Biography
Levi Barta 25MF chose the Master of Finance program to strengthen his finance and analytical skills and prepare for a career in banking. Before arriving at Goizueta, he was completing his bachelor’s degree in Budapest, Hungary while working on the finance team at Paramount during his studies. “I hoped the program would give me the technical foundation and industry knowledge to build a career on the credit side of finance,” he shares—a goal that shaped his approach to the program from day one.
During his time at Emory, Levi experienced significant academic and professional growth. “My degree helped me grow in many ways,” he reflects. Through hands-on projects in the program’s investment fund, he built a strong foundation in financial modeling and learned to think critically about investment strategies, including presenting performance updates to peers and faculty. He says the rigor of the coursework pushed him to set goals, work through challenges, and develop the discipline required for a demanding career in finance. Beyond the classroom, networking opportunities through panels and company visits in Atlanta and New York provided a real-world perspective on how relationships and connections influence long-term career success.
The impact of the degree extended well beyond his first job after graduation. “Earning my degree gave me benefits that go far beyond landing my current role at Truist in leveraged lending,” he says. He says the program also strengthened his technical skills and ability to work through complex problems while reinforcing the importance of relationships in the finance industry. Along the way, Levi built lasting friendships and a broad professional network, staying connected with classmates who have gone on to pursue diverse paths across finance. Learning from world-class professors and gaining insight from their industry experience continues to inform his work on a daily basis.
Some of Levi’s most meaningful memories at Goizueta came from moments outside the classroom. From a spontaneous movie day before Christmas—complete with Shake Shack and The Big Short—to exploring New York City with classmates while visiting some of the world’s most prestigious financial institutions, Levi says “those little experiences made the program feel special and created memories that will last a lifetime.”
For Levi, what sets Goizueta apart is its balance of rigor and relevance. “Goizueta is special because it combines academics with real-world application,” he says. “The Finance Lab and Investment Fund give you hands-on experience that few programs offer.” He also notes that faculty members brought deep industry knowledge that made every discussion practical and engaging. “The close-knit community and lifelong friendships make it a place where you truly grow personally and professionally.”