FWA Graduate School Partnerships Committee: Finance Training Program

In Fall 2023, the Financial Women’s Association (FWA) Graduate School Partnerships committee, with support from BMO Capital Markets Equity Through Education Program, sponsored a finance training program for over 250 Baruch College Zicklin School of Business graduate students. As part of the curriculum, students attended a financial markets overview lecture by KLD Training and completed courses in applied Excel and corporate valuation with Training the Street.

The Graduate School Partnerships committee is proud to help fulfill the FWA’s mission to contribute to our communities and prepare the next generation of professionals through this multi-year initiative. By supplementing the students’ core academic curriculum with additional technical skills and financial knowledge, the Committee hopes these young professionals will gain an edge as they enter the financial services industry.

In the excerpts below, a few participants share how the course helped their corporate valuation knowledge and express their gratitude to the FWA and BMO Capital Markets.

Arsha John Padayatti

(MS Analytics '25)

"Attending the BMO Equity Through Education Program events enriched my journey as a business analytics student. The Finance Boot Camp broadened my understanding of financial services as a thriving business sector. The Applied Excel Workshop equipped me with invaluable practical skills for data analysis. Moreover, the Corporate Valuation session provided a unique perspective on assessing the financial health of corporations. I am grateful to BMO and the FWA for this opportunity, as it has empowered me with insights crucial for my future endeavors."

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Serena Zou

(BBA Communications '18)

"Thanks to the generosity of BMO and FWA for these skill- and knowledge- based workshops. With my goal of returning to school to earn a master’s degree after more than five years of full-time work, my participation reconnected me to academia."

Ignacio Estrada

(MS Finance '23)

"Participating in this remarkable journey wasn't just a privilege; it profoundly enriched my professional growth. I've thoroughly delved into the courses, extracting valuable insights that have directly impacted my career. The newfound knowledge has seamlessly integrated into my classes, elevating the learning experience. The training has significantly enhanced my readiness for job interviews, equipping me with a heightened confidence. While the challenges of securing a full-time job as an international student persist, the training has uniquely positioned me for success. Thank you for the invaluable contribution to my journey."

View the complete Participants Testimonial booklet here.

For more information about the FWA Graduate School Partnership, please contact committee chair Christine Li-Auyeung.

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