Alum Tao Lu was a student in the Computational Finance and Risk Management Master of Science campus cohort of 2014. He has had a successful career with Microsoft, where he started as an intern while in the CFRM program, and remains there today as a Data Scientist. Tao recently shared his thoughts about his time in the CFRM program.
Hometown: Jiaxing, Zhejiang, China
Undergraduate University: Shanghai Jiaotong University
CFRM Cohort: 2014
CFRM Graduation: 2016
Current Location: Redmond, WA
Company: Microsoft
Title: Data Scientist
Q: What is the best part of your current position?
TL: Exposure to the cloud and cyber security industry. The great people I work with. Opportunities to speak to our customers and hear their problems.
Q: How did your time in the CFRM program help you with your career path?
TL: Fundamental math courses and the coding courses (R) are very helpful. The social events the program organized also helped me with my soft skills, like communication and outreach.
Q: What was your most memorable event or activity during your time in the program?
TL: I remember going to the events hosted by CFA Seattle, and meeting people in the financial service industry. I liked the very dynamic atmosphere and the different people there. It helped me to land my first job with the Capital Markets Team at Microsoft Treasury.
Q: What advice would you give incoming CFRM students?
TL: Connect with people in the industry, get to know a couple industries you like deeper, and work on your soft skills. I’m very confident that your technical skills are good enough for an entry-level position.
Q: What was your favorite CFRM course?
TL: I liked Asset Allocation and Portfolio Management [CFRM 503]. It helped lay the foundation for understanding portfolio management theory. It’s also practiced in the asset management field when constructing a portfolio with different asset classes. I found it very useful when on the Capital Markets Team, managing Microsoft’s cash and investment portfolio.