M.S. Business Administration, Finance

Steve Crain had already earned an undergraduate business degree and an M.B.A. degree from another college when he decided to gain more specialized knowledge by earning an M.S. degree in finance at Simon. Despite the fact that his decision meant logging, over the course of three years, thousands of miles commuting to Rochester from Buffalo, where he lives and works, he couldn’t be happier about his choice. He calls the educational experience both rewarding and enjoyable. Steve values his Simon professors’ knowledge and the fact they draw on what’s happening in business today to explain financial concepts. He particularly appreciates the frequent professor-student interaction in class because so many students add perspective to discussions as a result of their own significant work experiences. Steve is quick to point out that he loves learning. Clearly, his background underscores that point.

He began working full time at M&T Bank in Buffalo in 1996, initially as a support analyst in trust sales, and later as an equity research analyst, and simultaneously earned his M.B.A. degree at night from a nearby college. While working full time and pursuing his M.B.A., he began studying to become a C.F.A. charter holder (Chartered Financial Analyst), and successfully completed the required three levels of study in consecutive years. Now, Steve spends most of his time researching companies in the health care sector for M&T Asset Management, a division of M&T Bank, where total assets under management exceed $24 billion. He says coupling his work experience with a Simon education has put him on track toward achieving his ultimate career goal of becoming a portfolio manager.