Biography
Shelby Scroggs 25MF chose to pursue graduate study to dive deeper into micro-level finance topics—far beyond what her bachelor’s degree could offer—while also gaining exposure to the technological evolution reshaping the finance industry. Drawn to Goizueta’s emphasis on technology, Shelby saw the Master of Finance as an opportunity to merge fields in a meaningful way. “The program gave me the edge to merge both finance and technology, and it has expanded my understanding and effectiveness.”
The coursework covered complex, real-world topics that translated directly to day-to-day work, empowering Shelby to ask informed questions and contribute more effectively to business processes. “It has driven my curiosity in my professional life,” Shelby shares. Exposure to cross-functional perspectives—working alongside and learning about the roles of quants, developers, and other teams—helped strengthen communication across technical and non-technical groups. Shelby notes that this ability to bridge gaps across teams is something she “wouldn’t have understood without Emory’s diverse educational experience.”
The Master of Finance also opened doors to new professional opportunities. “It opened the door to America’s largest financial corporations—some that are driving competitive innovation,” Shelby says. Through Goizueta, Shelby connected with professionals she would not otherwise have had access to and gained exposure to a wide range of finance roles. “As someone who was looking to get started in their career with a bang, I am very grateful to Emory to introduce to me so many different areas of finance that I would not have known about if I didn’t attend the program.”
Hands-on, modern learning experiences were a highlight of Shelby’s time at Goizueta. “I loved being challenged with modern projects,” Shelby recalls, including practicums where students developed an investment strategy product and pitched it directly to Invesco Investment staff. Experiential learning extended beyond the classroom through immersion trips. Visits to New York allowed Shelby to meet professionals in their offices and ask questions in person, helping them develop fluency in the “language of finance,” while Atlanta office visits offered insight into the city’s growing financial innovation ecosystem.
Reflecting on what makes Goizueta distinctive, Shelby points to the depth of real-world expertise among faculty and staff. Shelby notes, “They have top tier experience in the real world and will give real life projects and challenge you with modern topics.” Shelby also values the opportunity to explore niche areas and become highly specialized, as well as Goizueta’s ability to bring industry leaders directly to campus. “You don’t have to have a fancy title or know someone else to be able to join in on the conversation,” Shelby adds—an openness that made the experience both empowering and accessible.