to work for the Central Bank of the Dominican Republic as head of the risk management unit of the bank’s foreign exchange reserves division. I was promptly tasked with leading the elaboration of the portfolio’s strategic asset allocation modeling, investment performance calculation, and market and credit risk analysis. In this undertaking, classes like Corporate Financial Engineering with Prof. Daniel Bergstresser, Financial Risk Management with Prof. Robert Reitano, and Computer Simulations and Risk Assessment with Blake LeBaron provided me with solid quantitative and technical skills to perform the job.

Currently, I’m working as a treasury and risk specialist at the Interamerican Development Bank.