J.P. Morgan Securities
Vice President
New York, NY

Class of 1999

Current Specialization:
Municipal and nonprofit derivatives and tax exempt securities

Why the University of Chicago?:
"The location of the city, reputation of the University and availability of night classes and part-time enrollment were all very attractive to me. I also liked the intensive curriculum and concise duration of the program."

Benefits of the MFM:
"In my work, there is often a gap between people with significant quantitative backgrounds and those with strong marketing and risk analysis skills. Chicago's MFM bridged the gap between the two and significantly increased my value as a finance professional. Recently, I started my own software company while going part time at my job. This would've been impossible without the MFM at UC."

Objective for pursuing the degree:
"I was looking to advance my career after having been out in the work force, but wanted a more technical exposure to finance than a MBA could provide. I considered a MS in Math or Finance, but found Chicago's MFM program provided the best balance between form and function."

LaSalle Bank
Treasury and Risk Management Desk
Chicago, IL

Class of 1998

Current Specialization:
Dollar Options Trading

Why the University of Chicago?:
"The involvement of industry professionals in classroom instruction and the integration of real-world internship opportunities were very appealing. The reputation and history of the institution, as well as the ability to complete the Program in just nine months were also important factors."

Benefits of the MFM:
"The MFM curriculum is extremely challenging and fast-paced and really prepares you for a career in the financial world. Through professors, instructors and classmates, I have formed a number of very helpful professional contacts. In fact, the internship I had during the Program even led to full-time employment upon graduation."

Objective for pursuing the degree:
"I was looking to break into the financial industry, but had done most of my undergrad work in electrical and computer engineering. UofC's MFM provided the continued education in math theory, as well as a solid grounding in quantitative financial modeling."

UBS Investment Bank
Equity Derivatives Trader
London, UK

Class of 2000

Current Specialization:
Mutual Fund Derivatives

Why the University of Chicago?:
"I found the University's outstanding academic reputation and strong emphasis on theoretical knowledge particularly alluring. That being said, I was also impressed by the amount of real-world problem solving that is incorporated into the curriculum."

Benefits of the MFM:
"In obtaining the degree, I greatly improved my marketability and made a smooth career transition into the financial industry. I was empowered with a valuable set of skills in quantitative finance and the ability to understand and adjust the underlying assumptions of various financial models."

Objective for pursuing the degree:
"As opposed to Ph.D.s, which was the original graduate degree of choice amongst traders, I was looking for a more hands-on learning experience, and greater opportunities for professional networking and development. The UofC's MFM Program exceeded my expectations."