Brandeis International Business School

Shaily Nahar, MSF’25: Making the most of her EY internship

Shaily Nahar, MSF’25
Why did you choose Brandeis International Business School?

My Brandeis International Business School journey was transformative. I started my career with a professional background in chartered accountancy and initially never envisioned pursuing a graduate degree abroad. But after completing the CFA Level 1 exam, I realized the importance of deepening my expertise in finance to strengthen my career prospects across finance, accounting and consulting. The Master of Science in Finance (MSF) program at Brandeis proved an excellent fit for me.

How would you describe the MSF program?

The MSF program offers a customizable curriculum with a variety of in-demand concentrations — Corporate Finance & Valuation, Asset Management, Risk Management and FinTech. The class sizes are small and the state-of-the-art resources at Brandeis provide an enriching learning environment where I made the most of every opportunity. But my favorite aspect of the MSF program is the faculty. They may be world-renowned experts, but the professors at the International Business School go out of their way to get to know you and help you succeed.

What were the highlights of your time at Brandeis?

Interning at EY over the summer was an incredible learning experience. I gained hands-on experience with audit software and developed strong analytical skills. Collaborating with senior auditors, I contributed to improving audit efficiency and deepened my understanding of industry standards. This experience eventually led to a full-time job offer after graduation! At Brandeis, I also worked as a proctor, writing consultant and contributed to the Graduate Student Association. And as the head of membership and public relations for the Brandeis Consulting Association, I honed my leadership skills while connecting with industry professionals. 

What advice do you have for prospective students?

My advice to prospective students is to stay proactive from day one. Landing a good internship is crucial, as it can often convert into a full-time job. Big companies typically open their positions a year in advance, so start early! Also be sure to enjoy your time on campus — participate in student clubs, on-campus jobs and the many social events. These experiences shape your professional profile and make your time at Brandeis truly memorable.

Program
Master of Science in Finance (MSF)

Job Title
Audit Associate

Employer
EY

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