MSF Students Receive Career Pep Talk from World Cup Champion
Whether it’s a graduation ceremony or a World Cup final, many only see the end result. However, there often are hours of preparation – studying, training, practices, exams, and more – that lead to the glory and wonder of the finale.
This comparison of the academic and athletic journey was the theme of an address World Cup and Olympic soccer champion Briana Scurry delivered at Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business Saturday, July 18. She spoke to three cohorts of students from across the country who are enrolled in the Master of Science in Finance (MSF) program and were on campus for a career and networking day.
The students, who participate in the MSF program online, gathered for panel discussions led by students and alumni, followed by networking and an informal afternoon of games launched by Scurry’s motivational talk. While each individual cohort meets in person throughout the program, this was the first in-person gathering of all participants in the program’s two-year history, and the first time the incoming students met one another.
“Even though our students around the world can interact with our on-campus students seamlessly through our cutting-edge technology, they all enjoy meeting in person and building their network in the same way that is characteristic of traditional on-campus programs,” said Allan Eberhart, professor of finance and director of the MSF program. “Through small class sizes, individualized attention from faculty, and opportunities to meet up in person – whether on campus or while consulting in South Africa – our students and alumni are building a community.”
To foster this sense of community, Scurry advised the students to look to their teammates for support as they advance through the rigorous program.
“In soccer, there are no timeouts. You have to figure it out as you go as a group, as a team,” she said. “You can help yourselves by helping each other. You can raise each other up.”
She commended the students for pursuing advanced degrees in finance, adding “this could be the beginning of launching the life of your dreams.”
Scurry concluded by saying that she and her teammates were able to change the world doing what they loved most – playing soccer. She hopes that the MSF students can do the same.
After her remarks, Scurry chatted with the students and tried her hand at a couple of rounds of corn hole.
The students appreciated the opportunity to gather as a community.
“The events today are extremely beneficial to bring all of this home and to help us realize that Georgetown is a place,” said Benjamin Streed, a rising second-year MSF student from Tampa. “These are real people at a real institution with real resources behind it. It’s the networking and building the camaraderie as we all go through this together.”