Career Planning and Development

QFRM programme offers individual and group career coaching, training and advice. A number of career training workshops covering all aspects of the job hunting process will be held in the first semester and early in the second semester. These will equip students with a complete set of skills and techniques, from identification of leads, to CV writing, interviewing and job hunting strategies. There will also be practical coaching and drilling such as mock interviews, sharing sessions with alumni, mentorship and buddy programmes and so on. Students are strongly encouraged to take part in these career activities early on in their studies to gain a clear picture and good understanding of the expectations and challenges of finding a job or an internship.

 

CFA Institute ® University Affiliation Program

The QFRM Program at CUHK Business School is affiliated with the CFA Institute® University Affiliation Program. This affiliation certifies that our curriculum is well-suited to prepare students for CFA examinations and eventual employment in the finance and investment industry. Our program covers 70 percent of Level I topics under the CFA Program Candidate Body of Knowledge and CFA Institute ethical and professional standards. As a QFRM student, you are entitled to CFA Institute curricula, exclusive online Level I sample examinations, journals, webcasts and other educational resources. You are also eligible to apply for Level I CFA examination scholarships.

 

Alumni Sharing

Further Studies

Michael Chau Ph.D in Mathematical Finance, Imperial College London The QFRM programme has equipped me with solid theoretical knowledge of the quantitative methods and statistical tools used in finance. The experience gained during my half-year of exchange study at Uppsala University, Sweden, is valuable in my future studies, while my summer internship at the Royal Bank of Scotland enhanced my understanding of market risk management from the practitioner’s point of view. After completing my undergraduate degree, I chose to pursue a Master’s degree in risk management science at CUHK. The guidance and training offered by the Department of Statistics has enabled me to produce two original research papers for consideration in top-tier academic journals in the field of stochastic control and optimisation with application to operations research and finance. With this solid background in mathematical finance, my next step is to pursue a joint PhD at Imperial College London.

Brian Ling Ph.D in Statistics, Columbia University The QFRM programme has a well-structured curriculum, which has equipped me with solid, practical knowledge of statistical methodologies and quantitative tools that are vital for my further studies. The valuable exchange study in the University of Toronto, Canada also broadened my horizons and gave me the experience of studying in a foreign country. As an undergraduate, I was also given the opportunity to be a research assistant under the supervision of Professor Wong Hoi Ying, and was a summer intern in the financial services risk management department at Ernst & Young. I therefore experienced both the academic research life and the business of risk management from the practitioner’s point of view. After graduating, I chose to pursue a Master of Philosophy degree in Risk Management Science at CUHK. The guidance and rigorous training I was given while studying for my Master’s helped me produce two original research papers in the field of statistics, which I submitted for consideration to top-tier academic journals. I am currently studying for my PhD in Statistics at Columbia University.

Ashley Shen Ph.D in Finance, Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania My name is Lin (Ashley) Shen. I spent four treasured years at the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) and received my BSc in Quantitative Finance and Risk Management Science (QFRM) in 2013. Currently, I am working on my PhD in Finance at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. The QFRM programme in CUHK provides students with training and resources in both the Business School and the Faculty of Science, which gives us great advantages when applying for jobs and graduate schools. In my case, I participated in the exchange programme with the Wharton School and took two finance PhD courses in the CUHK Business School. These experiences and all of the quantitative training that I received at the Faculty of Science have turned out to be very helpful to my PhD coursework and research.

Lester Chan Ph.D in Economics, Boston University The QFRM programme offered me comprehensive academic training and equipped me with solid theoretical knowledge and practical quantitative tools, which are essential to my future studies. The valuable exchange experience at the University of Toronto also broadened my horizons and prepared me to further my studies overseas. As an undergraduate, I was a summer intern in the consumer credit risk management (secured) department at the China Construction Bank (Asia), where I learned more about risk management through actual practical experience. After graduating, I embarked on a Master of Philosophy degree in Economics at CUHK. The knowledge I acquired from the QFRM programme turned out to be very useful in the study of economics, and particularly important in research studies. I am currently pursuing a PhD in Economics at Boston University.

 

Career Prospects

Ken Yuen Morgan Stanley The QFRM programme has given me one of the best experiences in my life, and has helped me to develop my friendships, career, knowledge, and professional network. The programme was designed to equip students with both comprehensive business sense and in-depth technical knowledge, both of which are essential in the investment banking industry. Due to the programme’s cross-faculty support, we enjoyed very strong career guidance, comprehensive academic support and additional exchange opportunities. All of these things contributed to giving me a highly valuable and eye-opening exchange experience with the University of Warwick. This set of experiences helped me land the internship and subsequently a full-time job offer from the Derivative Trading desk for Morgan Stanley.

Dickson Yip Hong Kong Monetary Authority It is my pleasure to be a student in the QFRM programme, where I have received rigorous training in quantitative skills and technical knowledge, participated in a yearlong exchange programme in the US and worked with several companies as an intern. Throughout my four-year study programme, I have received tremendous support from my home departments – not just academic support, but also career and personal development advice. QFRM is more than just an academic programme. It is a platform that has connected me, a student, to the greater society. Being part of the working class now, I am very grateful that I have been well trained in the technical knowledge of finance and the soft skills required in the workplace. Looking back at myself when I just started college, I still cannot believe how much I have grown under the guidance of the QFRM programme.

Ryan Liu Wells Fargo QFRM is an interdisciplinary programme that has equipped me with strong numerical acumen and solid financial knowledge. The curriculum is perfectly balanced between theory and real-life application, and it paves the way for prosperous careers in sales and trading, investment banking, investment management and many other fields. During my senior year, I went for a semester exchange to UC Berkeley, where I rekindled my passion for statistics and finance by meeting various scholars from around the world. After spending a summer at Wells Fargo Securities, I started working full time at the credit trading desk. Nothing beats the intensity and adrenaline of the fast-paced market!

Wai Li Teng Ocean Global Capital Management As an international student, I have found CUHK a comfortable home throughout my fruitful university experience. It is certainly safe to say that the university has much more to offer than just academic excellence. From my part-time barista job in my freshman year to an overseas exchange programme in the Netherlands, I found that CUHK was always there to provide a wide array of opportunities, with an emphasis on promoting whole-person development. Furthermore, having enrolled in the QFRM programme, I was excited to learn not only pure theory but also hard skills to leverage my knowledge in real-life situations. This kind of real support is, in my honest opinion, the principal aspect that gives CUHK students the edge in career advancement.

Henry Lin Crédit Agricole CIB The QFRM programme is an intensive course of study that offers solid knowledge in accounting, portfolio management, financial theory, programming and various statistical techniques. All of these studies have given me a greater understanding of and insight into the finance industry. In this programme, I’ve acquired highly useful knowledge concerning the classic Black Scholes Merton Pricing Model, Machine Learning, FinTech and various other hot topics in the industry. During my studies, with help from the programme office, I joined in various case competitions, became an exchange student at a prestigious university in Canada and connected with various industry practitioners. All of these experiences have broadened my horizon, enriched my university life and made me better prepared to join the industry. In QFRM, you can always find helpful programme directors, career advisors and supportive staff. More importantly, you can always find a group of friends with common interests who are aiming for the same goal.

Lorraine Zhao Goldman Sachs During my time at university, I treasured the chances available to go outside Hong Kong and explore the world. In my first year, I visited Scotland and attended an English Enhancement Course at the University of Edinburgh. Over the second summer holiday, I took part in an exchange programme with students from Tsinghua University. Both of these exchange experiences enabled me to better understand the wider world and cultivate a mind-set that embraces different cultures and values. This is essential to prepare me for work in an international company. In addition, I gained valuable experience in my last internship. Working with supervisors who had different styles taught me how to adapt to various working styles and how to prioritise tasks when schedules are tight. In job interviews I was frequently asked how I worked under pressure, and my internship experience provided valuable lessons regarding this. As a QFRM alumnus, I am very grateful of having joined the programme and learned technical skills and life values. The rich resources provided by the university have enabled me to aim higher in planning my future after graduation.

Fiona Chou Bank of America, Merrill Lync Four years ago, a little girl was struggling with her JUPAS choices up until the last minute, feeling extremely lost as she tried to strike a balance between academic work, internships and extracurricular activities. Today this girl is graduating, ready to enter society. If I were to make my choices again, QFRM would still be my top priority. Although the coursework is demanding, it prepares us with solid analytical and soft skills that are prerequisites for developing a career in finance. One could not get a better mix of training and exposure elsewhere. During the study, I managed to undertake an exchange in the US, complete summer internships in investment banks and a hedge fund and, most importantly, make many lifelong friends who motivated and inspired me all the way through. Had it not been by the support of the Faculty, my time at university would not have been so fruitful.

Robin Zhao Deutsche Bank My university life can be summarised by several keywords: QFRM, friends and hostel, exchange, internship and fun. As business foundation students at CUHK, we are free to decide on our major in our second year. QFRM is definitely a good choice compared with other programmes, with its combination of finance courses and other quantitative mathematical and statistical courses that prepare students for a broad range of opportunities. I spent my five university years at New Asia College and lived in Chih Hsing Hall, which is a great hostel with an excellent view and friendly staff, and I have also met some of my best friends here. QFRM students enjoy a distinctive advantage in exchange opportunities, as we are eligible to apply for the exchange programmes offered by both the Business Faculty and the Science Faculty. QFRM students can also take advantage of career guidance services from both the QFIN and the RMSC programmes and receive more information about internship and graduate jobs.

Jonathan Kwok JPMorgan QFRM is the best programme for building practical knowledge combined with solid quantitative skills. Along with strong career support and cross-faculty benefits, I have made a number of long-lasting friends who are all quite intelligent and supportive. Three of us, including me, joined JPMorgan as summer interns in its Risk Management division. By applying our classroom knowledge to reality, all of us have grown significantly, and I was lucky enough to secure a full-time position. Beyond my studies, I went on two exchanges: UC Berkeley in California and Sciences Po in France. By seizing these chances, I’ve left my footprints in over 20 countries. Isn’t it amazing?

Cheung Fuk Shing BlackRock My three-month summer internship experience in one of the largest asset management companies, BlackRock, was extremely enriching and provided me with practical experience in the financial markets. Working with other experienced traders in the iShares Capital Markets team, I was responsible for monitoring flows of ETF and presenting them to the management board. I also wrote pitching reports explaining investment opportunities to clients, and illustrating trading strategies. The internship helped me understand more about passive investment, and gave me further insight that will assist my career development in asset management business. The QFRM programme provided me with good, solid knowledge in both finance and statistics, and gave me many opportunities to experience things like case competitions and exchanges to enhance my soft skills. I am proud to be a QFRM student.

Bosco Lam Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited The QFRM programme is an all-round curriculum that provided all of the necessary skills and opportunities for me to explore the financial industry. I received rigorous financial and mathematical training through lectures and projects during my 4-year study. Meanwhile, I participated in various trading competitions, case competitions and internships, which allowed me to put my programming skills and the financial theories I learnt to use. Working at HKEX is highly dynamic, especially with its growing business opportunities and its mission to shape market development. It is a place where you meet professionals from all over the world and work on the cutting edge of the financial market.

Kelvin Ng Deutsche Bank Having been a QFRM student for four years in my university life, I am glad to say that I have achieved more than I expected. Throughout my university life as a QFRM student, I joined one exchange programme, completed a few internships and absorbed useful knowledge and skills in finance and risk management. My overseas exchange experience was a rewarding one. It was an unforgettable journey and encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone. With the support of our department, I was also able to complete a few internships, which provided insights into the industry. Finally, the demanding yet rewarding courses in QFRM provided us with a solid theoretical background and practical applications to the business world. I would say the programme is one of the best programmes for students aiming for a career in finance and the risk management industry.

Felix Chan Microsoft QFRM provides the best environment for students to grow because you can learn from both Business and Statistics perspectives. I had several internships in commercial and public sectors, thanks to the training and guidance I got from the departments. Besides academic and working experiences, studying abroad will definitely help prepare you for future challenges. I went to the University of St. Gallen for exchange and went backpacking in several European cities. However, I was not satisfied with doing the same thing after my graduation. I tried to be different and all these track records paved the way for my work at Microsoft, a global software company.

Michelle Lam Goldman Sachs Being a part of QFRM has been my great pleasure. With the support of both the Business and Science faculties, we can enjoy increased benefits and opportunities. The lectures build our strong mathematical and logical thinking skills, and the events strengthen our personal skills and allow us to expand our networks. Personally, the professors supported me to attend exchange studies at two top universities in the USA and China. All of these opportunities have allowed me to gain valuable experiences and a good start to my career.

Chapman Lo HSBC QFRM equips me with both qualitative and quantitative financial knowledge, which helps a great deal in gaining opportunities in getting internship opportunities and applying my quantitative knowledge. I have worked in the Eurex Frankfurt AG/Deutsche Börse Group as a sales intern in Frankfurt for half a year. I was required to conduct research on structures and market dynamics of derivatives to explore capital market opportunities in Asia. Now I am turning a new leaf as a trading analyst at HSBC. Through QFRM, I could utilise my derivative knowledge and quantitative modelling skills to understand the structured FX products and facilitate the pricing of structured derivatives.

 

Achievements

Gordon Ho Silver Medal for the Bridge event at Asian Games 2018 It was one of the greatest moments of my life to stand on the podium and receive the silver medal for the bridge event at the Asian Games 2018. There were many media reports about our success, but few people realised how hard our journey was. Ten teams competed in the Supermix series, including China, whose team consisted of 6 world champions; host country Indonesia, whose team comprised professional players; and rising stars Chinese Taipei, whose team consisted of recent Asia Cup Champions members. The qualifying round was a round robin against all nine of the other teams. The top four teams entered the knockout stage. We did not have a great start and were in a slightly below-average position throughout the tournament. Believe it or not, with two rounds remaining, we were still in seventh position, and even the reporters said only a miracle could get us into the knockout stage. Yet we did not give up and played extremely well in the last two rounds to score almost the maximum (37 out of 40 vp) to obtain fourth place by a margin of 0.2 vp. None of our Hong Kong bridge friends could believe it and congratulated us for our unbelievable performance. In the semi-final, we played a 48-board match divided into three rounds against the number one seed, Chinese Taipei. Once again, we exhibited a very high team spirit at the table to maintain only a small margin, 58:66, behind the top seeded team in the first two rounds. In the last round, we followed our coach’s advice “to fight to the end”. When our opponents were exhausted after a long match, we overcame the early deficit and gained the lead by 104:92 and won the match. I will never forget the moment when my captain and teammates ran over to us for a group hug. That moment felt like we had scored a last-minute penalty in the world cup and everyone was cheering for us. Recently my friends have asked me why bridge should be listed as a sport in the Asian Games. I can now proudly tell them that bridge is no different from other sports – not only do you have to keep practising to improve, but your mentality, physical state, concentration and luck also contribute to your success. I would like everyone to appreciate the spirit of every athlete.