MS in Finance and Analytics: The Leavey Student Experience

Transitioning from an undergraduate degree to graduate school can feel like a massive leap. If you’re considering a master’s in Finance and Analytics, you might wonder how to balance the rigorous coursework and what the daily environment feels like.

To give you an inside look, we sat down with Nicolas Godoy, a current student at Santa Clara University’s Leavey School of Business. From tackling advanced quantitative models to building a professional network in Silicon Valley, here’s what it’s truly like to elevate your expertise in the Leavey MSFA program.

Transitioning to Your MS in Finance and Analytics: What to Expect

What were you most nervous or excited about before starting the program? Did anything surprise you in the first few weeks?

"I wasn’t overly nervous coming into the program since I started right after finishing my undergrad. However, within the first few weeks I quickly realized that the expectations—both in the amount and the quality of work—were on a completely different level compared to my undergraduate experience. It pushed me to elevate my work habits right away."

Inside the MS in Finance and Analytics Curriculum: Rigorous and Real-World

What class, concept, or assignment had the biggest impact on you this quarter? Did you learn anything that you were able to apply at work right away?

"Corporate Finance and Valuation had the biggest impact on me. The case-based structure challenged me to dive deep into financial statements, build DCF models with varying levels of information, and make decisions based on our analyses. Professor Chacko is the best professor I’ve had throughout my entire education—he pushes you to think independently while explaining complex concepts clearly and connecting them to real-world examples.

I also took Data Analytics with Python, which was the first coding class I’ve ever taken. It was challenging, but extremely rewarding. Given my previous internship experience, I know these technical skills will give me a strong advantage in both finance and accounting roles."

Building a Diverse Network in Silicon Valley

What has your cohort meant to your experience so far? Any memorable moments of support or teamwork?

"The MSFA community has been a major part of my experience. Being new to the Bay Area, it’s been meaningful to build friendships within the program. Our cohort is diverse, with classmates coming from finance, engineering, and other industries, which creates a great learning environment. We each bring different strengths, and it’s been valuable to support one another—especially in classes where one person’s expertise helps the rest of the group."

Leveraging Leavey’s Silicon Valley Advantage

Have guest speakers, projects, faculty, or Silicon Valley proximity influenced your experience?

"Absolutely. Many of our faculty have significant industry experience, and the way they connect course material to real-world situations adds a lot of value. Being in Silicon Valley creates constant exposure to professionals, companies, and opportunities that reinforce what we learn in the classroom."

Preparing for a Highly Quantitative MS Degree

If someone is deciding whether to apply, what do you wish you had known? Any tips for making the most of the first quarter?

"If you’re considering the program, understand that it is highly analytical. There are no ‘soft skills’ courses—this is a true MS program focused on quantitative knowledge, financial modeling, data analysis, and technical skills. Come prepared to work hard and embrace the challenge, because the material directly translates to the workplace, especially for launching your career or making a career pivot."

Take the Next Step in Your Financial Career

Pursuing a master's degree at Leavey demands hard work, but the payoff is an elite, technical skill set shaped by the fast-paced demands of Silicon Valley. By diving into intensive forecasting models, mastering data analytics, and collaborating with a brilliant, diverse cohort, you’ll gain the exact tools required to drive meaningful organizational impact. If you’re ready to challenge yourself and accelerate your professional trajectory, don’t wait to take the next step.