Boston, MA – November 4, 2024 – Nowhere comes close to Massachusetts when it comes to meeting–and recruiting–the best and brightest graduates to join the fintech and financial services sectors. We heard from several leaders at some of the Bay State’s most prestigious academic institutions about how—with the support of Mass Fintech Hub—they’re cultivating tomorrow’s fintech leaders. They also offer advice on how best to connect with these exceptional young minds.

Bay State brilliance 

Firstly, what makes the Commonwealth the natural place to start your fintech talent search? For Charles Mutigwe, Associate Professor of Business Analytics and Director of the WNE Fintech Incubator at Western New England University, it’s simple. He says, “Massachusetts has a well-developed fintech ecosystem that has the state, private sector, and academia all working together to support existing organizations and nurture startups.”

The Reverend Dr. Debora Jackson, Dean of the Business School at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), echoes this. Not only is this home to world class institutions at the forefront of fintech education and research, she says, “The state's long-standing culture of innovation, particularly in the Greater Boston area, fosters an environment where fintech startups and established financial institutions alike can thrive.”

Recruiting remarkable leaders

When you’re hunting for top talent, Dean Jackson recommends companies zero in on “academic institutions that offer specialized, industry-aligned programs.” WPI, she says, exemplifies this, by “providing interdisciplinary curricula that blend computer science, finance, data science, and mathematics, and real-world projects.” She adds, “Beyond campus, we encourage financial organizations to engage with platforms like the Mass Fintech Hub. These initiatives connect students with career fairs, mentoring programs, and networking opportunities across the fintech ecosystem, creating a robust talent pipeline.”

Mutigwe of WNE adds, “Internships are a great way to set up a pipeline to source the fintech innovators of tomorrow and to establish connections to the universities and colleges in MA.”

Growing new leaders

Siobhan Dullea, Executive Director of Innovate@BU, says that Boston University recognizes that technological innovation can quickly outpace the evolution of academic programs. With that in mind, the institution is committed to building skills outside the classroom for the students enrolled in its two Financial Technology programs (a master’s degree and a graduate certificate). She says, “We help students build an entrepreneurial mindset and innovations skills that will help students as the tech landscape continually shifts. Building resilience amidst change is crucial for the workforce of today and tomorrow.”

Dean Jackson says that, when it comes to nurturing talent at WPI, “Our strategy is built on three key pillars: interdisciplinary education, real-world experience, and innovation incubation.”

Meanwhile at WNE, Mutigwe says, “We inspire entrepreneurial thinking around fintech in our students through the work that we do in the WNE FinTech Incubator. Our students can help drive entrepreneurial thinking within the organization.”

Signs of success

When it comes to the qualities that financial organizations should look for when sourcing talent, Boston University’s Dullea says, “Ability to learn is significantly more important than what has already been learned. Technology is constantly changing so learning, adapting, and resilience are the most important qualities to look for in sourcing talent.”

How Mass Fintech Hub is helping organizations find talent

Dean Jackson lists a number of ways in which the Hub facilitates talent recruitment. She says:

1. “The Hub creates a seamless connection between educational institutions like WPI and fintech companies. This ensures that our curriculum remains aligned with industry needs, producing graduates who are immediately valuable to employers.

2. “By bringing together established firms, innovative startups, and academic institutions, the Hub exposes students to a wide range of potential career paths. 

3. “The Hub facilitates internships, project collaborations, and mentorship programs. These align perfectly with WPI's project-based learning approach, allowing our students to gain hands-on experience with real-world fintech challenges.

4. “Through events like career fairs and industry meetups, the Hub creates numerous networking opportunities. This allows our students to connect [at zero cost] directly with potential employers, while organizations can engage with top talent in a more meaningful way than traditional recruitment methods allow.”

5. “The Hub provides a platform for students to showcase their innovative ideas and projects. For instance, WPI students have presented their fintech solutions at Hub-sponsored events, gaining visibility with potential employers and investors.”

The Hub also offers the Commonwealth Fintech Bootcamp (CFB). Students who complete the class receive an official certificate, and leave armed with a firm understanding of fintech and increased awareness of fintech opportunities in Massachusetts. Dullea notes that this is a useful learning opportunity for students enrolled in institutions without a fintech program.

If you're keen to learn about the student programming that Mass Fintech Hub has designed in close collaboration with leading academic institutions (including Bootcamps, Mentoring, Project Based Learning, and the Fintech Career Fair) visit the Hub’s Students page. Curious about the exciting fintech roles available across the state? Be sure to check out Mass Fintech Hub’s jobs board. Lastly, a great way to keep in the loop about free networking events (and other exciting programming), is by following us on LinkedIn,  X and Instagram.