Colin Powell School
Closing the Opportunity Divide - MD Miah ‘24
I am a first-generation recent graduate from the City College of New York, having majored in economics with a concentration in finance and a minor in management and administration. Originally from Bangladesh, my family moved to the Bronx, New York, when I was young. Growing up in the Bronx, I faced various challenges related to financial literacy and adapting to a new culture. One specific financial challenge we faced was dealing with predatory payday loans, which resulted in severe financial stress and instability. With their exorbitant interest rates and hidden fees, these loans trapped my family in a cycle of debt that was incredibly difficult to break free from.
My passion for financial literacy and analytics stems from these personal experiences with financial struggles. Witnessing the impact of financial illiteracy on my family and community drives my commitment to empowering others with financial knowledge. Majoring in economics with a concentration in finance and a minor in management and administration at CCNY allowed me to delve deeply into these interests. Economics and finance provide the frameworks and tools necessary to analyze market trends, assess financial risks, and develop strategies for sustainable growth. My studies focused on using these principles to drive business success and solve real-world problems. I am committed to empowering corporations and business leaders to make informed decisions through data-driven insights. My involvement in various student organizations and initiatives to promote financial literacy and economic empowerment further fueled this passion.
Having recently graduated from the Colin Powell School, I am currently a Business Management Summer Analyst within the Corporate & Investment Bank through the Global Finance and Business Management program at JPMorgan Chase. In this role, I analyze financial data, including revenue, budgets, and expenditures, to identify critical areas for improvement and develop data-driven solutions that enhance operational efficiency and profitability. I then present my findings and recommendations to management through presentations and written reports. Before this, I was with the company for over a year as a Quality Assurance and Process Automation Intern, focusing on designing, managing, and testing automated workflows to improve the operational efficiency of the securities operations sector. Following my summer internship, I expect to receive a return offer and begin my full-time analyst journey into the GFBM program next year.
The Colin Powell School has been instrumental in my academic and professional growth by providing advanced courses, valuable networking opportunities, and internship resources that have enriched my understanding of financial operations. Throughout my time there, I was involved in the Financial Literacy & Stock Market Club and Futures in Finance and have used Braven and ALPFA [Association of Latino Professionals For America] to expand my network and connections. My participation in the Santander Finance Fellowship also provided invaluable opportunities to engage with leaders in the finance industry and gain insights into global financial markets. This fellowship equipped me with advanced knowledge in financial analytics and investment strategies, which I have applied to my internships and academic projects. The Colin Powell Fellowship in Leadership and Public Service was also transformative, providing exceptional guidance and leadership training that significantly shaped my career trajectory. Through this fellowship, I developed critical leadership skills and profoundly understood the public service's role in promoting economic and social justice. These experiences have been instrumental in my leadership growth, preparing me to tackle complex challenges and lead initiatives effectively in my career.
Upon graduating from the Colin Powell School, I plan to work full-time at JPMorgan Chase within their Global Finance and Business Management program and pursue a part-time Master's in Analytics after my summer internship. I aim to leverage my acquired skills to make a meaningful impact in technical positions within the financial services and technology sectors, such as operations, financial analytics, and business analytics, with a particular interest in the fast-growing and innovative fintech industry. My goal is to create and implement financial literacy programs tailored to the unique needs of diverse communities, contributing to a more informed and equitable financial landscape. By combining my professional experience with advanced analytical skills, I can significantly improve financial decision-making processes within traditional financial institutions and disruptive fintech companies. Additionally, I aspire to become a mentor, sharing my knowledge and experiences to help others succeed academically and professionally.
A significant memory and accomplishment from my time at CCNY was my involvement as a mentor in the Year Up program. This experience allowed me to apply and enhance the skills and knowledge I acquired through my studies at CCNY. I directly utilized my academic learning in a practical, real-world context by assisting new participants with resume building, interview preparation, and networking strategies. Moreover, this mentoring role complemented my education at CCNY by providing hands-on experience in leadership, communication, and career development. Balancing my mentoring responsibilities with my coursework was challenging, yet it exemplified the rigorous and holistic approach to education that CCNY promotes. My experience as a Year Up mentor perfectly embodied CCNY's core value of a dual commitment to academic excellence and community engagement.
In addition to mentoring, I actively helped bring new participants into the program. By leveraging my network and sharing my positive experiences, I successfully recruited talented individuals who are now thriving and beginning their careers through Year Up. Furthermore, the relationships I built with fellow mentors and mentees in the Year Up program extended the sense of community and support I found at CCNY. These connections enriched my college experience, fostering a network of driven and supportive individuals who continue to inspire and motivate me. Thus, my involvement in Year Up was integral to my CCNY experience, preparing me for professional success and instilling a lasting commitment to community service.
Here is my advice to current or future students:
Take Advantage of Campus Resources: Make full use of the resources available on campus to enhance your academic and personal development. Career services can guide internships and job placements; tutoring centers can offer educational support; and counseling services can help with mental and emotional well-being. Participating in workshops and networking events can also provide valuable learning opportunities and help you connect with like-minded individuals.
Seek Out Mentorship: Identify mentors who can guide you through your academic and professional journey. Mentors can offer invaluable advice, introduce you to networks, and help you navigate challenges. Reach out to professors, alums, or industry professionals for mentorship opportunities. Building these relationships early in your career can significantly impact your career trajectory and provide the support you need to achieve your goals. Feel free to connect with me! https://www.linkedin.com/in/mdmiah2002/
Develop Strong Communication Skills: Effective communication is crucial in any field. Focus on improving your writing, speaking, and presentation skills. Join clubs like debate or public speaking groups and seek feedback on your communication abilities. Strong communication skills will help you succeed academically and professionally, enabling you to articulate your ideas clearly and confidently. Additionally, communicating complex concepts in an accessible manner is a valuable skill that can set you apart in the job market.
By focusing on these critical areas, current and future students can enhance their college experience, build a strong career foundation, and develop the skills to navigate the complexities of professional and personal life.
The three words that I would use to describe the Colin Powell School: Transformative, inclusive, and visionary.