Liam

Why did I choose my programme (and CBS)?
I chose to study at CBS for a variety of reasons, but the primary reason was the course content of the Finance and Investments programme. I thoroughly enjoy studying mathematics and all things quantitative relating to financial markets. In addition to the academic content of the programme, Copenhagen is a welcoming, prosperous and vibrant city to live in as a student. The city’s culture and diversity is a pleasure to experience, and the part-time student opportunities help strengthen your career prospects upon graduation.

What do I like the best?
The single aspect I like most about studying at CBS is the international student community. Although it may seem a daunting task arriving to live and study in Denmark on your own, many international students experience the very same feeling and are keen on networking and making friends upon arrival to CBS. My colleagues and friends come from a wide range of different countries, and it has been a pleasure getting to know like-minded and intelligent people while studying together.

How do I experience the difference in academic level between my bachelor and master programme?
Throughout the initial weeks of the first semester of the Finance and Investments programme, it quickly became very clear that this programme is significantly more challenging than the financial mathematics I covered in my bachelor’s degree. Much of what I studied in my bachelor’s was covered in far more detail, and the mathematical elements were more advanced and demanding. Of particular importance was my Excel capabilities and know-how. In my bachelor’s, knowing how to use basic excel formulas was sufficient, but my programme at CBS required more.

What are the biggest challenges in my programme?
The biggest challenge I encountered while studying at CBS was improving my time management skills. It’s very common as a student in Denmark to be employed in a part-time student position while studying your master’s degree. The combination of 20+ hours working and 50+ hours studying made time management skills a vital factor in my success in the Finance and Investments programme. By managing your time wisely and effectively using all hours in the workweek, one can still find time to spend exploring the beautiful city with their friends.

What would I have liked to have known before starting my programme?
I have been a prominent organising member of 3 student societies at CBS, however I only joined them part way through the first year of my studies. If I could go back and do it again, I would have joined these student societies on day one. Student societies present the opportunity to network with students from academic disciplines different from your own. Developing my network outside of my programme’s classroom has been an enriching experience, strengthening my social ties and network reach. I encourage all students to get involved!

What do I want to do after finishing my programme?
During my studies at CBS, I have worked part-time as a financial analyst at a leading start up in Copenhagen. Prior to starting at CBS, I worked full-time as a derivatives trader at a leading global proprietary trading firm in Canada. Following my graduation this spring, I will begin working as an oil trader at a firm in Copenhagen. I thoroughly enjoy living in Copenhagen, and my network, CBS degree, and professional experience have allowed me to prolong my time in this city.

If I could give myself a piece of advice, before starting it would be…
A piece of advice I would give my past self before starting at CBS would be to say “Yes!” more often. Life is short and meant to be enjoyed to its fullest extent. Nobody says “I wish I would have spent more time working” when they are in the final years of their life. Go out to dinner with your colleagues, take a walk in the park with your friends on Sunday morning, say “yes” to the CBS networking events, take advantage of all these opportunities and experiences that will fall on your plate while you are a student at CBS!