“Stern’s fintech program felt tailor-made, with an incredible innovation-driven curriculum
and a global take that promised (and delivered) to expand my mind and help me discover valuable new perspectives.”
“I have always had a soft spot for technology and its power to transform how people interact with their environments and ultimately improve their lives,” says Manuel Dominguez, MSFT Class of 2024, reflecting on the career path that led him to Stern’s MSFT program. That career path has wound through operating roles in startups and investment roles in VC and PE funds. This oscillation has given him a better understanding of the entrepreneurial ecosystem's ins and outs and primed him for Stern’s advanced degree.
Recently, after graduating from Stern’s MSFT, Manuel joined Okticket, an early-stage startup in Mexico to lead its partnerships strategy across the region’s fintech landscape. He recently spoke with Stern about what continues to excite him about fintech, how Stern will help him contribute to the field, and the immediate value the program has given his career.
Where were you in your career when you decided to pursue this MSFT program? Why did you choose Stern over other avenues?
Before joining Stern, I wanted to transition professionally and find a new challenge that woud become a game-changer in the long run. However, I knew that I wanted to double down on the power of technology to provide security, opportunity, and connectivity across financial services in Latin America. Stern’s fintech program felt tailor-made, with an incredible innovation-driven curriculum and a global take that promised (and delivered) to expand my mind and help me
discover valuable new perspectives.
Why was now the moment to invest in yourself?
I wanted to take a ‘professional breather’ to zoom out and broaden what I thought was possible before taking the next step. Stern’s fintech program had the ideal system and framework to foster an environment of continuous learning and growth. This ultimately helped me unravel previously hidden paths that I was unaware of.
What excites you about the field of fintech at the moment, and how do you see yourself contributing to the field? How will your experience at Stern help you make that contribution?
Technology has the power to make financial services more accessible. Innovative business models across fintech are working to raise bridges that help underserved communities elevate their quality of life. I aim to eliminate barriers in Latin America, enabling the construction of these bridges to create a meaningful and lasting impact. Stern’s fintech program amplified the skills and tools at my disposal to work towards this goal. The classroom’s vibrant and thought-provoking atmosphere continuously challenged my ways of thinking and broadened my perspective. This dynamic has helped me understand and identify new realms of possibilities in the fintech space.
What immediate value-add have you seen from the program for your career?
My skill set was an immediate value add. Some of the most significant skills I gained in the program revolved around analyzing and interpreting data to build models that generated valuable insights across the financial services industry. These skills significantly enhanced my decision-making process, from capital budgeting to product delivery.
Stern’s MSFT program has forged me into an Automatic Clearing House (which you learn about in the program) that merges the siloed communication between technology and finance that many businesses operate with. The program amplified my knowledge and literacy across both worlds. This ultimately opened doors for me as a generalist who understands the complete picture of a fintech product and has strong enough foundations to dive deeper into any given block.
What three words would you use to describe your experience with Stern?
Disruptive, thought-provoking, fun.