This Grad Student Is Drawn to Numbers and Risk Analysis

As a student at the School of Professional Studies (SPS), Samia Breir is always on the go, thinking constantly about her career and life in New York. If she isn’t on campus for a class, she is most likely attending an event in her role as a University Life Ambassador. She likes to be involved, and at the center of the action. Off-campus, look for her up at the Cloisters in northern Manhattan, or in Queens, perhaps, on an eating expedition.

When are you graduating from SPS, and what is your degree?

I'm graduating in spring 2025 with a master’s in Enterprise Risk Management (ERM). My focus has been on understanding financial, operational, and strategic risks, especially in the context of markets and trading. It’s been a fascinating experience to dive deeply into risk modeling, decision-making frameworks, and how risk is managed at the highest levels of finance and corporate strategy.

What was your path to doing graduate work at Columbia?

I’ve always been drawn to numbers and analysis, which led me to study finance during my undergraduate years. As I progressed in my studies, I became particularly interested in risk—how businesses, especially financial institutions, manage volatility and make decisions in uncertain environments. This interest was reinforced during my time on a fixed-income trading desk, where I saw firsthand how risk and reward go hand in hand.

Columbia stood out to me for many reasons. The ERM program blends theory with practical application in a way that very few programs do, and being in New York meant that I’d have constant exposure to industry leaders, networking events, and opportunities to apply what I was learning in real time. The decision to come here was both strategic and personal; it was about being in the right place at the right time with the right people.

How do you like studying in New York? What are your favorite urban activities?

New York is the kind of place that constantly challenges you. It’s fast-paced, competitive, and always evolving. But that’s what makes it so exciting. You’re surrounded by people who are ambitious, driven, and doing incredible things in every industry imaginable. Studying here is an experience in itself because the city becomes part of your learning environment.

I love walking around and exploring neighborhoods. One weekend, you might find yourself deep in the art scene of Chelsea, and the next, trying to find the best dumplings in Flushing. I also enjoy taking advantage of how much is happening at any given time—finance conferences, museum exhibitions, outdoor film screenings in Bryant Park, live jazz in the Village. There’s something about the city that makes you want to do more, see more, and be more.

Any specific recommendations for things to do beyond campus?

One of the best things about New York is that there’s always something unexpected waiting around the corner. If you need a break from the intensity of school, I’d recommend heading up to the Met Cloisters: It’s this hidden gem in Upper Manhattan where you feel like you’ve been transported to medieval Europe. It’s peaceful, beautiful, and a great place to clear your head.

If you’re into food, exploring Queens is a must. There’s no better way to experience different cultures than through their food, and in one afternoon, you can go from eating Colombian arepas to Malaysian laksa, all within a few blocks.

For a classic New York moment, nothing beats walking across the Brooklyn Bridge at sunset. You get the full skyline view, the buzz of the city, and if you keep walking into DUMBO, you’ll find some great waterfront spots to relax and take it all in. 

What’s the best way to meet people on campus?

Get involved not just in your own school’s clubs and associations, but in inter-school organizations, which connect students from different programs and backgrounds. Groups like the United Nations Columbia University Chapter, for example, bring together students from law, business, and international affairs, which leads to some interesting conversations and friendships.

Another great way to connect is by participating in events organized by University Life (UL). You’ll meet people from all over the world, with different majors and experiences, and that’s what makes it so rewarding. As a UL Ambassador at Columbia and a member of the UL events council, I’ve had the opportunity to help organize events like cooking classes, dance workshops, campus discussions on topics like mental health and community belonging, game nights, and other activities designed to make meeting people feel more natural and less awkward.

The key is to put yourself out there. Strike up conversations in class, attend a random event you normally wouldn’t, say yes to things even if they’re outside your comfort zone. Columbia is filled with brilliant, interesting people, and the more you engage, the richer your experience will be.

What are your plans post-graduation?

I’m joining Goldman Sachs as an analyst in the Global Markets division. I’ve always been drawn to fast-paced environments where every decision matters, and this role will allow me to be at the heart of financial markets analyzing trends, making strategic decisions, and managing risk in real time.

Markets are unpredictable, and that’s what makes them so fascinating. One moment, everything seems stable, and the next, a single news event can shift the entire landscape. Being in a position where I get to navigate that uncertainty, apply my risk management expertise, and contribute to a team that thrives on solving complex problems is something I’m really looking forward to.

At the same time, I see this as just the beginning. The finance world is evolving rapidly with new technologies, shifts in global economies, and changing regulations. I want to continuously learn, adapt, and grow in this space, and ultimately, build a career that allows me to combine analytical thinking with strategic decision-making.