Why I Study Finance at SHU: An Interview with Student Sean Moro

Why did you choose to study at SHU?

When I was touring schools, I had a day planned to tour SHU in the morning and another university in the afternoon. But not even ten minutes after I left my house, I got a text from the other university saying tours were being cancelled due to COVID-19. So, I ended up spending the entire day at SHU. After touring the school and talking with people on the campus, I had the feeling this was the place for me. Something about the size and look of the campus was exactly what I was looking for, and instantly knew I didn’t want to go anywhere else. Thankfully that other tour got cancelled, or I may not have spent the day at SHU and fallen in love with it.

What made you decide to major in finance?

I came to SHU as an exercise science major and was planning to do a fifth year in occupational therapy. However, I soon realized it was not the right path for me. For my second semester, I decided to take some business core courses. I have always had an interest in stocks and investing because my mom was a big proponent of it, which definitely rubbed off on me. During my sophomore year, I declared my major as finance mainly because of my interest in the stock market. Since then, my interest in the stock market, investing and retirement planning has grown. I am now studying to become a financial adviser.

Can you describe the benefits or advantages of studying finance at SHU?

The courses in the finance program are the biggest benefit to my growth in the field. As I’ve completed my junior year, I've found there is a healthy mix of courses that are strictly information-based when it comes to finance, and there are others that simulate what a work environment would look like. An example of an informative class would be FN 315, investments, where you learn all types of stocks, bonds and options, while a class like FN 351, corporate finance, simulates what a work environment looks like through assignments we might see in the workplace.

SHU is also full of excellent professors with tons of experience in finance. Every professor I've had has great experience in the fields they teach, such as Bridget Lyons, Jin Cai and Ralph Lim. SHU also offers some great finance-centered clubs, such as the Student Managed Investment Fund. Students in this club research companies in an assigned sector of the stock market to invest real money that has been granted to the school.

How is SHU’s finance program setting you up for a successful career?

Again, the courses I’ve taken have set me up for a good career. I took courses like private wealth management to learn a lot about the field I plan to enter. I have also become proficient in several important skills including earning a Microsoft Excel Certification, which will help a lot when I work in finance. The career development course that is a part of the business core also helps, because I was able to perfect things like my résumé and LinkedIn, allowing me to network with professionals.

Now that I am close to completing all the core courses I need, there is a wide variety of finance electives I can take to learn more about private wealth management and finance in general. For example, the securities industry essential course allows students to study for and take the Securities Industry Essential exam for credit, which anyone who wants to work in private wealth or investment management must take.

Interested in studying finance at SHU?

SHU’s finance program will help you to master the theory, analytical and technical expertise you need to become a standout finance professional. For more information, reach out to Undergraduate Admissions at enroll@sacredheart.edu or 203-371-7880.

If you’re interested in honing your finance knowledge or pursuing a dual degree program, SHU also offers an MS in finance & investment management. Etienne Murugarren ’24 is a recent graduate of this program and says there are several factors that have contributed to his incredible experience at SHU.

“My professors have all worked in the industry, so they share valuable knowledge and experiences. They also have a lot of advice for when we apply for jobs,” said Murugarren. “The campus has great facilities with innovative technology and small classrooms to foster a close relationship between students and professors.”

For more information about SHU’s MS in finance & investment management, schedule a meeting with Ed Nassr at nassre@sacredheart.edu or 203-396-6877.

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