Adrian Miranda Escudero: From sales to invest management

Tell us about your journey to business school – what made you choose the Cambridge MFin?

My journey at the Business School was driven by a desire to transition from the sales side of finance to the buy side. Before pursuing the Master of Finance (MFin) programme at Cambridge, my background was primarily in finance with a focus on sales. I had limited experience in managing portfolios or in creating trading strategies, which I recognized as a skill gap I needed to address to achieve my career goals.

I chose Cambridge for several reasons. Firstly, Cambridge has a strong reputation in the finance industry, and its MFin programme is well-regarded globally. Secondly, the programme’s curriculum seemed to strike a perfect balance between theoretical knowledge and practical applications, making it ideal for someone like me seeking to enhance their portfolio management skills. Additionally, the opportunity to be part of a diverse cohort of students from different backgrounds was very appealing, as I believed having different world views would enrich the learning experience.

What stood out about the academic learning experience for you?

The academic learning experience during the MFin programme at Cambridge was exceptional. The courses that stood out for me were those focused on portfolio management, financial analysis, and risk management. These courses directly addressed the areas I wanted to strengthen, and the knowledge gained was immediately applicable in real-world scenarios.

Please tell us about the standout elements of the Cambridge experience. How would you describe the cohort of people in your class?

Beyond the classroom, the Cambridge experience was enriched by various extra-curricular activities. Participating in finance-related clubs, City Speaker events, and industry conferences allowed me to build valuable connections and gain insights into various aspects of the finance industry. The diverse cohort of people in my class also played a significant role in shaping my experience. Interacting with individuals from different cultures and professional backgrounds exposed me to various perspectives and approaches to problem-solving.

How did the MFin impact you professionally, and how has the MFin influenced your career journey?

Professionally, the MFin had a profound impact on my career progression. It equipped me with the knowledge and tools needed to make a successful transition to the buy side of finance. The programme’s focus on portfolio management and risk assessment was particularly valuable as I started handling investment portfolios and making strategic financial decisions.

One of the most useful aspects of the MFin learning experience was the emphasis on critical thinking and analytical skills as well as learning more on Sustainable Investing. These skills have become invaluable in my professional life, enabling me to approach complex financial challenges with a strategic mindset and a better approach to Sustainable Investing.

Overall, the MFin influenced my career journey by providing me with a strong foundation in finance, opening up new opportunities, and positioning me for a rewarding career in portfolio management.

Did you switch any of the following after your MFin – function, sector or country? Did the MFin enable a change in career direction?

After completing the MFin, I successfully made a career transition from the sales side to the buy side of finance. This involved switching my function from Institutional Sales to Portfolio Management, which aligned with my career aspirations. While the sector remained within finance, the change in function was significant, and it was made possible by the knowledge and credibility I gained through the MFin programme.

The MFin indeed opened up new career paths for me within the finance industry. It enabled me to explore roles and responsibilities that were previously out of reach due to my limited expertise in Portfolio Management. This shift in career direction has been highly rewarding, and I am grateful for the opportunities the MFin unlocked for me.

What was the most useful lesson you learned from your MFin experience, and what would you say to others considering applying to the MFin and Cambridge?

I wholeheartedly recommend the Cambridge MFin programme to future students considering a career in finance. The programme’s rigorous academic curriculum, combined with the diverse and collaborative learning environment, provides an exceptional foundation for a successful career in the finance industry.

To others considering applying to the MFin and Cambridge, I would advise them to embrace the entire experience fully. Engage in extra-curricular activities, network with peers and industry professionals, and take advantage of the expertise of the faculty members. The MFin journey goes beyond classroom learning, and the connections you make and the skills you develop will shape your future career trajectory.

Personally, the most useful lesson I learned from my MFin experience is the importance of continuous learning and adaptability. Finance is a dynamic and evolving field, and staying abreast of the latest trends, technologies, and market developments is crucial. The MFin programme at Cambridge instilled in me a passion for continuous improvement and an understanding that learning is a lifelong journey.