Meet Isha Patro, Masters candidate in Financial Engineering

You were recently awarded a prestigious scholarship; can you tell us a little more about that?

This year, I received the Numerix Women in Finance Scholarship. Numerix is a financial technology company whose aim is to redefine risk management and pricing in capital markets, and each year, they recognize an academically strong student. What was once just a dream of mine is becoming a reality.

You have been out in the work world for a while; tell us about that journey.

I studied Computer Science at the Vellore Institute of Technology, and during my time there, I completed internships in data engineering and data analytics. When I graduated in 2021, I was lucky enough to join JPMorgan Chase, where I worked on the Fixed Income team, specializing in mortgage-backed securities.

Why did you choose to further your education, and why did you choose Tandon?

I had a pivotal moment when my manager walked us through the impact we had made in tangible numbers. I found it captivating. That’s when I knew financial engineering was my calling, and I realized that I was going to need a graduate degree if I wanted to advance in the field. When I started discussing it with colleagues and mentors, one school kept coming up repeatedly: NYU Tandon. When I researched more, I understood why. I saw immediately that the curriculum is just what I had in mind.

How has your experience here been so far?

I feel like I’ve met a second family. Like all students in the Finance and Risk Engineering program, I attended the summer bootcamp, which not only ensures we’re familiar with essential, basic topics in capital markets and financial mathematics but also allows us to get to know our cohort socially. I was able to find my roommates that way and settle in for the semester quickly. Many of us are very far from home, and that can be difficult, but everyone involved in the program is kind, supportive, and dedicated to our success.

Tell us a little about yourself outside of the realm of school and work.

It isn’t all mathematics and computer science for me. I love to paint, and I’m also a classically trained dancer. My background in dance has instilled strong discipline and helped me maintain a deep connection to my cultural roots. Another fun fact about me is that when I was younger, I was a member of India’s National Cadet Corps, which is similar to the scouting programs in the U.S.

Do you have any advice for people thinking of pursuing a path similar to yours?

I would say any young woman wanting to build a career in finance or any field, just believe in yourself, stay curious, and don't let stereotypes define you. Never shy away from taking up space and set your own boundaries. Remember that the impossible becomes possible when you simply start!