Yang
Yang is from Vancouver, Canada. He earned his bachelor's degree from the University of British Columbia, majoring in Engineering Physics with a minor in Commerce. After graduation, he worked as a software developer at an insurance company. However, driven by a desire for a career better aligned with his passions, he decided to further his education by pursuing a master's degree at KTH. Aside from academics, Yang has a passion for photography and board games.
Why did you choose this master’s programme at KTH?
I’ve always enjoyed solving challenging problems, which is one of the reasons I chose to study Engineering Physics during my bachelor’s degree. After graduating, I worked as a software developer, but I soon realised this wasn’t the career path for me. So instead of staying in my comfort zone, I decided to challenge myself by pursuing a master's degree. Not an easy decision to make, especially once you start working…
It was kind of a random decision, but I eventually chose to take a complete leap of faith and go to Sweden - a country I’d never visited before. KTH was my top choice due to its reputation in engineering and mathematics, as well as the opportunity to study and live in Stockholm.
Have you chosen a specialisation track within the programme? Which track and why?
Yes, I chose the Financial Mathematics track. I’ve always been interested in the inner workings of financial markets and wanted to gain a deeper understanding of the mathematical models that drive them. This specialisation allows me to study topics such as stochastic processes, risk management, asset pricing, and portfolio theory while continuing to develop my programming and technical skills.
How is student life in Stockholm?
It’s been fantastic. Stockholm offers a great balance between academic and personal life. There are plenty of student events, a giant international community, and constant opportunities to meet like-minded people from all over the world.
The campus is also located in the heart of the city. It’s easy to take a break from studying and spend time outdoors, whether that’s taking a stroll around the water, a quick run through the forest, or exploring different bars around the city. The public transportation system also makes it very convenient to get around.
How would you describe your time at KTH so far?
My time at KTH so far has been both challenging and rewarding. The courses are academically demanding, especially since I don’t come from a rigorous math background. I think the programme does a great job in making sure everyone is on the same page. The programme is structured so that the courses you take each period build on one another. I've definitely learned a lot in a relatively short period of time.
What do you want to do after graduating?
After graduating, I hope to start working again. Not quite sure in which kind of role yet, though. Quant research, asset management, risk management, trading… good thing I still have a full year to explore.
In general, I’m particularly interested in multidisciplinary roles that combine mathematics, software, and data analysis to solve complex problems. My dream is to start my own hedge fund, and I think with this degree from KTH, I’m headed in the right direction.
What would you like to say to students thinking of choosing KTH for master’s studies?
Apply. There's really no downside to that. Even if you’re unsure whether you’ll ultimately choose KTH, submitting the application gives you flexibility to explore your options. KTH offers excellent academic programmes, an international environment, and is located in the heart of one of Europe's best cities. If you’re willing to challenge yourself and step outside of your comfort zone, KTH can be an incredibly rewarding experience. If you have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out!