Q&A with Maryan Shepetyuk, 2024 Master’s in Finance Graduate

What specific aspects of the Stevens finance program were most appealing to you during the application process?

I immediately recognized the opportunity to tailor the curriculum to my interests. The finance program at Stevens is well-structured, offering a strong mix of theoretical and applied courses. Moreover, Stevens’ unique location and its strong connection to the financial industry made it possible to learn from professors who are also active industry professionals.

Which courses or experiences in the Stevens program were most valuable for preparing you for your current role at Goldman Sachs?

It’s hard to choose, as every course and experience felt like a crucial stepping stone and offered a different perspective. That said, the Investment Management course with Professor Emmanuel Hatzakis was especially valuable, as I had the opportunity to learn about stocks and portfolio management from not only an amazing professor but also a professional with direct industry experience, including at Goldman Sachs.

How did Stevens help you build professional connections in the finance industry?

Stevens, especially the business school, has a strong network of alumni who have gone on to successful careers in the finance industry, which makes it easier to reach out and connect with professionals. For example, I had the chance to speak with two alumni who had graduated just a year before me and were already working at top banks. We developed a great friendship, and their guidance was incredibly helpful in preparing for my own career leap.

What was the most challenging aspect of transitioning from Italy to studying in the United States, and how did you overcome it?

The biggest challenge was adapting to the different academic structure. In Italy, there are more lectures and a fixed schedule, while in the U.S., there are fewer classes but many more group projects, assignments and presentations. It forced me to manage my time better and be more proactive, which I believe ultimately prepared me well for the professional world.

Looking back, what are you most grateful for about your experience in this partnership program?

I’m most grateful for the people I met and the connections I wouldn’t have made otherwise. Meeting classmates from all over the world not only led to genuine friendships but also helped me build a valuable professional network, as many of us are now growing together in the financial industry.