Mathematics, finance and industry insight – shaping David’s career

After moving from the United States to Sweden, David combined family life with graduate studies. The programme provided him with a solid mathematical foundation, up-to-date industry knowledge and the skills needed to establish himself and grow professionally within the world of finance.

Why did you choose the Master’s Programme in Financial Engineering?

I chose the programme because it was taught in English and had a strong mathematical focus. It suited my background as a mathematician and my life situation perfectly. The study environment was welcoming, and the teaching was both practical and professionally delivered.

Challenges during your studies

Two things were particularly challenging for me: the fact that it had been more than ten years since I last studied, and my lack of experience in finance. At the beginning, I felt completely unprepared and nearly dropped out after having a panic attack.

Fortunately, my academic advisor helped me through it and reassured me that the Swedish university system is not as rigid as in the United States. She explained that it’s okay to be unprepared and even to fail, as long as you keep learning and don’t give up. Her encouragement is ultimately what kept me in the programme and led to my graduation.

The second challenge – my lack of financial knowledge – was overcome through discipline and hard work. My previous career as an infantryman in the US Army gave me strong organisational skills, which helped me structure my time and habits in order to succeed in a field I had no prior exposure to.

What was the best part of the programme?

Beyond the quality of the education itself, I was particularly impressed by how much current industry knowledge was embedded in the programme. Courses in Analytical Finance and Portfolio Theory were taught by professionals actively working in the financial industry. That meant the teaching reflected the current state of the industry, rather than being purely historical.

How have your studies been useful?

My studies allowed me to enter and succeed in a career field that is both challenging and intellectually rewarding. My first job after graduating was as an Investor Risk Analyst at Swedbank Robur, and today I work as a Market Risk Model Validation Analyst at Swedbank AB.

The breadth of the Master’s Programme has been especially valuable. As a risk analyst, you often need a broad understanding of financial risk rather than a very narrow specialisation. That breadth has enabled me not only to perform well myself, but also to contribute in unique and sometimes unexpected ways to my team and employer.

What is the most exciting part of your current role?

I get to dive deeply into the market risk models used by the bank. It’s extremely satisfying work – it feels like being a ‘math detective’. I essentially get to play advanced mathematical detective games all day, and I really enjoy that.

Advice to future students

Always state on your CV that you are a mathematician first. Companies value mathematicians highly, because it is relatively easy for a mathematician to become good at finance, whereas it is much harder for someone from finance to become truly strong in mathematics.

Get out into the industry and meet people. Talk to your professors. Attend extra lectures and seminars. If you want to work in finance in Sweden, your personal connections will often matter more than your academic achievements.

Tips for prospective applicants

Don’t wait. Don’t be afraid of the mathematics. Learn how to network and develop your people skills. In a field full of mathematicians and analysts, it’s your interpersonal skills that will make you stand out.

Master’s Programme in Financial Engineering