Graduates leave prepared for their careers thanks to a flexible curriculum and expert faculty
As high-level student athletes, Sam Thacker and Florian Knopf are always looking for the best ways to balance their time in the classroom and on the playing field.
In Thacker’s case, a challenging athletic and academic choice led her to the program. The standout lacrosse player was weighing returning to the University of Denver to use her fifth year of eligibility or entering the workforce. While debating her next steps, she applied to the in-person Master of Science in Applied Quantitative Finance (MSAQF) program at Daniels to ensure she had options.
Sam Thacker
She’d connect with Doina Chichernea, the program director and faculty member in the Reiman School of Finance. Thacker had previously had Chichernea as an undergraduate finance student and clicked instantly when the two discussed the MSAQF program. Enrolling in the master’s program, Chichernea explained, would allow Thacker an additional year on the lacrosse field and set her up for success in the professional arena, as she’d graduate in less than one year.
“That combination of reasons felt like too good of an opportunity to pass up,” Thacker said.
Coming straight from her undergraduate degree at Daniels, Thacker was able to qualify out of some courses. That gave her the ability to pursue an independent study in the winter quarter. That is one major selling point of the MSAQF program, Chichernea said.
“Students can take advantage of the customizable nature of our degree by tailoring their credit hours towards internships, certifications or research independent studies,” she added.
Thacker’s independent study was focused on the Securities Industry Essentials Exam, which is an exam required by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority. By taking this in the winter, Thacker is ahead of the game for starting her post-graduation employment.
“That was definitely a huge advantage, to take a four-credit independent study,” she said. “That kind of customization creates more real-world applications. As a student you really can get what you need rather than be so structured. And because they are so open to what the students need, it allows the program to be more successful for every student.”
Thacker recently graduated and will start in August at New York City-based HPS Investment Partners on the business development team. She’ll arrive well-prepared for the job thanks to the MSAQF program at Daniels.
“The highly customizable Reiman MSAQF program fits the rapidly changing and highly specialized job market in the finance industry,” said Reiman director Conrad Ciccotello. “Students individually tailor their strengths and interests into skills, experiences and knowledge that target specific job opportunities.”
Knopf, a member of the ski team, arrived at Daniels under slightly different circumstances. He’s an international student, originally from Germany, who came to Denver after a professional ski career competing at the World Cup level. Knopf had previously attended the University of Ansbach in Germany, earning his undergraduate degree in international management.
Florian Knopf
Knopf came to Denver looking to continue his ski career at the collegiate level and earn an advanced degree to help further his career. He’d ultimately end up in a dual-degree program, combining a master of science in management with the STEM-designated MSAQF program. The STEM designation was a crucial part of Knopf’s decision-making, as it allows him to apply for a 24-month extension for Optional Practical Training in the U.S. This means he’ll have the opportunity to tack two more years onto his F-1 Visa.
After working with advisors and faculty leaders at Daniels to formulate a plan for balancing his academic and athletic priorities, Knopf has found a perfect fit.
“I can keep skiing and also get two master’s degrees, which is awesome,” Knopf said. “I couldn’t be at a better point in my life. I really love that.”
In the upcoming ski season, Knopf will have increased travel that will take him away from Denver. While the MSAQF program is mostly focused on an in-person experience, he has been granted flexibility to continue his degree remotely.
“I’ll be a lot on the East Coast and a lot in Alaska. So, I will not be at Daniels that much in-person. I really appreciate having these options to be online and not miss anything,” he said. “All the professors that I talked to were open-minded and relaxed. I feel really valued and that is a huge thing.”
Both Knopf and Thacker have excelled at the Daniels College of Business and are prime examples of the flexibility that the finance master’s program provides to its students.
