Author: Reed Andrews

Before beginning the Specialized Master in Finance (SMF) program at Ohio State, I remember feeling both excited and uncertain. I knew graduate school would move quickly, but I wasn’t sure exactly what I could do to prepare. Looking back, I realized that building confidence in the fundamentals of finance benefit me the most.  The most valuable step I took was refreshing core finance and accounting concepts. I reviewed how financial statements connect, revisited time value of money principles, and made sure I understood the logic behind valuation rather than just memorizing formulas.

Winter break is always a hard adjustment. Going from working on courses, assignments, and projects with major time constraints to nothing requires a hard psychological reset. Some find it easier than others and are ready for a break, while others find it difficult to adapt to. While there were no courses or assignments to work on, there was plenty of work to be done, such as networking and continued searching for a summer internship.

This past month, many of my fellow classmates and I had the amazing opportunity to visit JPMorgan Chase's McCoy Center in Polaris here in Columbus. Specifically, we spoke with professionals working in JPMorgan’s Asset Management segment. Opportunities like this and another company visit to Vertiv really allow the SMF to stand out from the perspective of career prep, and I’m excited to share with you my experience at the McCoy Center.  My first impression of the McCoy Center was that it was absolutely massive.

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.

When I started my graduate journey at Fisher College of Business, I quickly realized that success in the job search wasn’t going to come from academics alone. Finance is an industry built on relationships, and the SMF with its new structure and added professional development course is one of the best environments to build them.  Too often networking is framed as transactional or a way to “get a job”. In reality, the most valuable connections I’ve made have come from approaching people with curiosity and respect.