Dejan McCreery
Schroders, Performance & Risk Analyst
What was your professional background before coming to LSE?
My professional background before LSE was in software development. I was a self-taught Python scripter and worked as a full stack software developer, mainly dealing with web dev and Java.
What made you choose MSc Finance (Part-time) at LSE?
I’d been looking to get into finance for a while but due to my humanities background I had no material proof that I had quantitative skills. I was searching for an avenue to move forward when a family friend, who was an MSc Finance alumnus, suggested I apply to LSE. He had used the course to jump from engineering to finance. I looked at the course and it looked extremely interesting. I think I applied very close to the deadline, but I put everything into the application, emphasised my ability to learn, and got in!
How would you describe your experience at LSE?
Brilliant. The combination of full-time work and part-time study is very difficult for most, and I fall into this camp. With that disclaimer front and centre, I had a brilliant time. Staff were very receptive, the course administration was very responsive, extremely helpful, and the nicest people out there. This continued even when my circumstances made things difficult.
My coursemates really made the course. The fact so many work or are established to some degree helped contribute to a real family/collegiate atmosphere. It was very relaxed and a genuinely warm environment. We were certainly all in it together and everyone was so willing to help and chat regarding both university and career. I will have many friends going forward.
The professors were generally great, and the material was super helpful for what I want to do. I have made so much progress skills-wise.
How did you find the challenge of studying part-time alongside work?
I found it very difficult, although some do not. It certainly requires a high level of organisation. I placed the MSc at the top of all of my priorities but I think I could have done better in balancing my social life, studies and work. I recommend giving everything a go but not worrying too much about perfection in formative or ungraded assignments. Reach out to people, study together, and allow yourself to hang out and relax, so that when you do study, you’re well rested and better able to get things done in the time you give yourself. Which gives you more time to relax. A virtuous cycle!
This said, the degree has been immensely helpful in learning to balance my life. And if nothing else, it makes you realise that getting home at 6pm gives you a lot of free time, whether you think that now or not.
Has the qualification influenced your career?
Yes, in multiple ways. I am a much more attractive candidate – I got a Junior Quant role at a small research house before moving to Schroders, and I have a few mates who insist my profile is now enough to be looking at hedge funds. This is all due to the signalling value of the course. I also now have a great network of folks from the course who I can ask for advice, ask for referrals, and who I can ask to get me in touch with others who can help with my career.
What type of person would be suited to this programme?
I think this programme is for almost anyone, to be honest. You’ll need a strong work ethic and solid organisational skills, but as long as you pass the academic requirements then you’re smart enough to do it.
Do you have any tips or advice for prospective students?
Pre-offer:
Offer a USP. Mine was my learning ability. Despite my lack of qualifications, I’d taught myself programming and 1st/2nd year university level maths while unemployed. I’d learnt very quickly as a software developer. I had proof of my USP and leveraged it. Feel free to reach out to alumni for help in curating a good academic statement.
Post-offer:
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Give everything a go. Socialise with both part-timers and full-timers. If you’re open to most social opportunities (even if it’s out of your comfort zone), you will greatly benefit. It becomes a great network in the long run and during your two years you’ll have a great time.
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Balance your life. Give yourself time to do the assignments. If they’re formative or ungraded, just do them and don’t try and perfect it. You can leave that to the summatives and the exams. Be sensible with your time and give yourself time to relax and spend time with your family and friends.
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Go to the social events! I did not very much at all, and not for the lack of my coursemates berating me to come! You’ll find it deepens your friendships massively and really is worth it.
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Be willing to learn from everyone.
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Be collegiate and open. People on this course generally are just good solid people. It makes the course so much better than a purely competitive course. If you want a challenge, choose electives in financial engineering or high end statistics – you can make the programme as hard as you need.