Navigating a Crossroads
M.S. in Mathematical Finance ambassador Saurabh C. ’25 examines his decision to pursue graduate studies full-time rather than taking a job offer.
I still remember my orientation day—I walked into the room feeling a mix of nerves and excitement. It was my first time being away from family and friends, and while I was eager to start this new chapter, I couldn’t help but wonder: Did I make the right decision? Would I be able to gain the skills necessary to justify the opportunity cost? Who I would meet along the way?
Bridging Theory and Practice
Before joining the M.S. in Mathematical Finance (MAFI) program, I already had a strong theoretical understanding of finance, and I’d received a competitive job offer. But I felt that I was at a crossroads — should I take a job I had secured, or dive deeper into my studies? My long-term goal was to apply what I had learned and become a quant in finance. The MAFI program at UNC Charlotte seemed like the natural progression towards achieving that ambition. The curriculum included writing code, testing models and implementing concepts learned in class on real data. It was clear that the professors, many still active in the quant industry, shaped these projects around real-world applications. This is what ultimately led to my decision to turn down the job offer and continue as a full-time student.
Meeting and Learning from Peers
During the program, I met people from a variety of backgrounds and countries. Some were fresh out of undergrad, while others had spent several years working in areas such as asset pricing, trading and software development. I wasn’t just learning from my professors; I was also learning from my classmates’ industry experience. Our collective curiosity and diverse backgrounds pushed discussions in unexpected and valuable directions, making every conversation a learning opportunity. It also wasn’t all about finance. We made time to network and deepen our relationships with fun activities like bowling and Topgolf.
Adapting to a New City
Most of my classes were at The Dubois Center at UNC Charlotte Center City, which is located in the heart of Charlotte. Studying there wasn’t just about academics. It also gave me a chance to step outside the classroom and experience everything that Charlotte had to offer. Lunch breaks turned into opportunities to explore new spots in Uptown, and over time, these moments made Charlotte feel less like a new city and more like home.
Looking back, my decision to pursue the MAFI program full-time rather than accept a job offer set me on a journey of change. It expanded my skill set, connected me with amazing people, and taught me how to adapt to a new place. All this contributed to my growth and prepared me for the next step in my career.
