MS in Finance Student & Alumni Profiles

From the classroom to the boardroom, GW's MS in Finance students and alumni are applying their skills to make an impact across the financial sector. Explore their experiences, discover how the program supported their professional growth and see where a GW Business finance degree can take you.

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT:

Charbel Chit Dirany, MSF ’26

What attracted you to GW’s MS in Finance program?

First, it’s the location. Second, I have an undergrad degree in actuarial science, which is applied mathematics, insurance, probability and finance. I wanted a program that is in finance and that is quantitative. It was a perfect match for me.

What about the location inspires you?

Coming from Lebanon, it's very exciting. It’s always on the news—the White House and Congress. When you come here, you see that's the real world; it's not just the news. This is the capital of the world. It's very interesting to live here. The experience is amazing.

What excites you about being in D.C. from a finance perspective?

We have the IMF and the World Bank and the IFC, which is very attractive.

Do you ever go to their events or programs?

Of course. For example, we can go to the Spring Meetings and the Annual Meetings of the IMF and the World Bank Group. That’s a benefit of the program. As a finance student, as an international student, as a young person, I think GW’s location plays a big role.

Did you know coming in what type of career you were looking for? And if so, has that been consistent or has that changed?

I used to think that I wanted to be in the private sector, but coming here, my mind has changed. I’m thinking about the World Bank and IMF or any international organization. I think that’s a good direction to take.

What experiences made you choose to go in that direction?

The location! Always meeting people in the World Bank, always meeting people in the IMF and the way they talk, the way they attract you to be part of this community. That's what changed my mind.

What do you like about doing group work in your program? What do you learn from other people’s perspectives?

What's interesting about this program is that there is a lot of diversity. Diversity plays a big role in group work. For example, I will be in a group, and each person is from a different country. So, I can see different perspectives. It's a plus because you have friends from each country. If I wasn't in this program, I would not have known about a lot of backgrounds and cultures.

You learn how people talk, you learn to respect their boundaries, because sometimes what's acceptable in your culture, it's not acceptable in theirs. Maybe one day you're going to travel to their country and you're going to know how they behave and what's acceptable and what's not. It can help you in the workplace, too. Let's say you want to work in an international organization or you're going to work in a government role where you're going to be exposed to different cultures. You're going to know what's acceptable.

How do you feel supported?

The faculty is amazing, and we have [program staff members] Malda and Rawad and Dr. Jabbour. It feels like family. They don't let students have any problems.

How does the cohort model support you as well?

Again, it feels like family. You start with the same people and you finish with them. It's good as an international student because when you come, you don't know anybody here. Then, the same people that started school with you will end with you. So, it's good to bond with them.

What advice would you give to a student who's considering the MSF program?

Don't be stressed. Coming as an international student is very stressful, but don't be stressed because you have a lot of support.

ALUMNI PROFILE:

David Olajide Olatunde, MSF ’23

“I wanted practical, on-the-job skills that would give me an edge in the job market. GW provided the kind of skillset employers are actively seeking,” said David Olajide Olatunde.

During his second year in the MSF program, David, who is from Nigeria, had a life-changing experience when he landed an internship at the World Bank.

“It was the opportunity of a lifetime, and it still shapes the way I look at the world today,” said David. “I came to this country with a goal to work for the World Bank, and getting the internship was a dream come true.”

David’s MSF degree, which he completed in 2023, also helped him secure a position with the National Education Association, after graduation, where he served as a Senior Program and Finance Specialist.

Tackling Real World Challenges

Drawn to GW’s program with the intention of bolstering his fintech skills, David learned lessons that have already served him well in his career.

He had eye-opening classroom experiences, particularly in his global finance class. He lost 95 percent of his portfolio in the first week of a six-week stock market simulation. Going into the second week, he remembered the steps his professor had advised.

Step 1: Stay informed. Listen to the news.
Step 2: Do your research.
Step 3: Never just go big for the sake of it.

“She said, be patient. Play the market with patience. Those are the same things that I said to myself at my job when I would come up with new operational efficiency processes that I was trying to present to my bosses,” said David. “Don’t just go big for the sake of it. Think about how this will play out on the organizational level.”

Adhering to those steps helped David in his stock market simulation, too. “I ended up coming in first place in class, doubling my initial portfolio.”

Continuing the Forward Momentum

David has returned to GW, where he is now pursuing a Global MBA, with concentrations in global management and artificial intelligence in business.

“What I’m most excited about is being in the position that I’ve always wanted. I see myself going into a management position, helping train people like myself. People that don't know what's going to happen next, and that need guidance and perspective about what the future holds, and how to approach the job market or even just general life. And helping people of color to understand what it means for us to go into finance, and to be champions and bring that knowledge back to the community,” said David.

ALUMNI PROFILE:

Gael Sfeir, MSF ’24

“I chose GW because of its strong reputation, its location in the heart of Washington, D.C. and its extensive alumni network,” said Gael. “Studying at GW meant being close to many of the institutions that shape global finance and policy. It was a direct step toward where I am now.”

After graduating with an MS in Finance, Gael is a research analyst at the International Monetary Fund. “I’m currently working just steps away from the School of Business, and that connection to the campus, the city and all these institutions really helped me get where I am today.”

Technical Skills, Real-World Application

Gael also was drawn to the program for its quantitative focus, and the balance between financial theory and real-world application. “The curriculum was very technical and gave me the opportunity to build strong skills in areas like financial modeling and quantitative analysis, while also learning how those tools apply to real economic and financial situations,” she said.

Deep Discussions Deepen Learning

Gael saw the diversity of the student body as an asset. She appreciated that her classmates came from a wide range of professional and international backgrounds. “People approached financial problems from different perspectives, and that really broadened how I thought about markets and decision-making.”

The wealth of experience and expertise faculty brought to each course added another positive dimension. “The faculty were very supportive and accessible throughout the program,” said Gael. “They were always open to discussion, provided thoughtful feedback and were genuinely invested in helping students succeed.”

For future MSF students, Gael shares her advice: take full advantage of everything the program offers beyond the classroom. “The academic foundation is strong, but a big part of the experience is the exposure you gain through events, guest speakers and the network of people around you.”

Invested In Her Future

“It is a great investment, and the program provided me with a solid foundation for my career. What stands out to me is how often I meet professionals in the industry who are MSF alumni, which is a true testament to the program’s impact,” she said.