Graduate Spotlight
Lauren Grobelny
Degree: MS in Financial Mathematics
Graduation Date: Summer 2011
Hometown: Middletown, NJ
Why I chose Monmouth University and what benefits the program has offered me:
I chose Monmouth University to pursue my graduate education because I had such a positive experience at Monmouth University when obtaining my Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Secondary Education. Not only did Monmouth prepare me to work individually but also to work as a team player which is a quality I am finding truly beneficial in my career. In addition, Monmouth University offers small class sizes which allows for one on one interaction with professors which is a valuable learning environment. Many Monmouth University professors have professional backgrounds in the business world which gives students a true real world experience. Monmouth University really does “put students first”. Monmouth University is conveniently located to my hometown and employer but more importantly offers a Graduate Fellowship which enables me to fund my education. The Master of Science in Financial Mathematics degree is beneficial because it is a new and unique program that provides a skill set that is widely sought in the financial industry.
My academic interests:
My current academic interests are increasing my knowledge in Financial Mathematics to aid me in my career path. Increasing my knowledge in valuing options, futures, and other derivatives is a current focus of study. Last semester, I worked on a project which required research and performing statistical analysis in order to create a portfolio of five stocks. The findings were presented in a letter which included graphs and charts of the statistical analysis.
My accomplishments and my future after Monmouth University:
Throughout my undergraduate experience at Monmouth University, I achieved the Dean's List every semester and was awarded the Monmouth University Academic Scholarship and the Samuel Hays Magill Scholarship. Over the course of my undergraduate education, I was inducted to various honor societies including Phi Eta Sigma, Kappa Delta Pi, Lambda Sigma Tau, and Kappa Mu Epsilon, the Mathematics Honor Society, in which I held the position of junior liaison and treasurer. Upon graduation, I was awarded a Merit in Mathematics and was also chosen to be featured in Monmouth University’s Mathematics Alumni Profiles at http://www.monmouth.edu/academics/mathematics/alumni_profiles/grobelny.asp.
During my current graduate experience at Monmouth University, I recently achieved the Dean's List and was awarded the Graduate Fellowship. I am currently in my second semester of the graduate program. Recently, I attended Monmouth University’s 15th Annual Fall Investment Seminar which was hosted by the Monmouth University Leon Hess Business School. I was able to interact with the presenters who offered their views on the current market which I considered a valuable experience having the opportunity to observe what other professionals thought of our current market crisis. An invitation was extended to me to participate on the alumni panel for Monmouth University’s upcoming Mathematics Career Night.
During my pursuit of a graduate degree at Monmouth University, I am currently employed full time at ZAIS Group LLC, an asset advisor located in Red Bank, NJ. Since my initial start of employment in June 2008, I have been in the Business Development Group which includes Investor Relations. I work directly with a team of three other professionals and have the opportunity to interact with professionals in all other departments within the company. I am utilizing my mathematics education background to help with database management for investor and fund related information. Some of my other responsibilities include coordinating and developing marketing presentations, event planning, and maintaining our corporate web site.
Prior to joining ZAIS Group LLC, I was previously employed at Rumson Capital LLC. After interning with Rumson Capital LLC for over a year, I was offered a full-time employment opportunity upon receipt of my Bachelor Degree from Monmouth University in January 2007. Rumson Capital LLC was an investment advisor managing over $500 million in hedge fund assets engaged in a variety of global arbitrage strategies. Rumson Capital LLC was registered with the SEC, CFTC, and NFA. As an Analyst, I was also cross trained in operations and trade support. Some of my responsibilities included portfolio database management, executing queries, and research.
In addition to my employment in the finance industry, I also utilize my mathematics education background by providing mathematics tutoring services ranging from middle school to college level in addition to specialty areas such as SAT math tutoring. Therefore in the future, I envision utilizing the knowledge obtained from my Monmouth University education and my extensive career experience to educate students as well as encourage and motivate them so that they will utilize their education and skills to the best of their ability and potential. My future aspirations include educating Monmouth University students as a professor so I can share my extensive education, knowledge and work experience.
