Meet the Class of 2025: Emilio Cristofoli 25MF

This year, we are celebrating the incredible achievements of Goizueta Business School’s Class of 2025. As commencement approaches, we’re highlighting outstanding graduates from each program who have made their mark during their time at Goizueta. Meet Emilio Cristofoli, a graduating Master of Finance student whose journey is fueled by a passion for quantitative analysis and a drive to excel in capital markets. In this Q&A, he shares how his time at Goizueta has prepared him for a future in investment banking or asset management—and why he plans to stay closely connected to the Emory community. 

Hometown: Staten Island, New York 

Previous Education: Emory Oxford College, Emory College of Arts and Sciences 

Previous Internships: Accordion Partners, Peter Schoenfeld Asset Management 

Clubs/Activities: ASBMB (undergrad) and Economics-directed research  

Student Leadership: TA for 2 QTM 100 labs 

What initially drew you to Goizueta Business School? What unique aspects of Goizueta’s culture, curriculum, or community made it stand out from other business schools you considered? 

I am a graduate of Emory’s College of Arts and Sciences, thus being a part of the Emory community made it a no-brainer to return for another year at Goizueta Business School. I studied economics and mathematics, but was looking for a way to make myself a more competitive candidate in the finance space. Testimonials from the previous cohort made me really excited to learn from very qualified professors and partake in real “on-the-job” training, leading me to Goizueta’s Master of Finance program.

What has been your most memorable experience during your time at Goizueta? 

There have been several great experiences I can choose from. From completing a military reaction course at Fort Moore to traveling to NYC for a career trek, this program does a lot in store. I would say that among all, my favorite experience would be completing the M&A project for Professor Kevin Crowley’s course. Working with a group, we were able to pitch a realistic deal scenario after completing our due diligence and analysis. This project allowed me to experience what a banker might be tasked with in the real world; it allowed me to put theory to practice. 

How has your Goizueta education prepared you for your next career step? What are your long-term career goals, and how do you see yourself making an impact in your chosen field? 

I have not received any offers thus far, but am currently in the process of interviewing with multiple companies. While I have not seen success so far, this program has given me the experience and knowledge to easily navigate conversion in multiple areas of finance, given the breadth of coursework. I am currently most interested in pursuing a career in the capital markets: M&A analysis, IPO pricing, valuation, and traditional IB. Given coursework in investing and portfolio theory, I am also very open to buy-side related roles in hedge funds or asset management. I love the quantitative aspect of investing, given my background in math and statistics. I feel as though I am someone who is very academically inclined and would love to pursue further education in the future, but at the moment, I am looking to gain practical experience. Ultimately, I want to be on the buy-side developing/implementing strategies that yield alpha, whether it be event-driven or quant-focused.  

What advice would you give to incoming students in your program? 

I would tell incoming students to keep an open mind for all of the courses—while you may have a particular interest, don’t limit yourself from exploring new areas of learning. Finance is very interconnected, so learning in all areas helps. The program also brings together individuals from diverse backgrounds, each offering unique perspectives, so take the opportunity to connect with everyone. Given the cohort’s small size, fostering a strong sense of community enhances the experience for all. When it comes to career preparation, invest time outside of class to explore your interests and work on projects related to them. The more hands-on experience you gain in your chosen field, the easier it will be to navigate future opportunities. 

How do you plan to stay connected with the Goizueta community after graduation? 

While I plan on working in NYC, where I am from, I will make myself available to all students who are interested in the program and a career in finance. Emory University holds a special place in my heart, so I want to try and be a good representation for the school and help those interested in taking a similar path as me.

Whether you’re a finance novice or you’re looking to take your skills to the next level, Goizueta’s 10-month, action-based Master of Finance program is for versatile thinkers ready for next-gen finance careers in sales and trading, investment management, FinTech, and investment banking. Learn more about Goizueta’s Master of Finance program.