Master's in finance provides avenue for Alex Holt to dive deeper into finance industry

Alex Holt (MS-FIN '25) has long had a strong interest in the world of finance. After finishing his bachelor's degree and working in the industry for a bit, he made the decision to go to graduate school for further studies. One program stood out: The Master of Science in Finance (MS-FIN) at W. P. Carey.

Alex Holt (MS-FIN '25) has long had a strong interest in the world of finance and chose to follow this path after his time in the military. But after finishing his bachelor's degree and working in the industry for a bit, he still desired more knowledge. So he made the decision to go to graduate school for further studies in finance and began his search for the right fit.

One program stood out: The Master of Science in Finance (MS-FIN) at ASU’s W. P. Carey School of Business. This program at ASU offered Holt the opportunity to learn more about finance as a whole, prepare for the CFA exam, and develop his skills in the newest technologies that are leading the industry's future.

"I decided to pursue this degree to deepen my expertise in finance, enhance my skills in technology and analytics, and position myself for a career in portfolio management while complementing my pursuit of the CFA designation," Holt says.

He adds, "The program’s unique mix of technical and practical learning has not only advanced my knowledge but also solidified my confidence in tackling future challenges in the finance industry."

W. P. Carey News spoke to Holt about his strong interest in finance, his connections with MS-FIN classmates, and how the program will help achieve his career goals.

Why W. P. Carey?

Holt had spent time in the Marines before beginning his business education and career. After completing his service, he began his bachelor's degree in finance. Although he was able to graduate early, the time at which he was in school meant he had a different experience than expected.

"Upon leaving the Marines in 2019, I attended the University of Oklahoma, where I received a bachelor’s degree in finance in two and a half years," Holt says. "Unfortunately, almost all my undergraduate studies were spent online during COVID, and I felt like I missed the traditional classroom learning experience."

When he later decided to return to school for graduate studies, he knew he wanted an in-person experience that would allow for bonding with classmates and faculty members. During his time at W. P. Carey, he has found this to be the case, illustrating the school's commitment to making business personal.

"The connections I’ve built with my classmates and faculty have been fantastic," Holt says. "These relationships have fostered collaboration and networking, allowing me to learn from others. A significant portion of our cohort consists of international students who bring invaluable perspectives and experiences to classroom discussions.”

The program is designed to prepare students for a career in finance, both now and in the future. The MS-FIN curriculum is constantly evolving with input from Department of Finance faculty and industry advisors, ensuring the knowledge is up-to-date and the latest technology is reflected.

"I’ve been impressed by how seamlessly technology is integrated into the curriculum," Holt says. “From building Python models to exploring AI and blockchain applications, the hands-on experience with technology has reshaped how I approach investment decisions.”

Why finance?

After receiving his undergraduate degree in finance, Holt began working for a private wealth management company in Oklahoma. He greatly enjoys learning about and being a part of the finance industry, finding it mentally stimulating.

"I've always had a curious mind, eager to understand the world around me, and finance has provided me with the clearest lens to make sense of global events and human behavior," he says. "The financial markets provide me with endless intellectual stimulation and an outlet for my curiosities about the world."

That curious mind is what brought Holt to the MS-FIN program for additional studies and skill improvement. He elected to join the analytical methods track of the program, which includes an extra semester of courses and a summer internship opportunity.

The additional classes for this track feature coursework in programming, blockchain, and data visualization. All of this additional knowledge will help Holt be prepared for the future of the industry and his career goal of working in portfolio management.

"My ultimate career pursuit is to be the best investor I can be by continuing to learn and adding tools to my toolbox," he says. “I enjoy working in environments that demand conviction in decision-making, where outcomes are measurable and feedback is direct — a mindset I developed as a Marine Scout Sniper and now apply to investing.”

What's next?

Beyond the challenging and innovative coursework, W. P. Carey has also helped Holt prepare for the next step in his career through the many resources available for graduate students at the W. P. Carey Career Services Center.

"W. P. Carey has provided me with opportunities to interact with industry leaders, attend networking events, and refine my technical skills," Holt says. "These resources, combined with the program's rigorous academic training, have set me on a trajectory to achieve my career goal of being a portfolio manager."

Holt urges anyone who is considering the MS-FIN program to take advantage of all such opportunities, noting the impact they've made on his W. P. Carey experience and his future career.

"Prepare for a fast-paced and intensive program with 8-week classes that demand focus and dedication," he says. "Take advantage of opportunities to network with faculty, classmates, and employers — these connections will be key to your academic experience and future success."