Brandeis International Business School

Vaishnavi Karwa, MSF’21: Surrounded by ‘sharp and brilliant minds’ at Brandeis

Vaishnava KarwaWhy did you choose Brandeis International Business School?

I chose Brandeis because it offers a premier master’s program that focuses not only on theory and research, but also on practical learning and industry applicability. The thing that most impressed me was the number of opportunities to work with a diverse cohort, benefiting from a wide network of student organizations, and cross-registering for courses at other schools.

What were some highlights of your time at Brandeis?

What I loved most about the Master of Science in Finance (MSF) program was being surrounded by incredibly talented people. I was consistently impressed by how positive and collaborative my classmates were and how diverse their interests were, both inside and outside the classroom. I have made amazing friendships that will remain for a lifetime.

Unlike competing programs that often have a very rigid curriculum, Brandeis offered a flexibility that let me choose courses from a variety of concentrations and programs. Brandeis also helped me build a solid professional network and taught me how to set myself apart in an ever-changing job market.

In what ways did you grow as a student and future employee?

The MSF program helped me to develop a more consistent approach in managing my time, identifying my priorities, and being detailed without forgetting my overall goal. Moreover, my classmates were (and are) hugely valuable — being surrounded by such sharp and brilliant minds pushed me beyond my limits. Now I’m conscious of the value I bring to my workplace and am ready to compete without fear. My Brandeis experiences fostered my creativity and problem-solving skills while teaching me how to work within a team.

What should prospective students know about the International Business School?

My advice would be to take advantage of this extraordinary opportunity to immerse yourself in the MSF curriculum, because you’ll build on this foundation for the rest of your career. 

Don’t be afraid to dare! Keep up with technology, practice interviewing even after you get a full-time job, be curious, ask questions without fear of looking silly, respect roles and responsibilities, and be reliable. Lastly, participate in all the extracurricular events, as these will be the memories that you will cherish forever.

Master of Science in Finance
Class of 2021

Job
Senior Financial Analyst, American Express

Previous Experience
Financial Analyst, Krishidhan Seeds Ltd.

Undergraduate Degree
Vishwakarma Institute of Technology, Instrumentation Engineering

Home Country
India