For many professionals with analytical backgrounds, the challenge is often less about working with data and more about applying quantitative methods to real-world commercial decisions.
For Rachel Yee, the SMU Master of Science in Quantitative Finance (MQF) provided the bridge between advanced analytics and the world of trading, valuation, and strategic decision-making.
Today, Rachel supports crude oil, LNG and commodity transactions within Chevron's global Supply & Trading business, helping value complex deals and assess commercial opportunities worth millions of dollars. Her journey demonstrates how MQF can help professionals leverage their technical foundations to unlock opportunities in new and unexpected areas.
Looking Beyond Data Science
Coming from a background in Quantitative Economics and Data Science, Rachel was already comfortable working with complex datasets and analytical models. As she sought greater exposure to commercial decision-making, she became increasingly interested in valuation, optionality, and uncertainty, which led her to explore quantitative finance beyond her previous training.
The MQF programme offered the opportunity to deepen her technical expertise while gaining exposure to concepts that underpin modern trading and valuation practices.
Building a Strong Foundation
Among the various modules she completed, several stood out for their direct relevance to her professional work today.
“The most relevant courses for me were Stochastic Calculus, Derivatives, and Numerical Methods. These courses helped me develop a more structured way of thinking about pricing and risk, especially when dealing with contracts that have embedded optionality and non-linear payoffs.”
These modules provided Rachel with a strong technical foundation that she continues to draw upon in her current role. Working within Chevron's Supply & Trading business, she is involved in valuing commodity transactions and assessing real options embedded within complex commercial deals.
“The courses provided a useful technical foundation that allowed me to build on my understanding through further research and self-study, especially when applying theory to practical valuation problems.”
Beyond the technical knowledge itself, MQF also broadened her perspective on where her skills could be applied.
“It helped broaden my career path beyond my previous experience in data science, opening up opportunities in more commercially oriented roles.”
From Analytics to Commercial Impact
Prior to her current role, Rachel worked as a Data Scientist within Chevron’s trading organisation, focusing on analytical and data-driven initiatives.
As the business evolved, there was increasing demand for professionals who could combine strong analytical skills with an understanding of option valuation and pricing concepts.
“I was exposed to more valuation and option-related work, where I could apply some of the skills I picked up from MQF.”
Her MQF training positioned her well for this transition, enabling her to contribute to valuation and trading-related work that required a deeper understanding of derivatives, pricing frameworks, and stochastic modelling techniques. The ability to speak both the language of analytics and the language of business became a valuable advantage.
Positioning Yourself for Opportunity
Many prospective MQF candidates are interested in trading, front-office, and quantitative roles. Rachel believes that being prepared when opportunities arise is often just as important as actively pursuing them.
In her own case, she describes the transition as a combination of timing and readiness—being in the right environment with the quantitative foundation to step into new responsibilities.
While opportunities can arise unexpectedly, developing specialised expertise allows professionals to recognise and seize them when they do.
Broadening Career Possibilities
Rachel's story highlights the versatility of the SMU MQF programme. The quantitative skills taught in the classroom are not confined to traditional financial institutions - they are increasingly valuable across industries where pricing, valuation, risk management, and strategic decision-making play a critical role.
For Rachel, MQF was more than an opportunity to deepen her technical knowledge. It expanded her professional horizons, allowing her to move beyond pure analytics and contribute directly to commercial decisions within one of the world's leading energy companies.
As industries continue to become more data-driven and quantitatively sophisticated, professionals who can combine analytical expertise with financial and commercial understanding will remain well positioned to create impact and MQF provides the foundation to do exactly that.
