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School of Economics and Finance

Madalena Boccio

Madalena Boccio, a Queen Mary alumna and Senior Advisory Consultant with Deloitte, recalls her memories of the school and what it meant to her during her time there.

Profile Picture of Madalena BoccioWhy did you choose to pursue an MSc in Behavioural Finance at Queen Mary?

It was always a dream of mine to live in London and I combined it with the need to obtain a Master’s degree to pursue further career opportunities. I studied mainstream Finance in undergraduate school but decided to pursue Behavioural Finance to broaden my knowledge in economics and psychology. I researched Behavioural Finance/Economics programs in London and found Queen Mary’s program to be extremely compelling.

What are your fondest memories of your time at Queen Mary?

I was a member of the undefeated Queen Mary futsal team that went on to win the BUCS Championship! The championship win was followed by an even better celebration with my team. I have made a great group of friends from all over the world – China, Germany, Mexico, Guatemala, Turkey, UK, Luxembourg, Russia, Singapore, Malaysia, and many others! We enjoyed many dinners, nights out, and lots of laughs together.

You joined Deloitte as a Senior Advisory Consultant. Could you tell us about your work and provide some insights into any projects you are currently working on?

Deloitte is a great company to work for with many diverse opportunities and projects all over the world. I am currently supporting the United States’ National Institute of Health in business process reengineering and capital planning.

Networking is a key factor in the financial services industry. Your network starts with your classmates and grows from there. Always stay in touch to learn about new opportunities and how others have advanced their careers.

Who has been your biggest influence and why? 

Even as a child I have been reading the Wall Street Journal with my mom who introduced me into the finance world. I accompanied my mom to London on many of her work trips which is a big reason I fell in love with the city and knew I would have to live there someday.

In your career to date, what achievements are you most proud of?

I am very proud to be working for such a prestigious company as Deloitte. Deloitte has provided me the opportunity to consult for the U.S. National Institute of Health (NIH) during the current COVID-19 situation. Being directly involved with NIH during the pandemic has been extremely rewarding and purposeful as I play my part to help the medical community.

Tell us about a hard decision you had to make in your career? How did you deal with it?

A very challenging decision I had to make in my career was the decision to pursue a Master’s degree full-time and give up a full year’s salary. At the time, I was working for Morgan Stanley and knew in the long-term a MS would be necessary to advance my career. Therefore, I gave up a years’ worth salary and moved across the world to a very expensive city to gain the long-term benefits needed to advance my career and led me to my current position at Deloitte.  

What, in your opinion, will be the greatest challenge facing investors in the coming few years?

Cryptocurrency is very unstable with an unregulated market and many unknowns. Cryptocurrency is the trading of the future, but for now is a risky business as it remains unregulated.  

How is the industry changing for the better?

The industry is changing to focus on employee’s happiness and well-being by limiting work burnout. There is a push towards a hybrid work model which gives the flexibility of working from home and spending more time with family and friends and focusing on personal well-being and mental health.

What practical advice do you have for students interested in financial services?

Networking is a key factor in the financial services industry. Your network starts with your classmates and grows from there. Always stay in touch to learn about new opportunities and how others have advanced their careers.

Where do you see yourself in 2030?

Back in London for the Queen Mary Postgraduate 10-year reunion! I see myself working in International Development with projects taking me all over the world and helping as many countries and people as I can.

This profile was conducted by Alumni Engagement Coordinator, Hannah. If you would like to get in touch with Madalena or engage her in your work, please contact Hannah Dormor.

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