Matthew Sanders
Monash University
I am a Masters of Financial Mathematics student at Monash University. I hold a Bachelor’s in Commerce from the University of Melbourne and a Graduate Certificate in Data Engineering from the Australian National University. I am keen to keep learning and growing after completion of my degree this year, and pursuing further studies and research in Financial Mathematics.
Can you give me a quick rundown about the type of mathematics you are studying and its potential impacts for the broader community (think how you would explain your work and studies to others who don’t study maths)
I study Financial Mathematics, this is an area of study within mathematics with a strong focus on statistics, where we learn Stochastic Calculus, Risk Modelling and Options Pricing to name a few. We learn Analytical and Numerical Methods to solve the processes of concern. Some of the main areas one could be expected to work in after finishing this degree would be in Risk or Quantitative Trading/Research.
How did you get into mathematics/statistics/data science? Was there someone or something that inspired you to this field?
I always enjoyed Mathematics from a young age, I even took 3 Math subjects for Year 12. There is something I find truly rewarding about problem solving and cracking tough questions. I opted to pursue my Bachelors education in a different field, but came back after a few years of work to reignite my passion for mathematics.
I can’t think to any specific thing or person that inspired me to pursue studies in mathematics, it was more so just my own curiosity and fascination. However, it is always great to listen to more knowledgeable people break down some of the things I find more complicated, and for that reason I would say the support I have received from my professors has inspired me to continue down this path.
You received a Travel Grant to attend AMSI Summer School 2025. How important was this in terms of your ability to attend, fully participate in the program and meet others studying in similar fields? Do you think it was an advantage to attend the program in-person?
Receiving the Travel Grant enabled me to travel interstate and attend the program in person, this allowed me to meet likeminded individuals and learn with those passionate enough about mathematics to attend a course in their summer break. It was great to engage with the classes and my classmates in person, I found this key in developing relationships and also in the learning process.
What was the most valuable part of the program for you?
The most valuable part of the program for me would have been the Careers Day, it was fantastic to meet professionals from in the field and learn about how our skills are valued and applied in practical use cases. Being able to listen to their speeches and approach them afterwards to ask questions was a really valuable thing.
Also, I really enjoyed the BrainTeaser hosted by Susquehanna, that was good fun, collaborating with peers to solve some really fun and tricky problems.
In the long-term, what do you think are the benefits of having attended Summer School?
In the long-term, I believe the relationships that I formed over the program, as well as the content I learnt, will be the things that stick with me. As what I learnt was practical and likely useful for me moving forward in my career, and of course the experiences shared will always be remembered.
Summer School included a special Careers Day program which aims to help give students an idea of the kinds of career paths available to maths graduates in industry and private sector research areas. Do you feel better equipped to explore career options in the mathematical sciences after attending AMSI Summer School?
Absolutely, I feel as though some new opportunities were made clear to me, and some ones that I already knew about and was considering have had some ambiguity regarding what is integral in success in the roles cleared up for me. It was a truly great experience.
What advice would you give to someone who is considering applying for Summer School in 2026? Should they apply and why?
Go for it! It was a truly amazing experience, learning in an environment filled with passion and like-minded individuals was fantastic.
What are your current career ambitions in the mathematical sciences sector?
I aim to either work in a quant-capacity within the financial sector or continue pursuing further education.
How did connecting with the community at AMSI Summer School support your experience?
I believe the experience was made more holistic and enjoyable because I was able to interact with others at AMSI Summer School. Being able to brainstorm and work with other bright minds really complimented the whole experience.
Any other feedback/comments you would like to provide on the AMSI Travel Grant or AMSI Summer School 2025?
Keep up the great work, this was a remarkable and memorable experience, and having the ability to secure funding is great for students who may not have stable income to fund their own travels.