Tony Au (Class of 2021)
Tony was drawn to the AMPB program due to his passion for stock trading back in high school and a growing interest in investment portfolios management. He joined the program and found the program's curriculum to be highly specialized, offering an in-depth focus on asset management and private banking industry, with courses across asset classes from fixed income to alternatives investment, portfolio management, credit and lending that have enriched his comprehension of investment cycles and the nuances of private banking. The knowledge gained on topics like portfolio management, family offices, and regulatory frameworks remains relevant in his current professional role.
Moreover, he sees AMPB as a focused program that fosters a cohesive community, with students sharing similar aspirations and supporting each other in career advancement by collaborating on research, networking and interview preparation. The program's emphasis on real-world applications has equipped him with the tools to apply theoretical knowledge pragmatically, enhancing his ability to make informed decisions in a dynamic market. As he reflects on the progress he has made, Tony is thankful for the program's role in sharpening his analytical skills and its contribution to his learning journey to be a more knowledgeable investor.
Tony particularly appreciates the intimate nature of the coffee chats provided by the program throughout the 4 years of study, as they facilitate meaningful small group interactions with industry leaders’ insight sharing. The extracurricular and external activities, such as Connectivity in Finance events, as well as bank visits, have been pivotal in broadening his social network and industry knowledge. These events have enabled him to meet esteemed bankers and industry experts, deepening his understanding of the industry's momentum, the distinctiveness of various firms, and the array of career paths available. He values these experiences for their role in developing his soft skills, such as group engagement and presentation, and for enhancing his financial literacy and market awareness. Encounters with industry leaders have inspired him to continually improve and emulate how professionals stay informed about market developments.
His counsel to fellow students is to start planning and preparing for your career path well in advance. He emphasizes the importance of proactive engagement in networking and the pursuit of knowledge, both within the AMPB program and through the myriad of extracurricular opportunities it offers. He believes that the combination of technical proficiency and soft skill development is crucial for anyone aiming to excel in the competitive and ever-evolving field of finance.