Master's degree in finance alum Maryam Alizada found support, engagement, expertise within program

The master's degree in finance first caught the attention of Maryam Alizada for its program length and quality of education. Once she was a part of the program, she also found a group of faculty and fellow classmates that supported one another and created an encouraging, welcoming, and challenging learning environment.

The Master of Science in Finance first caught the attention of Maryam Alizada (MS-FIN '23) for its program length and quality of education.

"The program's curriculum and structure have been meticulously crafted to challenge students to push their limits and acquire as much knowledge as possible to achieve success," she says. "It revolves around the concept of absorbing a substantial amount of information within a condensed timeframe."

Once she was a part of the program, she also found a group of faculty and fellow classmates that supported one another and created an encouraging, welcoming, and challenging learning environment.

We spoke with Alizada about her experiences in the MS-FIN program, and how they've prepared her for her career in finance.

Why W. P. Carey?

As with many, ASU's reputation for being an innovative research institution intrigued Alizada. But she found the value of an education from W. P. Carey went even deeper, with personal connection and diversity at the forefront of every program.

"ASU is a welcoming community that embraces students from diverse backgrounds and provides a wide range of exceptional programs," she says. "I am deeply honored to have been granted the opportunity to pursue my master's degree in finance."

In addition to the top-level curriculum, which gives students a glimpse at different areas of the finance industry to prepare them for a well-rounded career, some things that have stayed with Alizada are the relationships she formed with her classmates.

"As a team, we devoted late nights and long days to collaborate on projects, all the while maintaining and nurturing our friendships," she says. "These classmates hold a special place in my heart, and I will cherish the memories we created together forever."

W. P. Carey encourages students to develop their critical thinking skills and become creative problem solvers through collaboration and asking questions. The highly ranked faculty within the Department of Finance are dedicated to helping students achieve their highest potential.

"I have observed that students at W. P. Carey are incredibly creative and dedicated," Alizada says. "The professors play a significant role in fostering this environment by providing support and encouraging students to ask questions without hesitation, thus promoting a culture of continuous learning.

"I hold immense admiration and gratitude for my professors, whose profound impact extends beyond my academic journey to enrich my personal growth," she adds. "I appreciate the time and effort they dedicated to my education, which has made me a better person today."

Why finance?

Alizada had some experience in finance in previous roles and her bachelor's degree in economics. But it was the in-depth, real-world-based curriculum of the ASU MS-FIN program that helped her map out her future.

"This program has played a pivotal role in helping me discover my specific field of interest and set me on a clear trajectory toward pursuing a career as a financial analyst," she says. "It's allowed me to establish a focused career path and concentrate on building my professional expertise."

She credits the program for helping her develop and enhance both professional and personal skills and gain a broader knowledge of finance and the different career paths within the industry.

Currently, Alizada works as a Management Intern within the ASU Office of the President. This position has allowed her to gain a deep understanding of business and financial operations and procedures, as well as develop necessary human skills like networking and team building.

What's next?

Alizada is using her current role to gain invaluable experience and knowledge in various areas of finance, and she's found it has been perfect for that goal. "The encouraging workplace environment and the supportive individuals who surround me consistently motivate me to keep learning and exploring," she says.

She expresses gratitude for her positive experience at ASU for her master's degree program, saying "W. P. Carey feels like my second home." She hopes to one day pursue a Ph.D.

For those who are considering the master's degree in finance program, Alizada urges students to make the most of their time at W. P. Carey and ASU, as she was able to as part of the Student Leadership Board.

"In addition to your academic pursuits, consider becoming actively involved in various clubs, sports, and activities that align with your interests," she says. "Don't hesitate to explore new avenues and share your thoughts openly."