Harvey Sturgess

Read Harvey's story

Why did you choose to study MSc Finance at Imperial College Business School? 

Firstly, the Business School had the reputation to give me access to the companies I wanted to work at afterwards. Secondly, because of my Engineering and Data Analyst background I knew I wanted a Quantitative MSc Finance programme, and Imperial College Business School ticked the box.  

What was your career experience prior to studying this programme? 

I completed a Summer Internship in OTC Commodities Trading after my third Year of Undergraduate, this cemented that I wanted to move from Engineering into Finance. I then worked as a Quantitative Data Analyst for a year, as a placement year for my Undergraduate Degree, before starting the Master’s programme at Imperial College Business School.  

What are you enjoying learning about the most? 

The modules taught by visiting professors are particularly enjoyable. Hearing about how the theory is applied in the real world, by industry professionals at the top of their game. I’m interested in Trading and Quant, so the Applied Trading Strategies and Machine Learning and Finance modules have been my highlights.  

"When I was applying for jobs, I met with the Careers Team weekly, they helped with cover letters, CVs and networking."

How are you planning to use your Master’s for your future career? 

I plan to pursue a career in Trading. The Master’s has given me the fundamental theory required for a career in Finance. Then, through optional modules, the Summer project and the Student Investment Fund it has given me exposure to the Trading specific knowledge and applications.  

How has the career support at the Business School helped you achieve your goals? 

When I was applying for jobs, I met with the Careers Team weekly, they helped with cover letters, CVs and networking. They also provided technical interview support from Stefane at InvestinU Academy, which was incredibly helpful and without doubt contributed to getting offers. Also, the professors and Student Investment Fund alumni were helpful in giving us access to their networks. 

How does the programme help you stay up to date with evolving industry trends, themes and challenges in the real world? 

Most lectures, especially Market or Trading focussed Professors encourage class discussion. A good example is the Applied Trading Strategies module, where we are given $100,000,000 of paper money and each week we Trade. We’re then scored on the quality and profit of our trades. There is also a general discussion around industry trends throughout the cohort, which I think is a very strong preparation for the industry.  

Are you part of any clubs or societies? 

There are many career clubs and societies to get involved with at Imperial. I am very fortunate to be the Chief Investment Officer of the Quantitative side of the Student Investment Fund. I was able to apply the theory learnt in classes to real Trading Strategies. Whilst also getting to network with an impressive group of people.  I took part in the Business School Debate competition, which was a great way to meet other students from different programmes (my team was MBA, Management, Marketing). I joined the Imperial Squash club and played for their second team, this was a great way to make friends with people outside of the business school. 

Finally, from my undergraduate degree, I was a Pilot Bursar with the Royal Air Force Reserves. Therefore, when I joined the Business School I transferred to the University of London Air Squadron. Which provided exposure to a whole host of new experiences, including over 35 hours of flying time.