Q&A
What were some of your favorite HES courses and what made them valuable to you?
During my master’s in finance, three courses stood out due to their depth, real-world applicability, and profound impact on my career goals.
Principles in Real Estate, covering both principles and investment aspects, provided comprehensive insights into the industry. It focused on practical skills such as identifying opportunities, valuing properties, and using financial models effectively.
This course resonated with me deeply as it aligned with my family’s background in real estate, offering tools and knowledge I plan to apply in my professional life.
Another groundbreaking course was Crypto and Blockchain: Understanding the Technology and the Challenges it Presents, a pioneering offering at Harvard. It delved into Bitcoin and the broader implications of cryptocurrencies on global finance. The course explored academic theories, case studies, and their real-world applications as alternative payment methods and their influence on traditional banking.
As a finance and Bitcoin enthusiast, witnessing the academic approach to this emerging technology was incredibly stimulating and provided me with a toolkit for navigating and leveraging the crypto space in my career.
Mergers, Acquisitions, and Restructurings was an intense, negotiation-heavy experience. Taught during an intensive January session, it examined real-life mergers in the hotel, technology and health sectors. The course emphasized the critical aspects of evaluating companies and taught strategic negotiation skills, which are crucial for my aspirations in high-level finance operations.
These courses were invaluable, giving me a solid foundation and a broad perspective on the diverse landscape of finance. They shaped my academic and professional journey, allowing me to specialize based on my interests and career goals.
The practical knowledge and strategic thinking skills developed from these courses have prepared me to tackle real-world challenges and seize opportunities in the finance industry, confirming my commitment to this field for the rest of my professional life.
How did you fit your education into your life?
The flexibility of the master’s program at the Extension School was instrumental in integrating advanced education into my busy life.
Courses available on demand played a crucial role, enabling me to engage with video materials at my convenience. Whenever possible, I participated in live sessions, enriching my learning experience and ensuring interaction with faculty and peers.
As someone with a full-time job, entrepreneurial responsibilities, a family with three children, and a commitment to karate — which includes more than 30 years of practice and ongoing competitions — my daily schedule is extremely packed. The program’s adaptable structure allowed me to tailor my education to fit my unique circumstances.
Courses available on demand played a crucial role, enabling me to engage with video materials at my convenience. Whenever possible, I participated in live sessions, enriching my learning experience and ensuring interaction with faculty and peers. This hybrid approach was not only manageable but also immensely rewarding, providing me with a world-class Harvard education that seamlessly fit into my existing commitments.
Seeing so many others making this commitment reassures me that I’m not alone in pursuing educational goals.
During the past three years, this flexibility was not just a convenience but a necessity that kept me engaged and up-to-date in my field. Ultimately, it was one of the key reasons I chose this program for my master’s degree, as it allowed me to advance academically without sacrificing my professional and personal responsibilities. This adaptability has undoubtedly enhanced my educational journey, making it a fulfilling part of my life.
What’s something unexpected that you learned about Harvard?
I learned that Harvard is adapting to the challenges of today’s world. Additionally, many peers hold significant roles and maintain busy lives, yet make sacrifices to continue their education. Seeing so many others making this commitment reassures me that I’m not alone in pursuing educational goals.
What are you going to miss the most?
I’m going to miss the weekly routine of preparing for classes and exams, a process that felt very different from my undergraduate days. Additionally, I’ll miss acquiring new, applicable knowledge each week about finance that kept me current with ongoing developments. These experiences have enriched my daily life and professional understanding.
Describe your Extension experience in one word.
Evolution.
