By Agustin Soria, student in the M.S. in Enterprise Risk Management program, School of Professional Studies
When I was considering graduate programs, I wanted something that went beyond theory and gave me access to people and experiences that would broaden my perspective on risk. I’ve always been drawn to risk management, because I believe it drives strategy at every level—whether for individuals, companies, or governments. Columbia’s M.S. in Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) program stood out as the best in the nation, offering not only rigorous academics but also exposure to world-class events and networks. From giving me the opportunity to hear the prime minister of Norway speak about energy transition to connecting me with accomplished professors and peers, the program has already exceeded my expectations.
Risk has always fascinated me because it’s the invisible force shaping decisions in business and society. In leveraged finance, where I currently work, I see firsthand how risk assessments influence everything from structuring deals to setting long-term strategy. That curiosity—and the desire to strengthen my expertise—made Columbia’s ERM program the obvious choice. I wanted to learn in a place where risk wasn’t just a footnote in a textbook but the central lens for analyzing challenges across industries.
One of the most rewarding aspects of the program has been the exposure to perspectives I wouldn’t have encountered otherwise. For example, I attended an event where Norwegian prime minister Jonas Gahr Støre spoke about the country’s energy transition, highlighting how risk plays out at the national level. Hearing about the challenges of moving away from fossil fuels toward renewable energy showed me that risk management isn’t limited to financial metrics; it’s also about balancing environmental, political, and social factors that affect entire populations.
Beyond high-profile events, the day-to-day classroom experience has been equally valuable. Professors bring deep industry connections and practical insights that go far beyond theory. My classmates, many of whom come from diverse industries and countries, have also pushed me to think differently. Whether debating operational risk in class or working through a case study, the conversations sharpen my perspective and remind me that there is never one way to define or solve risk.
Choosing a focus area has allowed me to tailor the program to my goals. I gravitated toward the quantitative side of ERM, which has deepened my analytical skills, but I’ve also discovered the value of courses outside my comfort zone. Strategic Communication, for example, has been one of the most impactful courses I’ve taken. It reinforced that managing risk isn’t just about models but about people, relationships, and the ability to communicate clearly in high-stakes situations.
The ERM program has given me far more than technical knowledge. It has sharpened my quantitative skills, but just as importantly, it has taught me how to navigate the human side of risk—how to communicate, collaborate, and lead in uncertain environments. The exposure to global leaders, accomplished professors, and inspiring classmates has expanded my professional network and helped me land opportunities I might not have otherwise. Most of all, it has confirmed for me that risk isn’t something to fear—it’s something to manage, anticipate, and even embrace as the driver of strategy and innovation.
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 the part-time options, students may take all their courses on Columbia’s New York City campus or choose the synchronous online class experience.
The priority application deadline for the M.S. in Enterprise Risk Management program is January 15, with a final deadline of May 1. Learn more about the program here.
