By Zhongjie Yang, Alumnus of the M.S. in Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) Program, School of Professional Studies
I still vividly remember the moment I decided to pursue my M.S. in Enterprise Risk Management at Columbia University School of Professional Studies (SPS). Having already completed my undergraduate and first master’s degree in accounting, I was eager to deepen my expertise in risk management—a field that I believe is at the heart of sound financial decision-making. That decision proved to be one of the most transformative choices in my academic and professional life.
This past January, I officially began my role as a market and liquidity risk analyst at the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), New York Branch. Reflecting on this milestone, I realize how much my time at Columbia SPS shaped my ability to analyze financial risks, navigate complex market environments, and apply risk management frameworks in real-world scenarios.
Bridging Theory and Practice at Columbia
One of the defining aspects of my Columbia SPS experience was its strong emphasis on bridging theory with industry practice. Courses such as Market Risk Management, Operational Risk Management, and Coding for Risk Management provided me with a solid foundation in assessing financial risk using quantitative methods. The program also offered hands-on experiences—whether through case studies, data-driven research projects, or engagement with seasoned industry professionals.
Beyond coursework, I had the privilege of serving as a graduate teaching assistant for the ERM program, assisting with course design and explaining key risk concepts such as Value-at-Risk and the Sharpe ratio.
Columbia SPS also provided unique networking opportunities. Attending the Columbia-China Summit and engaging with prominent figures such as David Firestein, president of the George H.W. Bush Foundation for U.S.-China Relations, exposed me to global financial perspectives.
I also attended a fireside chat with Haruhiko Kuroda, former governor of the Bank of Japan, where I gained insights into monetary policy and systemic risk prevention—lessons that continue to inform my understanding of liquidity risk today.
Furthermore, I had the privilege of attending the 2024 Berkshire Hathaway Annual Shareholders Meeting, where Warren Buffett’s analysis of global capital market risks provided invaluable insights into investment strategies and systemic risk. Experiencing this alongside my SPS peers reinforced my passion for market risk analysis and deepened my understanding of real-world financial decision-making.
From the Classroom to ICBC
My transition to ICBC, New York Branch, was a seamless blend of the knowledge and experiences I accumulated at Columbia. As part of the Market and Liquidity Risk team, I analyze the bank’s financial exposures, assess liquidity stress scenarios, and support regulatory compliance efforts. The data analytics and risk modeling techniques I honed during my studies have been invaluable in tackling the complexities of global financial markets.
One of the most exciting aspects of my role is monitoring cross-border capital flows and their implications on financial stability—a topic I had extensively explored in my graduate research. The ability to translate academic theories into practical risk assessments is something I credit directly to my Columbia SPS education.
Gratitude and Looking Ahead
As I embark on this next chapter, I remain deeply grateful for the incredible opportunities, mentorship, and friendships I found at Columbia SPS. The Career Design Lab played an essential role in guiding me through the recruitment process, and the program’s focus on industry-relevant skills gave me a competitive edge in the job market.
To current and future SPS students: Embrace every opportunity to learn, engage with industry leaders, and apply your skills beyond the classroom. Columbia’s ERM program is more than just an academic journey—it is a launchpad for making meaningful contributions to the financial world.
I look forward to staying connected with the Columbia SPS community and giving back in any way I can. Thank you, Columbia, for equipping me with the tools to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of financial risk management.
Views and opinions expressed here are those of the authors, and do not necessarily reflect the official position of Columbia School of Professional Studies or Columbia University.
About the Program
The Master of Science in Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) program at Columbia University prepares graduates to inform better risk-reward decisions by providing a complete, robust, and integrated picture of both upside and downside volatility across an entire enterprise. For both the full-time and part-time options, students may take all their courses on Columbia’s New York City campus or choose the synchronous online class experience.
The final fall 2025 application deadline for the M.S. in ERM program is May 1, 2025. Learn more here.
