BNY Mellon Analyst Discusses the Powerful Impact of His Point Park M.B.A. Degree Monday, January 30, 2017
Meet Stoycho Stoychev
Job title: Credit Management Report and Analysis Manager and 14-Q Corporate and CRE Loan Reporting Analyst
Employer: The Bank of New York Mellon
Degrees earned: M.B.A. with a concentration in international business, Point Park University, 2014; B.A. in Criminology with a Business Administration minor, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, 2010
Grad school activities: Graduate Student Association and Point Park International Student Services and Enrollment
Hometown: Monessen, Pa.
High school: Monessen High School
Now living in: Bethel Park, Pa.
Hobbies/interests: I'm intrigued by quantitative analysis and behavioral finance, so I am always looking to expand my knowledge in those fields. My curiosity and desire for understanding how things work is what truly motivated me to get an M.B.A. and keeps me motivated to continue advancing my education. I also love golf, soccer and running. I'm interested in movies (action and sci-fi), Fantasy Football, astronomy and astrodynamics.
LinkedIn: Stoycho Stoychev
-- Daniel Reilly, VP of Risk Report and Analysis, BNY Mellon
"Deciding to go back to school for an M.B.A. was one of the smartest decisions I have made … I would not be in the position I am in now without an M.B.A."
-- Stoycho Stoychev
Why did you choose Point Park for graduate school?
I chose Point Park University because of its outstanding faculty, small class sizes, emphasis on a collaborative learning environment and flexible hours. The University's Downtown location was a perfect fit for my schedule. It was very easy for me to get to school from work and then get home afterwards.
It turned out to be a great decision and experience to have been part of Point Park's dynamic culture. Being in a classroom that was composed of a wide blend of cultural diversity has given me a leading edge in working effectively in diverse teams and situations.
How have your M.B.A. classes helped you succeed in your career at BNY Mellon?
Having a criminology background did not prepare me much for the business environment. When I started with BNY Mellon, I worked in asset servicing, a role for which I had very limited experience and understanding. Deciding to go back to school for an M.B.A. was one of the smartest decisions I have made. Going through all the M.B.A. courses has helped me understand other aspects of the business other than my own silo of work.
The course work and group projects at Point Park helped me conceptualize the work I was doing, develop sound interdisciplinary skills and ascertain knowledge that was pivotal for my growth within the organization. It also made it a lot easier to transition out of a processing role and into an analytical position.
Additionally, learning how to juggle work responsibilities, home life and school responsibilities was a rewarding accomplishment on its own. I feel all the work I put into acquiring an M.B.A. has mentally prepared me to handle any future obstacles and has helped foster professional development.
Do you have a favorite grad school memory?
I always had a dislike for accounting. Maybe it was because that subject hadn't clicked for me yet, but Professor Archish Maharaja was a game changer. Some of the jokes he would drop in class alone were enough to put him in a whole new category of exemplary teaching. Professor Arch was able to go through the material in a manner that even I understood. He made accounting "click" for me and since then I have been fascinated by how quickly I am able to pick it up and expand on each and every concept I learn. That experience was my favorite.
Education aside, other favorable memories from my time at Point Park were the many connections I made with fellow classmates, who I still keep in contact with today. It was always encouraging to see so many peers balancing their demanding work and school schedules and still having a positive and uplifting attitude when we would all gather in class. I think that alone is a testament to how great all the professors are. The fact that they were able to keep us engaged through the material and have fun in the classrooms after a full day of work is outstanding.
What are your career goals?
I want to continue advancing in management through the corporate structure. I am curious in nature so I put high emphasis on education. Therefore, I want to continue advancing my education. A while ago, I began pursuing a CFA certificate but got sidetracked along the way and didn't follow up with the testing. In the near future, my goal is to resume those studies and earn that certificate.
Final thoughts?
All the work I have put into obtaining my M.B.A. has helped augment the knowledge I have obtained since I entered the business world. I am happy with all that I have learned throughout my professional career, but I would not be in the position I am in now without an M.B.A.
Point Park does a wonderful job in providing a flexible schedule for all students and a masterful job providing its students with outstanding faculty who have real-world experience and immense subject matter knowledge. Additionally, the small class sizes, highly-diversified student body and convenient location combine to create an institution that fosters a fun learning environment and opportunities only capped by an individual's commitment.
Photo by Daniel Kelly, freshman cinema production major