Program: Dual Master’s in Business Analytics and Master's in Finance
Email: corinne-doty@uiowa.edu

Hometown: Romeoville, IL
Undergraduate degree and college: BA Economics and Data Science, Coe College

What interested you in the dual degree: I was initially interested in the joint degree at the University of Iowa because it gave me the unique opportunity to continue to pursue two topics in my education and receive two master’s degrees in just two years. The joint program has allowed me to build a strong foundation in the technical side of business analytics as well as the real-world applications of finance, while also seeing how these fields can be intertwined. 

Favorite grad school moment thus far: I have really enjoyed attending the social events put on for the Specialized Master’s Program including an evening at Walker Homestead Farm and Winery and a Hawkeye Football Tailgate. 

Hobbies: I enjoy drinking coffee, reading, going to the gym, and teaching my dog new tricks!

Advice for potential applicants: Ask questions and visit campus! There are so many people (staff, faculty, current students, alumni, etc.) who are incredibly willing to answer any questions you might have and share their experiences with you. 

Program: Dual Master's in Business Analytics and Master’s in Finance
Email: edowe@uiowa.edu

Hometown: Story City, IA
Undergraduate degree and college: BA in Actuarial Science and BA in Business Administration, Wartburg College 

What interested you in the dual degree: As an undergraduate, I always knew I wanted to attend grad school. When searching for programs and schools, this program was unique. I felt confident that I could succeed in the MFIN program, but the MSBA was a big question mark. I had very little experience in this area, yet I was very interested in learning more. The dual degree program gave me exposure to classes in both business analytics and finance, allowing me to discover which path (or combination of paths) was right for me. 

Favorite grad school moment thus far: Three of my classmates and I participated in a worldwide trading competition. Going into it, we had very little strategy.  However, we learned as we went, and at one point we were in the top 2% in the world. We ended up somewhere around the top 30%, but it was fun to learn and compete simultaneously. 

Hobbies: I love playing pickleball, going golfing, and watching the Iowa Hawkeyes (win)!

Advice for potential applicants: For most, the purpose of grad school is to expand your knowledge and land a great job afterward. The faculty and staff at Tippie understand that both are important and do everything in their power to help you achieve them. You’ve already taken a great first step by looking into this program! 

Program: Dual Master's in Business Analytics and Master's  in Finance
Email: valentina-espinosa@uiowa.edu

Hometown: Bogotá, Colombia
Undergraduate degree and college: BA in Finance, International Business, & Marketing, St. Ambrose University

What interested you in the dual degree: When I first started college, my only major was international business. However, as I started taking more finance classes, my interest in the field increased to the point that it became my main major. As my graduation approached, I felt like I wanted to keep learning and expanding my knowledge, but I also started to realize the rising importance of analytics in the field. The joint degree at Iowa seemed like the perfect way to not only deepen my finance knowledge but also catch on to the analytics trend that’s reshaping the field. I saw it as a fast-track upgrade for my career—just an extra semester for a blend of solid finance skills and the latest in analytics.

Favorite grad school moment thus far: My favorite part about grad school has been getting to know people who are as passionate and hardworking as me. I enjoy having a floor just for us because you will only see familiar faces and get to know your peers even better. Another favorite moment was being accepted as a 2024 Henry Fund analyst!

Hobbies: Swimming, hiking, dancing, and watching TV shows. I have also started to learn how to cook my country’s food and I realized that I enjoy making it and sharing the taste of Colombia with friends.

Advice for potential applicants: Graduate school may seem scary but don’t be! Be confident, challenge yourself, and work hard. Tippie presents lots of learning and networking opportunities; take advantage of all of them. And if you ever need help don’t hesitate to reach out to your professors. They are here to help you advance academically and professionally.

Program: Dual Master’s in Business Analytics and Master’s in Finance
Email: masaki-nawa@uiowa.edu
Hometown: Weston, MA  

Undergraduate degree and college: Computer Science, Grinnell College

What interested you in the dual degree: I always liked reading the news and learning about global events since I was little. After meeting the ambassadors and talking to Professor Cook, I realized that this was the right place for me. I knew that Tippie’s program had all the resources I needed to succeed, despite coming from a non-finance/business background.  

Favorite grad school moment thus far:  Gathering events (Fall gathering & pre-game gathering) are always enjoyable—after all, who doesn’t like free food?

Hobbies: Spending time with friends/family, watching Shohei Ohtani (MLB player) play, and watching TV shows/movies.

Advice for potential applicants: Initiate your endeavors early—be it networking, seeking internship/job opportunities, or preparing for exams. If you encounter challenges and require assistance, reach out to friends, classmates, advisors, and professors on campus. The supportive community here is eager to help, genuinely invested in your success.  

Program: Dual Master’s in Business Analytics and Master’s in Finance
Email: robin-nilsson@uiowa.edu

Hometown: Deerfield Beach, FL
Undergraduate degree and college: Double Major: Anthropology and Business Analytics, Cornell College

What interested you in the dual degree: Finance, business analytics, and effective communication are three elements which act as the foundation for almost every business. If any one of those elements are not well, everything could come crashing down. With a background in anthropology and business analytics, I knew I wanted to sharpen my skills in analytics and gain an understanding in finance. My hope is that I will be able to make decisions at work with this triad of elements in mind, allowing me to be effective and impactful early on in my career.

Favorite grad school moment thus far: On my first day of class I made friends with someone who was training for a half marathon. After a few weeks of hearing about his training, I decided to sign up for the 10k and be there to congratulate him after the race! I ended up winning first place in my age group and he finished way faster than his goal time. It was a great experience for both of us!

Hobbies: Aerial Silks, balloon animals, drawing, running, and stilt walking

Advice for potential applicants: The more you challenge yourself, the closer you will get to realizing your full potential. Don’t hold back! Pursue every opportunity that Tippie has to offer you.

Program: Dual Master’s in Business Analytics and Master’s in Finance
Email: solatunbosun@uiowa.edu

Hometown: Abuja, Nigeria
Undergraduate degree and college: B. Sc Agricultural Economics, University of Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria

What interested you in the dual degree:  As someone who is passionate about process improvement, it was no surprise that after working in the business management space for over 9 years, I became interested in finding ways to use data analytics to improve processes and make them more efficient. I realized the joint master’s degree in finance and Business Analytics will nourish my becoming a business intelligence expert that uses the understanding of data and finance to support management decisions that create value and give best long-term returns. Here I am, loving it every step of the way!

Hobbies: I enjoy watching documentaries and game shows. I find them very entertaining and informative. I love drawing especially digital fashion illustration. I enjoy braiding my own hair. I think that’s my superpower.

Advice for potential applicants: Be open minded and willing to meet new people because the graduate school experience here at the Tippie college of Business presents lots of opportunities to learn and grow your network, which they say is your net worth.

Program: Master’s in Finance
Email: sophie-smith@uiowa.edu

Hometown: Carthage, IL
Undergraduate degree and college: Finance, University of Iowa

What interested you in Finance: I transferred to Iowa after my sophomore year of college and loved it here! I wanted to have more than two years of school here so it was a perfect fit for me to continue my education here, and I’m excited to get my MS in finance so that I can keep learning about a subject I love.

Favorite grad school moment thus far: I’m one semester into my grad school career, and my favorite moment so far was surviving midterm week and being able to do well on my first exams in grad school. It was very reassuring to know that I am doing well and can be successful in higher ed!

Hobbies: I really enjoy going to Hawkeye football and basketball games, and I love visiting the Iowa Athletic Club on Tuesday nights to play bingo with my friends!

Advice for potential applicants: My advice for anyone considering grad school is that you should just go for it! If it’s something you think you want to pursue, you’ll never regret just giving it a shot. The faculty here is great about providing help through any challenges you will face, and you’ll learn so much during your time here.

Program: Master’s in Finance
Email: julia-tomczyk@uiowa.edu

Hometown: Harwood Heights, IL
Undergraduate degree and college: BBA Finance, The University of Iowa

What interested you in Finance: Both of my parents emigrated to the United States without knowing any English and had to work hard to support themselves and our family. They taught me from a young age how getting an education is important. I was very interested in the M.S. Finance program specifically at The University of Iowa because of its great reputation in academics, which will lead me to great career opportunities, the ones my parents have wished for since coming to the United States. Also, I am already in the Hawkeye family, so why would I want to leave!

Favorite grad school moment thus far: I do enjoy going to class and learning with my friends. Projects and homework assignments make me stimulated and push me to do the best I can. It’s not to get the best grade but to understand the curriculum the best I can.

Hobbies: I really like being active and doing things with friends and family to keep me busy. My favorite activities are walking my dog, dancing, and Pilates. I enjoy traveling too! I have been to Europe multiple times, specifically Poland and Italy. I am making a goal to visit at least 50% of the countries in Europe.

Advice for potential applicants: Do not worry and be confident! Ask yourself why you truly want to continue your education. Once you know your why, take small steps every single day to achieve that goal.

Program: Dual Master’s in Business Analytics and Master’s in Finance    
Email: van-tran@uiowa.edu

Hometown: Hanoi, Vietnam
Undergraduate degree and college: Business Analytics, University of Northern Iowa

What interested you in the dual degree: In the age of big data and technology, business analytics has a crucial role in almost every business industry. I am very fascinated by the integration of analytics with finance, and the joint degree is the perfect opportunity for me to see how the two work together.

Favorite grad school moment thus far: Definitely orientation! I was able to meet a lot of new people and learn more about my program. I encourage everyone to make the most out of your orientation because it provides you with a lot of critical resources that can help you survive and thrive in grad school.

Hobbies: I love spending time with friends and family. I also enjoy travelling, watching movies, reading, and trying new foods.