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Fintech: MBA Grads Want To Work In The Blockchain Space — Here’s Why

Growing demand for people who understand the business applications of the technology

Tue Jun 6 2017

BusinessBecause
There is a surge in interest in fintech jobs among graduate business schoolers, and blockchain-related roles are among the most popular, as the space begins to lure MBA candidates away from traditional careers in financial services. 

The number of adverts for blockchain-related jobs posted on the business networking site LinkedIn has trebled over the past year, illustrating the growing demand for talent who understand the business applications of the technology that underpins bitcoin. 

Business schools say that financial services firms are keen to hire people for blockchain-related roles, as they scramble to harness the power of the technology, which could slash banks’ costs by $20 billion by 2022. Opportunities are also opening up in blockchain startups hoping to pioneer the technology across a diverse range of industries.

“The banks want to have a so-called blockchain tsar at their firm — someone who can coordinate a multi-disciplinary effort, so their firm comes out on the winning side rather than the losing side of blockchain disruption,” said Campbell Harvey, professor of finance at Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business.

“The potential of blockchain appears to be enormous. Most of the large banks and other financial record-keeping institutions are looking closely at the technology,” added David Yermack, chair of NYU Stern’s finance department. “It may turn out to be as important as the advent of double-entry bookkeeping in the Renaissance.” 

The blockchain is a decentralised settlement technology which powers the issuance of cryptocurrencies. The blockchain rose to prominence with the controversial digital currency bitcoin, but has since been used for a wider range of purposes including speeding up cross-border money transfers and digitizing legal processes.

The number of blockchain adverts on LinkedIn is growing at over 40% per quarter. Nearly 10,000 people on the site list blockchain as a skill, half of them in the technology industry and a quarter in the financial services sector. 

Fintech has been one of the fastest-growing recruitment areas at some business schools, with jobs appearing in areas such as peer-to-peer lending and digital payments. “There are many fintech career opportunities available for MBAs,” says Matthew Applegate, VP at Wharton FinTech.

William Kunter joined N26, the German app-only bank, after studying for a business master’s degree at HEC Paris. He was lured there after working for Goldman Sachs. He said: “Fintech is probably one of the hottest and most dynamic sectors in tech today. It’s attracting a lot of interest and funding. Working in fintech gives you the opportunity to have a real impact on the day-to-day life of a very large number of people.”

He added that N26 is hiring business school grads to help maintain the company’s rapid growth. “We’re always looking for good candidates. We’re well aware that the success of a startup really depends on its ability to hire the best and brightest.” 

Student Reviews

Duke University Fuqua School of Business

Student

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31/10/2023

On Campus

Supportive atmosphere

The professors at Duke university exhibit exceptional commitment to the success and well-being of their students by ensuring their academic growth and fostering a supportive social atmosphere. Moreover, the entire community is recognized for its amicability and inclusiveness.

Maxwell

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30/03/2023

On Campus

Diversity

The people or the students are without a doubt Duke's greatest asset. While all students are driven to succeed, they are also enthusiastic about a variety of hobbies. You run across a huge lot of diversity. It is the ideal example of a school with well-rounded students and the ideal balance of campus life in a metropolis.

Anabelle

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27/02/2023

On Campus

Happy to school

All I could ever hope for is Duke University. That really epitomizes the "work hard, play hard" philosophy that elite colleges frequently pursue. Even though you'll have a lot of schooling to complete over the week, it's simple to keep focused because all of your friends are putting in similar amounts of effort. Many events taking place on and around campus on the weekends provide a great way to unwind. The combination of demanding academics and traditional college fun strikes the perfect balance.

Monica

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27/02/2023

On Campus

Good schooling

Living, eating, learning, and developing who you want to be as an adult are all fantastic at Duke. I participated in student athletics, and I couldn't have asked for a better interaction with the faculty and other students. I appreciate all of the help I get from the Duke community more than anything. Furthermore, the teachers take the time to get to know you, and the lectures are diverse and demanding (if you do the same). I'd give it a 10 out of 10.

Aline

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26/11/2022

On Campus

Beautiful School, Nice Classes

DU remains one the greatest and best universities that I have ever stepped in. The school is beautiful and neat. The classes are spacious and also very nice. I enjoyed attending my Lectures in those lecture halls. I also loved the Lecturers because of the good work they did. The university also has very good dorms that are given to students on first come first serve basis and they are affordable

Student

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29/06/2022

Blended

Amazing experience

I received my B.S. in Biology and B.A. in Global Health with a minor in Chemistry from Duke University. I was able to grow as a student, scientist, and global health advocate with the help of my friends, professors, and other mentors I met along the way. A lot to learn if you look and ask, a great place to learn for those who want to learn.

Student

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29/06/2022

Blended

whirlwind of growth and change

An amazing 2 years, with covid and everything else happening Duke has been a place of growth for me. The courses , classes were one of a kind, online and on campus. But the valuable lessons learned in the classes are irreplicable. The students are amazing here, so much diversity , I had no problem fitting in. The teachers are down right brilliant and so helpful. Don't be afraid to ask them anything. Graduated with my MBA with Duke and now my future awaits.

Student

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29/06/2022

On Campus

One of the best for Business students

Graduated with an MBA. The classes were very insightful and engaging. The staff are very easy to deal with. The teachers and students, are truly amazing people. Grateful to all the people I've met along the way at Duke. I've learnt a great deal that will help me in my future endeavors. The campus itself is a marvel, it is beautiful.

Student

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16/06/2022

On Campus

The university campus is awesome

I graduated with a masters degree in Religious Studies from Duke University. One thing I really liked about the university is its huge campus. It is spread in a large area with a lot of greenery and also have the facilities of reading rooms for single person also. My department building was very well taken care of. The library is immensely populated with books for all your needs. The faculty is very nice to students. The classes are equipped with latest technology to cater the needs of students. The University also provides room rentals for international students. They are very well maintained and priority is given to the International students for a comfortable stay there. There are weekly events conducted by the University as well as Student clubs for the entertainment of students. Anybody can take part in them and show their talents. I enjoyed my degree and I graduated in 2021 and was very happy that I had graduated from a reputed University.

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