Inside the SMF Community: Collaboration Over Competition

When I started the Specialized Master in Finance program at Fisher, I expected an atmosphere that would be defined by competition. Finance as an industry attracts many ambitious people, and I assumed that would translate into a high pressure and cutthroat environment. What I found instead at the Ohio State University was something completely different. The SMF program is a community built on collaboration, encouragement, and shared growth. 

From the first week of classes, teamwork became the very foundation of my experience. We were placed into groups, with nearly every course involving group projects where students work on case studies, assignments, projects, and presentations together. My classmates come from diverse backgrounds like economics, engineering, accounting, and more, which means every project and every group meeting becomes a chance to learn from one another. When someone figures out a difficult concept, they don’t keep it to themselves; they teach the rest of the group. 

That same spirit extends beyond the classroom. Study sessions, interview prep, and networking events all have a sense of “we’re in this together.” Whether it’s sharing internship progress or reviewing each other’s notes before an exam, the support among SMF students makes the program feel like a team. Professors and staff amplify that energy by being approachable and genuinely invested in our success. It’s common for students to stop by after class or visit office hours for advice about assignments and course content, and also about career goals and life after Fisher. 

Being surrounded by people who celebrate one another’s wins has been one of the most motivating parts of this experience. Everyone wants to perform at a high level, but we recognize that we get further when we help each other improve. 

In a field often known for competition, Fisher’s SMF program stands out for proving that collaboration can be just as powerful a driver of success. The lifelong relationships I’ve built with other SMF students and the lessons I’ve learned will carry far beyond the classroom and into the workplace, and wherever my career in finance takes me next.