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To transition from Technology to Finance overwhelms many applicants because of the various uncertainties it ensues. Furthermore, the insecurity of having a resume that shows a drastic change in the field creates an illusion that it is not conducive for employment post-Masters.
Trust me, I am among the 5% of technology people who are interested in finance but are making a leap after gaining a degree in engineering and few years of IT work experience. The grind may seem tough but it is not an irrational step.
My current Master of Finance batch (Class of 2019) comprises majorly of people from a business background with 43% having a Bachelor in Business Administration and Management and 32% in Banking and Finance. Interestingly, I am the only one with a degree in Computer Science, although we have 5% with a science and technology background. Why should these statistics not scare a tech guy like me?
In 2017, Frankfurt School introduced data analytics to its Master of Finance curriculum, to familiarise students with the possibilities of computing and analysing in the area of big data. This initiative comprises a new core module “Data Analytics and Machine Learning in Finance” in Semester 2. Also, other classes will dedicate some time to teaching Python programming skills.  What can we learn from this decision?
The trend is shifting. Finance is utilising new technological tools and data sets to speed up decision making. Therefore, a student with a combination of skills in technology and finance is prudent enough to adapt in diverse, competitive financial environments.
What steps can we take towards making our transition effective:
(1)Â Â Â Become a sponge: Learn from people with relevant backgrounds and experiences. There are a lot of opportunities to learn and share among the peer group and the peer is always helpful. Absorb and share wisdom and knowledge with other students.
(2)Â Â Â Open up: Let students and professors know the subjects you lack knowledge in and someone will definitely help out. No one is born with knowledge about everything. In turn, provide added value through your technology background, maybe help your peers with their understanding of programming concepts. An engineering background is conducive to learn subjects such as Statistics, Programming, Data Analytics and other quantitative subjects. So even you can share some great insights.
Understand the trend and stop worrying:
(1)Â Â Â Many countries are witnessing a rise in Financial Technology start-ups and companies.
(2)Â Â Â Although regulations are still difficult, people are opening up to Cryptocurrencies.
(3)Â Â Â New tools and efficient algorithms are required to better evaluate trades in markets.
(4)Â Â Â Frankfurt School offers four different concentrations and each provides a new avenue to explore and curate a professional profile towards a new career shift.
The Master of Finance course at Frankfurt School is designed to help students start from scratch, especially those from a non-finance related field. With the inclusion of Data Analytics and Machine Learning, we can conclude that skills in technology and finance can be integrated. The question is: Are you ready to challenge yourself, step out of your comfort zone and grow?
Frankfurt School gGmbH
Adickesallee 32-34
60322 Frankfurt am Main
