Haylie Kerr loves a challenge. At Oregon, she found one that pays off: earning both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in just four years through the 3+1 Finance Scholars program.
“I knew I wanted to study finance because my courses felt like putting puzzles together,” she says. “After a while, things just started to click, and seeing my growth was so satisfying.”
The demands of the Master of Science in Finance (MSF) program have led her to rewire her approach to learning.
“In undergrad, I was just focused on memorizing for exams and getting good grades,” she recalls. “Now, I’m committed to truly understanding concepts so I can apply them in real-world settings.”
One of those settings is the Masters Investment Group, where Haylie and her peers manage a live portfolio of assets. “It’s incredibly challenging but so worth it,” she says.
Her ultimate goal is a career in wealth management, a field that demands both technical expertise and trustworthiness. “These are real people’s livelihoods,” she says. “That responsibility motivates me to learn deeply.”
Beyond academics, Haylie has discovered something equally valuable: community.
“Our MSF cohort is small and close-knit,” she explains. “We really bonded over the summer. Our classes and study groups feel like safe spaces where I can ask questions without hesitation. Everyone genuinely wants to see each other succeed.”
That support system has been a pleasant surprise for Haylie, who admits she rarely asked for help during undergrad. “Now, I feel comfortable reaching out, and that’s made a huge difference.”
Haylie also serves as president of the MSF Student Association, creating networking opportunities and site visits for her cohort. She looks forward to the program’s experiential learning trip to New York City and a wealth management course taught by Jake Eld, CIO at Sapient Wealth Management. “I love that this program connects us directly with professionals in the roles we aspire to.”
Outside the classroom, Haylie enjoys hiking Oregon’s scenic trails, exploring Eugene’s café scene, and reading fiction. Looking ahead, she hopes to launch her career in Denver, balancing professional growth with her love for the outdoors and proximity to family.
“I used to feel anxious when applying to jobs,” she says. “But now that I’ve found my passion, I feel confident and excited about the future.”