Nianyi Zou, a FISF EMF 2021 student: from maths to finance, infinite possibilities in the future

Release time：2021-04-07    

A FISF EMF Senior Student’s Word

Whilestudying mathematics and applied mathematics at undergraduate level in Fudan University, Nianyi Zou often thought about future development. In his second year of college, he participated in the FISF ICC competition. This experience sowed the seeds of seeking financial dreams in his heart. Now he has become a student in Fudan FISF EMF program in the undergraduate and graduate class, transferring from the field of science and engineering to finance. What inspired him to make such transformation? Let’s read the Stories of EMF Senior Student of this session.

Nianyi Zou

Undergraduate: Fudan University

Major: mathematics and applied mathematics

EMF 2021 under-and-graduate class

The key to future development layout lies in abilities and interests

In my undergraduate period, I often thought about my future development. A math student usually has two directions, either stay in the academic circle, finding an interest in a research field and growing to become an absolute expert in this field; or enter into the industry, engaging in IT and financial, which is also a prosperous career. When I seriously considered my abilities and interests, I found that academic research was not what I wanted to do for the long term. And at that time, I happened to get in touch with the quantitative field of finance, using modeling and quantitative analysis for active investment management. This is what I’m interested in now.

Nianyi Zou (the fourth from the left) participating in FISF ICC competition

Ever since then, I have started my journey of financial exploration and participated in the ICC competition held by FISF. This experience enabled me to meet many excellent senior students, and gave me the inspiration of transferring my major over to finance. By the time of my third college year, the sudden outbreak of COVID-19 urged me to make the final decision to stay at home in the future. I set out to make preparations for domestic program of professional master in finance. After comparing several relevant programs of some domestic universities, I determined that the EMF program is the one most suitable for me. So, I tried hard to prepare documents for the interview, attended the first batch of experiencing camp, and luckily got the offer, entering into the EMF family.

EMF program undergraduate and graduate classes, with both challenges and growth

In September 2020, I started my study in EMF program undergraduate and graduate classes while at the same time taking the professional course as a make-up for being an exchange to Nanyang Technological University. Indeed, this was quite a challenge for me as I didn’t have any financial background. But in the 6 months, I’ve grown a lot in both financial professionalism and personal maturity, which I think should be mainly attributable to the sensible learning schedule, systematic course system and support of outstanding fellow students in the undergraduate and graduate class.

Nianyi Zou (the first from the left) taking part in EMF Orientation

Among all the financial courses, I was most impressed by financial accounting of Module 1. Before class I even had no idea of the definitions of the various items in the financial statements of listed companies, not to mention the complicated connections therein. In this course, the teacher gave gradual and systematic explanation, enlightening newcomers in finance like me and leading me to understand the essentials. It is noteworthy that the LIVE Project of EMF was also one of my favorites. It’s a two-week project where industry tutors provide guidance and students personally participate in real industry cases. In Module 2, I took part in a program that used quantitative method to study the herd effect of institutions. This illuminated me a lot by putting up an innovative platform to transfer book knowledge to practical applications.

Excellence, Diversity, Open-mindedness

Apart from the high-quality courses, I acquired a full sense of belonging from the cohesion and extraordinary class culture of the EMF program. If to describe it with three words, the first three that come to my mind are Excellence, Diversity and Open-mindedness.

Nianyi Zou (the third from the left) taking part in EMF Orientation

First of all, every student here is excellent and has their own strong points, undoubtedly remarkable in their learning and working capabilities. From discussion and cooperation upon the courses with them, I could feel the  profound insights of them. In addition, this is a diversified group. Students from various backgrounds may collide into diversified sparks of thinking, thus deepening our multidimensional understanding of unknown fields through daily communications. This diversity stimulates the vitality of the entire program. Finally, as the Confucius said, gentlemen seek harmony but not uniformity. There are so many excellent students here, but all the students as well as the teachers are willing to open their hearts and communicate with each other freely. Ideas and suggestions of each person will be respected, creating a precious atmosphere.

Words to students with postgraduate recommendations

Having made it with a postgraduate recommendation, I’d like to offer some suggestions, especially to those of science and engineering backgrounds. If you want to transfer to the financial major, you’d better make clear what your true interest is and whether you have the motivation to ensure a long-term development in this industry. If you have already made up your mind, then carefully prepare the application documents this year! To prepare for postgraduate recommendations, there are two stages: document preparation and interview preparation. As for documents, I advise you find a suitable professor to write the recommendation letter as soon as possible and do pay attention to the deadline. Documents should be meticulously written, for which it is necessary to resort to collective wisdom by asking friends for suggestions. As for the interview, the preparation is a bit more complicated. It’s best to practice cases with other applying students. You can raise questions to each other to mock the interview process. Lastly, do not get too nervous. Just present yourself true self with confidence. This is the most important thing to remember.

“May all the applying students get postgraduate recommendations.

I’m waiting for you at FISF EMF!”