MS Financial Engineering Personal Purpose Statement Tips
- Robert Edinger
- Oct 31, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 10

My journey into Financial Engineering began during my junior year of college. I was instantly captivated by the subject and understood its fundamental role in ensuring financial well-being for everyone. I conducted private research and decided that this was the field I wanted to pursue.
As I delved deeper into the subject, I realized its crucial significance to the health of the entire financial and banking system, especially considering the events leading up to the 2008 banking crisis, when poorly (and possibly cynically) designed financial products nearly caused a global financial collapse. Since my introduction to the subject, I have been keenly interested in how financial products are designed and marketed. I have engaged in extensive private study and research to prepare myself for this application. Additionally, I have some directly relevant, though limited, work experience from an internship at Citi Bank, where I worked in derivatives. I am seeking entry into the Financial Markets and Corporate Finance track of the program.
I recognize that as financial instruments become more complex, there is an increasing demand for enthusiastic and knowledgeable experts who can not only understand the intricate modeling techniques needed to accurately assess risks and design robust products but also explain them to non-specialist colleagues, clients, and regulators.
The development of sophisticated financial instruments has not progressed as much in my home country of China as it has in the US and Europe. I intend to apply the skills and knowledge I will gain from the program to the financial markets in my home country. I also hope to train others to contribute to this critical area for the financial development and well-being of the country and other parts of Asia. Developing expertise in this specialty is crucial for China, especially given recent events and the resulting scrutiny of Chinese financial markets and their importance in the global economy.
My undergraduate studies in Actuarial Mathematics have provided an excellent foundation for the program, particularly regarding risk measurement. I have studied financial theory and mathematical tools and mastered computer programming in C++, Python, R Studio, VBA, Excel, and Stat., all of which are directly relevant to the program. I am confident in my academic potential to acquire the necessary technical skills and possess the natural attributes that will enable me not only to succeed but to excel in the program and a career in this specialty.
During my undergraduate career, I gained experience as a mathematics tutor, which involved organizing various events for students' benefit. I understand the importance of being approachable and confident in bringing out the best in people. This work also honed my planning skills and provided experience in applying personal initiative in diverse situations.
I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to meaningful research in the field, especially research related to Financial Engineering. I have happily studied, worked, and socialized with people from diverse social and cultural backgrounds. I have lived in China, Singapore, a very cosmopolitan country, and the US. I enjoy sharing knowledge of my culture and learning about others. I speak Mandarin and English and am currently learning Japanese.
I am drawn to the program due to its prestigious faculty, comprehensive curriculum, and successful graduates. I seek a challenging yet supportive academic environment and am confident I will find this within the program. I also aim to study in a major financial center to maximize internship opportunities relevant to my future career.
If selected, I pledge to participate enthusiastically and diligently and strive to excel. My academic background and interests align well with the program, and I believe I can provide valuable insights for the benefit of others while gaining from the academic and work experiences of my fellow students.
Thank you for considering my application.
MS Financial Engineering Personal Purpose Statement Tips






This statement offers a clear, compelling, and highly focused portrait of someone who has developed a genuine intellectual connection to financial engineering and understands its real‑world significance. From the very beginning, the narrative shows curiosity turning into purpose: an initial fascination in junior year evolves into a thoughtful appreciation of how financial engineering underpins the stability and integrity of global markets. That awareness—especially the reflection on the 2008 crisis—demonstrates maturity, context, and a strong sense of responsibility toward the field.
What makes this especially strong is the balance between academic preparation and personal initiative. The applicant doesn’t simply rely on coursework; they actively pursued private study, research, and an internship at Citi Bank to deepen their understanding of derivatives and…