Dear Members of the Steering Committee,
I am applying for the Master of Science in Quantitative Finance, jointly offered by ETH Zurich and the University of Zurich, as it offers an ideal combination of advanced academic coursework and practical insights. This program aligns seamlessly with my career objectives by providing the quantitative and financial expertise necessary to excel in fields such as quantitative research, trading, and risk management.
My academic journey began with my enrollment in Civil Engineering at the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Raipur, after successfully clearing one of India's toughest examination AIEEE. During this period, I developed a deep understanding of advanced calculus, algebra, probability and statistics, matrix and vectors. Mathematics has always been my passion, and my consistent performance in high school and engineering reflects my inclination towards quantitative subjects. This interest naturally evolved into a desire to explore financial mathematics, as evidenced by my pursuit of an MBA in Finance from the Goa Institute of Management, where I specialized in derivatives, economics, fixed income, corporate finance, and asset pricing.
A significant turning point in my life was the tragic loss of my mother due to prolonged cancer. This personal experience taught me the value of financial importance and resilience-qualities that are essential in the finance industry. Managing emotions under pressure has since become a key strength of mine, one that I have leveraged throughout my professional career.
On the professional front, I have gained over two and a half years of experience working in the treasury and risk management domains at Arcesium (D.E. Shaw Group) and currently at Wells Fargo as an Assistant Vice President in Treasury, Interest Rate Risk In Banking Book (IRRBB). My responsibilities include liquidity risk, market risk, margin optimization, and interest rate risk modeling using the Hull-White model, which has provided me with hands-on exposure to both trading and banking portfolios. Furthermore, earning my FRM (Financial Risk Manager) charter and clearing CFA Level I reflect my commitment to continuous learning and deepening my knowledge in risk management and finance.
Alongside my professional journey, competing at the national level in lawn tennis and badminton has shaped my character, fostering discipline, resilience, patience, and ability to make critical decisions under pressure. These qualities have enriched my academic and professional pursuits, enabling me to excel in demanding environments. And to this day, I remain a passionate sportsperson with 15 years of experience in playing both sports.
The Master of Science in Quantitative Finance at UZH/ETH Zurich presents the perfect amalgamation of research, mathematical rigor, and practical finance applications that I am seeking. With its structured curriculum and potential for future research opportunities, I envision this program as the ideal platform to pursue my ambition of building a career in quantitative research /trading, risk management and mathematical finance. To further prepare for the challenges of the program, I have taken seminars in probability theory and numerical linear algebra from Baruch College, New York. Additionally, I have been following ETH Zurich's publicly available lecture notes on Introduction to Mathematical Finance to familiarize myself with the core concepts and tools used in the field.
I believe that my unique blend of engineering and finance qualifications, complemented by professional certifications and practical exposure, makes me a strong fit for this program. I am excited about the opportunity to collaborate with renowned faculty, engage with like-minded peers, and develop advanced skills that will contribute to both my professional and academic growth.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to the possibility of being a part of UZH and ETH Zurich's vibrant academic community and contributing meaningfully to the field of quantitative finance.
Sincerely,
I am applying for the Master of Science in Quantitative Finance, jointly offered by ETH Zurich and the University of Zurich, as it offers an ideal combination of advanced academic coursework and practical insights. This program aligns seamlessly with my career objectives by providing the quantitative and financial expertise necessary to excel in fields such as quantitative research, trading, and risk management.
My academic journey began with my enrollment in Civil Engineering at the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Raipur, after successfully clearing one of India's toughest examination AIEEE. During this period, I developed a deep understanding of advanced calculus, algebra, probability and statistics, matrix and vectors. Mathematics has always been my passion, and my consistent performance in high school and engineering reflects my inclination towards quantitative subjects. This interest naturally evolved into a desire to explore financial mathematics, as evidenced by my pursuit of an MBA in Finance from the Goa Institute of Management, where I specialized in derivatives, economics, fixed income, corporate finance, and asset pricing.
A significant turning point in my life was the tragic loss of my mother due to prolonged cancer. This personal experience taught me the value of financial importance and resilience-qualities that are essential in the finance industry. Managing emotions under pressure has since become a key strength of mine, one that I have leveraged throughout my professional career.
On the professional front, I have gained over two and a half years of experience working in the treasury and risk management domains at Arcesium (D.E. Shaw Group) and currently at Wells Fargo as an Assistant Vice President in Treasury, Interest Rate Risk In Banking Book (IRRBB). My responsibilities include liquidity risk, market risk, margin optimization, and interest rate risk modeling using the Hull-White model, which has provided me with hands-on exposure to both trading and banking portfolios. Furthermore, earning my FRM (Financial Risk Manager) charter and clearing CFA Level I reflect my commitment to continuous learning and deepening my knowledge in risk management and finance.
Alongside my professional journey, competing at the national level in lawn tennis and badminton has shaped my character, fostering discipline, resilience, patience, and ability to make critical decisions under pressure. These qualities have enriched my academic and professional pursuits, enabling me to excel in demanding environments. And to this day, I remain a passionate sportsperson with 15 years of experience in playing both sports.
The Master of Science in Quantitative Finance at UZH/ETH Zurich presents the perfect amalgamation of research, mathematical rigor, and practical finance applications that I am seeking. With its structured curriculum and potential for future research opportunities, I envision this program as the ideal platform to pursue my ambition of building a career in quantitative research /trading, risk management and mathematical finance. To further prepare for the challenges of the program, I have taken seminars in probability theory and numerical linear algebra from Baruch College, New York. Additionally, I have been following ETH Zurich's publicly available lecture notes on Introduction to Mathematical Finance to familiarize myself with the core concepts and tools used in the field.
I believe that my unique blend of engineering and finance qualifications, complemented by professional certifications and practical exposure, makes me a strong fit for this program. I am excited about the opportunity to collaborate with renowned faculty, engage with like-minded peers, and develop advanced skills that will contribute to both my professional and academic growth.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to the possibility of being a part of UZH and ETH Zurich's vibrant academic community and contributing meaningfully to the field of quantitative finance.
Sincerely,
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