Managing Principal, Centerbridge Partners LP

Class of 1980

At the CFE, students are given a thorough technical education and are also exposed to a liberal arts perspective. That comprehensive approach—one that unifies the study of finance with economics and also empowers students with critical thinking skills and an expansive understanding—is precisely the kind of training that is so greatly needed in the modern financial industry.

Class of 2017

While at Hopkins, I was able to take the Seminar in Financial Literacy over my sophomore intersession. This course was the most influential experience I had, and truly guided me to where I am today. Not only did the course teach me the various intricacies, jargon, and helpful tips for navigating the Wall Street interview process, it also connected me with myriad alumni who were eager to pull along a fellow Jay to their respective firms.

It was so unique in that it bridged typical academia with a modern practical tool set that that positioned students to land the top internships (as well as full-time offers) in the industry. My role as a technology investment banking analyst at J.P. Morgan stemmed directly from the connections I was able to leverage from this very course. This course is an absolute must for any Hopkins students looking to enter the world of finance!

Class of 2019

“History and Future of the Hedge Fund Industry” is the most entertaining class I have taken at Hopkins. Mr. Heerdt draws upon years of industry experience and a deep knowledge base to introduce financial instruments and numerous investing strategies in the context of gripping stories from history. From the very first “hedged fund,” to the macro-traders of the 1980s and ’90s, to the modern quantitative and systematic strategies employed today, the material covered in this course is engaging and exciting. If you are interested in finance, especially in investing, this course is a must-take.

Class of 2017

Not many people are lucky enough learn from experts with experience on Wall Street and at the Fed. Take advantage of the resources at JHU’s CFE, and succeeding during Wall Street internships becomes much easier.

Private Equity Associate, Tritium Partners

Class of 2015

Initially a pre-medical student, I was hesitant to take an economics course. However, after an hour of listening to Professor Barbera animatedly talk about the Fed and the latest jobs report, I was hooked. Professor Barbera’s courses proved incredibly useful. I am now an Investment Banking analyst on Wall Street.

Class of 2017

Classes from Professors Barbera, Faust, and Wright taken as part of my financial economics minor not only taught me about finance but they helped me ace my interviews and ultimately succeed as an Equity Research Analyst on Wall Street. I was just a sophomore listening to professor Faust teach “Financial Markets and Institutions” right after his time working directly with Janet Yellen at the Federal Reserve. I would recommend anyone interested in Finance take CFE’s classes.

Class of 2017

The Reality Roundtable course (formally: Finance and the Macroeconomy) was more than just a regular economics class because its format: free-flowing discussion over lunch–fostered thoughtful discussions surrounding many economic issues among fellow undergraduates, graduate students and the many professors who participate.

Class of 2017

I was nervous about taking Investments my junior fall, as I had a heavy course load that semester already. However, it ended up being my favorite class and one in which I had the most success! Although the work was not easy, the class was fascinating.

Class of 2015

Thank you for CFE blog posts, I really enjoy your insights. I had the privilege to learn from CFE faculty at Hopkins, and I appreciate you sharing that same level of intellectual capital with alumni and the broader audience.

Most financial articles are very consensus-oriented and not very insightful. Your work is different because it always addresses a second level of thinking.

Class of 2017

Taking “Financial Markets and Institutions” with Professor Faust helped me realize my passion for finance. His class, along with a few others taught by Professor Wright and Professor Barbera ultimately inspired me to become an energy investment banking analyst.”

Class of 2017

Financial economics is so entwined in local and global politics, current events, and even personal daily exchanges—it is truly relevant to everyone. The courses I’ve taken in the CFE have made me a more informed and critical member of society.

Class of 16

The “Financial Markets and Institutions” class helped prepare me for my current job at Morgan Stanley, and helps me make decisions at work as a Leveraged Finance analyst on a daily basis. I also got the opportunity to work closely with Professor Faust on a couple of projects. Anyone pursuing a career in finance or business should heavily consider completing the financial economics minor.

Portfolio manager

Class of 1993

I am a real believer in the CFE program, it is so inspiring to see all those youngsters discussing economics and contemplating financial careers. Every day of my 20 years on the buyside I am surprised how well my bachelor’s in economics from JHU has served me. In my more than a decade as a market neutral equity PM, applying my JHU studies to the workings of the world around me has been a crucial differentiator from my peers.

Today, economics feels as though it is divided by a deepening chasm, with esoteric academics on the one side, buried in equations not even their peers have time to unravel, and cocktail party economists on the other, standing on paper-thin opinions without the backing of scrutiny and analysis. If not guided by some sensible applied economic logic, the rest of us will certainly slip into the gap. Your program seems to provide students a ladder to climb out.

Class of 2016

Out of all the classes I took at Hopkins, two in particular stand out as the most engaging, relevant, and reflective of the real world. Those classes are Macroeconomic Strategies with Professor Barbera, and Finance and the Macroeconomy (known as the Reality Roundtable). I would highly recommend these classes to any individual interested in understanding the movements of the economy at large or just how to decompose the babble of breaking news and expert opinions spewed by the media. In fact, these classes are a must for any student looking to go into the financial services. I have certainly utilized information from these classes in both my summer internship and new job in investment banking.

In Macro Strategies, we explored the real-world implications of theoretical models and their respective pitfalls. With weekly updates and class discussions on relevant movements in the macro economy, I became very comfortable discussing and understanding the news and how it relates to the real economy. In the Roundtable, we engaged in a weekly discussion on current events in the macro economy. During these weekly meetings we were surrounded by a wealth of information with many prominent professors, leaders in their respective fields with years of real world experience, PhD students, and fellow undergraduates joining the conversation. Being able to partake in such a discussion with and learn from these individuals was unlike any other experience I have had at Hopkins.

Class of 2017

When I first arrived at Hopkins, I had no interest in finance or economics. It is a testament to the quality of the CFE professors that I was inspired to graduate with a major in economics and a minor in financial economics. Learning the fundamentals of finance and economics from world-class professors who have worked for the Federal Reserve and Wall Street is an incredible opportunity. Do not pass it up.