As a part of my work, I have conducted on-going analysis and monitoring of the risks involved in a variety of investment funds. I remained at the cutting edge of market research, for I must be aware of the subtlest differences amongst different funds. This invaluable work experience has not only steeled my stomach to risk, but has shown me the importance of mathematics and programming in the financial field. Quantitative data, properly studied, remains the most invaluable tool in risk management today. I have also already begun my initial creative work in the field. Recently, I developed my first quantitative model at work, an original program using Excel to generate risk ratings for different funds, based on statis data. Through my employment as well I have broadened my knowledge base about derivates in the capital markets products, through direct involvement in transactions as well as self-study conducted at in-house seminars and courses.

From the diversity of my experiences I hope to leverage my classroom the wealth and diversity of my knowledge and experiences before I re-enter the business world. I hope to learn from the experiences from my fellow students, as well as to add my own database of knowledge. Education itself is a qualified risk. Embarking upon a degree means a loss of workplace experiences and opportunities in the short-term of the economic moment. But education also provides a potential long-term reward. It is the investment strategy of increasing one's skills and quality of labor and judgment, taking the risk that this will better prepare one for the labor market and economy of the future. I am confident that my decision to hone my skills over the next year will offer an unprecedented opportunity for both myself and my future clients and employers to reap great personal and monetary rewards.