Renyu Cao

About you

What work experience/internships did you have before beginning with Imperial College Business School?

Before beginning with Imperial College Business School, I did a placement year with an asset management company in London. I was involved in the development of management and retention strategies for all client relationships, working closely with the solutions design team to provide investment ideas and financial solutions tailored to clients’ needs. There was a steep learning curve, but I worked very hard and completed the year feeling satisfied that I had not wasted a single moment.

Why did you decide to study an MSc Risk Management & Financial Engineering at Imperial College Business School?

I chose this programme because competition for entry-level positions in finance is fierce and an MSc Risk Management & Financial Engineering at Imperial College Business School will give me a great advantage over other applicants. Part of this comes from the prestige that accompanies a Master’s from Imperial, with success on the programme allowing me to demonstrate a strong academic foundation. By completing the MSc Risk Management & Financial Engineering programme, I can show a grounding in the theoretical aspects of using quantitative methodology to identify, measure and mitigate financial and insurance risk, while also applying these theories in-market practice and behaviour.

Programme

What aspects of the programme do you most enjoy the most?

The aspect I enjoy the most is that almost all the modules of this programme require teamwork such as group assignments and presentations. As a result, I’ve had a lot of chances to develop my skills as both a communicator and a team player.

Which has been your favourite module so far and why?

My favourite module so far is Investments and Portfolio Management. Professor Robert Kosowski did an excellent job delivering this module and his lectures are always so interesting. As I didn’t study any financial modules during my undergraduate degree, this module has provided me with a comprehensive understanding of portfolio diversification and asset allocation as well as trading strategies, risk management techniques, stock selection and portfolio construction methods.

What has been the most challenging part of the programme? 

To me, the most challenging part of this programme has been the time it took for me to find the balance between studying and finding a job, especially in the first term. This made it even more important for me to manage my time efficiently throughout the year.

How did you find the unprecedented switch to remote delivery due to the global pandemic?

This is a very special year for all of us and I have to say that the Business School has done an amazing job in dealing with the situation we’ve found ourselves in. Imperial has launched a new online learning platform to ensure all the lectures and assessments can be delivered remotely, and our learning experiences have been very smooth so far.

Opportunities

What clubs, societies or other activities have you been involved in at Imperial? Do you hold a student leadership position?

I have undertaken the role of Academic Leader of the Student-Staff Committee for my. One of my responsibilities is to act as an intermediary among my classmates, the faculty, and the Programme team. By providing channels for clear and open dialogue among these groups, the aim is to continually maintain and improve academic and administrative standards. This experience has enriched my interpersonal skills and ability to build and manage relationships among a diverse group of people.

Career

What are your future career goals and how have they been realised since being at Imperial?

Eventually I hope to have a rewarding career in financial services, ideally in a firm that operates in an international marketplace. I expect to begin my professional life as a financial analyst at one of the major investment banks, making full use of my background in statistics and mathematics, as well as the quantitative skills that I have acquired as a postgraduate at Imperial.

London Location

Do you think studying in a central location such as London is beneficial for networking and career opportunities?

As one of the world’s major financial centres and a city of great diversity, I’ve found London provides a wealth of opportunities to advance my career and network with individuals from a myriad of different cultures.

Tips

What advice would you give someone who is thinking about applying for the programme?

Just go for it. If you are looking for a programme which is both highly quantitative and career-oriented, the MSc Risk Management & Financial Engineering at Imperial is perfect for you.