Eric Wainaina, a participant in the Kenya Airlift Program (KAP), a program for Kenyan students to complete STEM-based graduate programs, transitioned from Deloitte East Africa to the United States to pursue a Master of Science in Finance at the Gatton College of Business and Economics. He secured a coveted role as a Financial Planning and Analysis Analyst at Woods Hole Group Inc. in Bourne, MA, a leading multinational environmental engineering organization committed to safeguarding our planet's environmental health. Through a rigorous interview process, Eric demonstrated his aptitude for financial analysis, strategic planning, and data analytics, ultimately earning him the opportunity to contribute to Woods Hole Group's growth and strategic initiatives. Eric will work as an internal corporate finance specialist to provide valuable financial information, insights, trends, and recommendations that support strategic decision-making. Eric can work in the U.S. for up to three years on Optional Practical Training (OPT).
Can you tell us about your experience in the MSF program?
The faculty was immensely helpful in the program right from the application process. The Director of the MSF Program, Mark Liu, was instrumental in convincing me to join the program. He communicated the program expectations, which I feel were met throughout the duration. I enjoyed each course and the interactions with different professors. I appreciated their eye-opening perspectives and thought-provoking lectures. For instance, a key reward that emanated from the rapport built with different professors was a part-time teaching assistantship during the Fall 2023 Semester under Prof. Ram Pakath, who taught me Tableau during the Spring 2023 Semester.
Were your Gatton connections/network valuable in the job search process? If so, how?
Yes. The Gatton network was beneficial during my job search process. The Graham Office of Career Management supported me in preparing a crisp resume that clearly articulated my background, qualifications, and critical skills. The professors were very supportive in offering me career guidance and insights on navigating the job market, including interview preparation, and understanding the expectations and requirements of different job expectations. I also appreciate Rick Mason and Candace Bramley-Hardesty for their unwavering support as they went the extra mile to connect me with their professional networks. I gained a wealth of information from interacting with prospective employers.
How did your undergraduate studies prepare you for the program?
My undergraduate studies deepened my understanding of economics, including applying and interpreting key economic concepts in corporate finance. As a result of this prior knowledge, undertaking the MSF program was relatively easy for me. Besides, it was valuable while undertaking the Investment Practicum course, which entailed equity research, evaluating the intrinsic value of companies, and making real-time buy/hold/sell recommendations. Part of the analysis required a broad understanding of key economic indicators and interpreting their impact and implication on the equity performance of listed entities.
What was the most valuable experience, class, or relationship you gained from this program.
I would say that the opportunity to be part of the program caps my most memorable experience at Gatton College. The classroom experience, team interactions and presentations, stock-pitch competition, faculty and staff networks and chats, part-time teaching assistantship, football tailgates and social interactions, and, ultimately, graduating in December 2023 sum up my entire experience from the program. I can proudly say that I earned a richer experience which will serve me well in my future endeavors.
What advice do you have for someone considering the MSF program?
I would tell them to go for it. The MSF program is non-discriminative, i.e., regardless of your academic background or experience, the program is suitable for anyone with a passion for and interest in economics, industry, business, finance, and data analytics. The concepts and skills you will draw from the program will be valuable in better understanding the economic and business landscape, key indicators, and their implication on everyday corporate, consumer, and investor life and making sound strategic decisions. The program instills a forward-thinking and strategic mindset. In the age of big data, the program sparks interest in learning valuable analytical tools that dissect data into chunks of useful information applicable to every aspect of life. Lastly, I would emphasize the need to look at the program from a big-picture perspective, i.e., it will ultimately bear fruit, whether professionally or at a personal level, in the medium and long term.