Student Spotlight: Susmita Lamsal 25MF
In our student spotlight series, we’re featuring students across Goizueta’s programs to share their unique journeys and aspirations. Meet Susmita Lamsal 25MF, whose path from policy and grassroots financial literacy in Nepal to the world of finance at Goizueta Business School has been nothing short of transformative. As a leader in impact investing, a teaching assistant, and an admissions ambassador, she’s making the most of her time at Goizueta while paving the way for others in the field.
Tell us a little about your background and what led you to pursue a Master of Finance at Goizueta, especially with your unique transition from policy to finance.
Post completing my undergraduate degree in Nepal, I spent two and a half years working at the intersection of policy, research, and development. My early career involved collaborating with think tanks and international organizations across South Asia, focusing on trade, policy design, and grassroots financial literacy initiatives. These experiences were immensely rewarding, allowing me to engage at the grassroots level and witness the tangible impact of development policies. However, I realized that my true passion lay in analytical finance—a field that always captivated me. I aspired to build a career where I could excel in investments, generate wealth, and contribute to strategic decision-making, breaking new ground as the first woman in my family to venture into finance.
Given my undergraduate background in Business Administration with a concentration in Banking and Insurance, this wasn’t a new or impulsive pursuit but rather a continuation of my long-held interest. Goizueta’s Master of Finance (MF) program appealed to me for its rigorous curriculum, focus on practical application, and personalized approach to career development.
You’ve had a chance to explore different areas of finance. What’s been the most impactful course you’ve taken so far at Goizueta?
The course on Futures and Options with Dr. Nicholas Valerio III has been a transformative experience for me, especially coming from Nepal, where the organized derivatives market is essentially nonexistent. Prior to this, my understanding of finance was limited to traditional banking and investment practices, so delving into derivatives was an entirely new learning curve. The course blends theoretical concepts with real-world applications, introducing me to valuation, trading strategies, and risk management techniques I had never encountered before. Dr. Valerio’s extensive experience and expertise made the course even more impactful, as his teaching style inspires curiosity and encourages us to connect academic insights with real-world market trends. His assignments and case studies have been pivotal in helping me grasp these previously unfamiliar concepts.
As someone deeply involved in the Goizueta Impact Investors’ Club and leading the Turner MIINT competition, how has your experience shaped your view on impact investing? Can you share some insights or key takeaways from your role as a captain for the Emory Goizueta team in the Turner MIINT competition at Wharton?
Being a part of these initiatives has been an addition to my leadership aspirations. The Goizueta Impact Investors’ Club has shown me how finance can be a catalyst for meaningful change, bridging profitability with social responsibility. Leading the Turner MIINT competition and representing Goizueta on a global business platform as a captain has been particularly rewarding—I’ve had the chance to work with a diverse team, evaluate real startups, and present investment proposals focused on impact metrics. These experiences have reinforced my belief that impact investing is not just a niche but an essential tool to address global challenges sustainably. What makes this journey even more enriching is the comprehensive training I’ve received in impact investing through MIINT’s dedicated resources. It feels like pursuing a specialized degree in impact investing, will provide me with exposure to an area often missing from traditional finance curricula. We will be representing Goizueta Business School at Wharton in April 2025, and we are currently conducting due diligence on the companies we’ve sourced.
You’re an admissions ambassador for the Master of Finance program—how has being involved in this role helped you connect with the Goizueta community?
Serving as an admissions ambassador has been a wonderful way to engage with prospective students and share the dynamic experience Goizueta offers. This role has deepened my connection to the Goizueta community by giving me the chance to work closely with faculty, the admissions team, and current peers to highlight the program’s strengths and distinctive culture. What I enjoy the most is hearing the diverse aspirations of prospective students. Their excitement and determination often remind me of my own journey. It’s humbling to realize how far I’ve come and how much this community has supported my growth.
What has your experience been like working as a teaching assistant in Goizueta’s Executive Education program, and how does it enhance your learning?
First of all, this TA opportunity was extremely important to me. Secondly, as a TA, I’ve had the chance to support the AI and Digital Transformation courses newly launched by Emory Executive Education for senior executives. I feel privileged to be a part of something new and innovative at Goizueta and have the opportunity to provide feedback and make improvements. One of my core memories has been spending hours reviewing and analyzing assignments, particularly the ones crafted by Professor Rajiv for his executive students. The depth of the assignments, combined with the challenge of ensuring they align with the course’s objectives, has been an enriching learning experience. It has not only deepened my understanding of AI and digital transformation but has also given me insight into how such topics are applied in real-world, high-level business contexts.
Who’s your favorite professor at Goizueta, and how have they influenced your academic journey?
It’s hard to pick just one, but Dr. Kevin Crowley’s teaching style really made corporate finance feel accessible and relevant. He taught us corporate finance and mergers and acquisitions during the first two rotations, and his rewarding career as an investment banker brought a real-world IB perspective to the classroom. I’ll never forget his favorite phrase: “In finance, we apply!” That mentality really resonated with me, especially when I worked on a merger and acquisition project where I was able to directly apply the concepts he taught. His courses have better prepared all of us in technical interview preparations for our job hunts. His classes have been instrumental in shaping my understanding of finance in a way that feels both actionable and grounded in the industry.
What excites you most about your future career in finance?
I am particularly drawn to the diversity of opportunities within the field, from corporate finance and investment banking to asset management and financial consulting. The chance to work on high-impact projects and contribute to shaping organizations’ long-term success is immensely motivating.
More personally, I’m drawn to the human side of finance- how deeply it’s intertwined with people’s and company’s hopes, challenges, and successes. Behind every financial decision is a story—a family striving to build a future, a business owner chasing a vision, or a community looking to grow. This concept of work in itself is exciting for me.
Juggling leadership roles and academics must be challenging—how do you manage your time and stay focused?
Honestly, a mix of planning, prioritizing, and procrastinating is there. I rely heavily on tools like calendars and to-do lists to organize my day. Everything goes in there, from deadlines to “remember to eat lunch.”
One thing I’ve learned is to break tasks into smaller chunks. Instead of stressing over an entire project, I focus on finishing one piece at a time. It’s amazing how checking off even a tiny task can make you feel like you’re winning at life.
Above all, I remind myself why I’m here—the opportunities I’m pursuing, the skills I’m building, and the impact I want to create. That perspective helps me stay focused. Being far from the comfort of home and family, I’ve learned to draw strength from my purpose and the goals I’ve set for myself.
What advice would you give to prospective students looking to join Goizueta’s Master of Finance program, particularly those with a non-finance background?
Don’t let a non-finance background hold you back—diverse experiences are valued here. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can catch up if you’re willing to put in the effort. The program is designed to take you from wherever you start to where you need to be.
Also, take advantage of all the resources Goizueta offers, from office hours to workshops to networking events. They’re not just opportunities to learn, but also to discover new interests and career paths you might not have considered before.
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.
