MFE Class of 2024 Swims Against the Tide

UCLA Anderson alumnus Omid Shakernia (MFE ’09) addressed the graduating Class of 2024 by recalling he enrolled in business school amid a global financial meltdown, when the prospects for quants like him were thought to be waning and friends and family admonished him not to enter the field.
Shakernia was a graduate in Anderson’s first MFE class. Today he is responsible for quantitative research and development in the areas of signal generation, optimization and portfolio construction across the multi-asset strategies of Research Affiliates. He told the newly minted MFEs, “Don’t be afraid to swim against the tide. Sometimes the best opportunities arise when others least expect them.” A seasoned executive and researcher, Shakernia stressed the importance of soft skills in any leadership position. “Engage with your colleagues and create positive relationships. Be curious. Always aim for continuous learning and embrace a growth mindset.”
Learn more about UCLA Anderson’s Master of Financial Engineering program:
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