Minh Anh Vu

Minh Anh Vu (CFA, FRM, Executive Director – Quantitative Strategist, Goldman Sachs): With expertise in mathematical finance, statistical modeling, and data science—coupled with a deep understanding of financial markets—I develop and implement quantitative models that deliver data-driven insights and automated solutions. These models enhance the firm’s decision-making processes, strengthen risk management frameworks, and inform investment strategies across a wide range of financial products.

1. What was the most breakthrough moment in your career?

Looking back over my career, there have been certain moments that could have altered my professional trajectory. Coming to Poland for the Financial Engineering Master’s program at Poznań University of Economics and Business was one of the most decisive. I developed a solid background in quantitative finance, worked with talented people from around the world, and matured personally after overcoming many challenges while being far from my home country. It opened up many more opportunities in my chosen path.

2. What has been your biggest professional success?

My biggest professional success is always in the future. I see it as a ladder that leads me toward further challenges and achievements. I graduated with distinction in both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Our team represented Poznań University of Economics and Business in the national round of the CFA Challenge competition hosted at the Warsaw Stock Exchange. I completed both the CFA and FRM programs early in my career, and I am now working as a Quant for one of the largest financial firms in the world. I hope to continue growing and achieving even greater things in my career.

3. If you could go back to the starting point of your career, but with all the knowledge and experience you’ve gained, what would you do differently?

I really don’t know—maybe buy Bitcoin. Things happen for a reason, and instead of focusing on making the “right” decision, I focus on making it right.

4. What’s your recipe for success? How do you achieve it? What should you focus on? What should you avoid? What competencies gained from your studies at PUEB turned out to be the most important?

Success is a relative term, and I’m still searching for the right recipe. I believe persistence and discipline are essential to achieving long-term success. There are ups and downs in every career; to overcome difficulties, we simply need to keep going. My background was in finance before joining PUEB, and learning programming and quantitative methods was very challenging for me (and still is!), but ultimately rewarding. Gaining those new skills opened up a new area of finance for me and broadened my perspective on the financial world.

5. What advice would you give to current students who are at the beginning of their careers?

I’ll quote Steve Jobs: “Stay hungry, stay foolish.” Also, remember to make the most of the resources provided by the university—lectures, libraries, and people. You might find a mentor through the alumni network (I can be one), a valuable referral from a classmate (I got one from Klaudia, my classmate), or a scholarship or sponsorship through your professors (I got two CFA scholarships from Profession Katarzyna Perez). But don’t forget to enjoy other parts of life—especially for those far from home. You might even find the love of your life.