Alumni Perspectives

Joy in finance and flying

I first learned to fly—to glide, actually—during my exchange year in England. I’ll never forget my first winch launch. It was intense and exhilarating, sparking a passion that has stayed with me ever since. Now, I’ve earned my private pilot’s license and was able to take advantage of the clear skies in Berkeley. 

Aviation relies on a foundation of rigor, structure and precision, much like finance. Both demand clear thinking under pressure, careful planning, and continuous learning. 

The more knowledge and discipline you bring to flying—and finance—the better your results are. And the greater your joy in doing it. 

Curriculum for today’s markets

During the MFE, I developed frameworks for thinking critically about finance. I particularly enjoyed electives like Behavioral Finance (230S) and Currency Markets (230GB) that helped bridge the gap between theory and the realities of markets.

Amir Kermani’s engaging lectures pushed us to think about the increasingly interconnected currency markets. The course provided a practical foundation by connecting real-world financial flows, international trade, central bank policies, and geopolitical forces to the dynamics of FX markets. 

In Behavioral Finance, we explored how psychological biases and the limits of arbitrage influence asset prices. By analyzing research studies, we gained valuable insights into market anomalies and inefficiencies, offering us a new lens through which to understand market behavior.

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