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As a Charger, Jalak Popat ’24 M.S. didn’t simply learn about finance in the classroom – she actively managed funds and budgets. This experience, she believes, ensures that she’ll be well prepared to excel in the field of finance.

A candidate in the University’s finance and financial analytics graduate program, Popat has been serving as a fund manager as part of the University’s Gaia Initiative, a student-led environmental, social, and governance (ESG) investment fund. It has been an exciting and immersive opportunity for her to manage an ESG fund and gain hands-on investing experience.

“Being an active participant in the University’s Investment Club and Gaia Initiative really paved my way of thinking correctly and actively with regards to the financial markets and the economy in general,” she explains. “I have learned and gained valuable insights by being a part of it and by attending the weekly meetings. I am extremely thankful to the professors and the teams involved.”

‘A ‘never give up’ attitude’

Popat’s involvement with the Gaia Initiative is one of many rewarding experiences she’s had as a Charger. She’ll be recognized as part of the University’s 2024 Commencement, a three-day celebration that will be held on the University’s main campus in West Haven, Conn., in May. Popat is grateful for the University’s many resources that have helped her to excel, from the to the University’s Canvas library that offers real-time market data.

An international student who hails from India, Popat appreciates the support she’s received from her fellow Chargers. She also says the Career Development Center and University Immigration Services have been invaluable.

“The teachings and cooperation of all the professors, staff, and University offices created a warm and sustainable learning environment that enhanced my learning journey and experience,” she said. “These resources enabled me to apply and understand the teachings from the classroom and connect the dots in the actual financial world.”

Whether she was serving as marketing director of the University’s Investment Club, as a budget committee member of the , or collaborating with her classmates at the University’s Orange Campus, Popat has enjoyed the opportunities she’s had to make connections and to hone her financial skills. She plans to pursue a career in finance, and she’s looking forward to applying what she’s learned as a Charger.

“The numerous events organized by multiple student organizations along with the passion of all the professors whom I have met has imbedded a ‘never give up’ attitude,” she said. “It has also laid a foundation for me to be humble and compassionate. I have learned the essence of teamwork and growing together. This is surely a success mantra for a wonderful professional as well as personal life.”