MBA Education Path to Diversity Scholar Profile: Saket Nigam
(One of a continuing series of profiles of participants in the MBA Education Path to Diversity (P2D) Scholarship Program, which enables employees from diverse backgrounds to advance their professional growth and career development.)
MBA NEWSLINK: Tell us about yourself.
SAKET NIGAM: I am Vice President of Capital Markets with RoundPoint Mortgage in Charlotte, N.C. I currently manage Secondary Marketing, MSR Pricing, MSR Valuation, and MSR Acquisitions for RoundPoint. I’ve been in the mortgage industry for seven years and was a rates trader for two years prior to starting in mortgages. I graduated from UNC Chapel Hill in 2010 and finished up by Charted Financial Analyst (CFA) in 2014.
NEWSLINK: How did you learn about the MBA Path to Diversity Program?
NIGAM: RoundPoint often circulates a lot of information regarding MBA activities to its employees and encourages industry and further education. I initially was hesitant to apply for the program, but after the MBA Future Leaders Program many of my peers were telling me that I should apply as they had received entered the program and it was helping them to complete more of the classes at the MBA they wished to pursue.
NEWSLINK: What inspired you to become more involved? Did a co-worker/supervisor/mentor encourage your participation?
NIGAM: I’ve generally always been a self-starter and someone who tries to take advantage of available opportunities. After the Future Leaders Program, I have been wanting to pursue the CMB designation and as such I feel it pertinent to be a more active participant in the MBA. RoundPoint management has been very helpful in allowing me the time for furthering my commitment to my education and industry participation.
NEWSLINK: Did you find the application process to be user-friendly?
NIGAM: The application process was relatively straight forward and quick to complete. The item that was the most tedious was the Personal Statement.
NEWSLINK: How has the Path to Diversity scholarship benefited you, personally and professionally?
NIGAM: The Path to Diversity scholarship has allowed me to register for the School of Mortgage Banking I class. I was scheduled to take the class earlier this year, but with the complications of COVID-19 I’ve pushed the class back. Personally, being a part of this program is helping me continue to grow myself and constantly push myself to explore the industry more. Professionally, I expect to grow my network and help push the industry to continue to change.
NEWSLINK: What have you been able to bring back to your company as a result of the Path to Diversity program?
NIGAM: After the Future Leaders Program, I was able to convince RoundPoint to take a more active role in the MBA. I learned of far more activities that we did not participate in as a company, which definitely benefit RoundPoint employees and the RoundPoint brand. My continuance in working with the MBA thru the Path to Diversity program will not only further RoundPoint’s role in MBA but also it will likely open the door to more people actively trying to join the program.
NEWSLINK: What would you say to someone considering applying for a Path to Diversity scholarship?
NIGAM: I think the mortgage industry is ripe for change, and diversity is one avenue that this change needs to come thru. The Path to Diversity scholarship is an opportunity to take advantage of the MBA’s classroom and conference offerings and further expand the impact that one can make to the industry.
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About the MBA Path to Diversity Scholarship Program
The Path to Diversity Scholarship Program recognizes existing industry professionals who are seeking to advance their careers through continuing education. Recipients receive a voucher to cover course registration fees, up to a maximum of $2,000, for popular MBA Education courses and designation programs. This education opportunity enables employees from diverse backgrounds to advance their professional growth and career development.
MBA recognizes that a strong, responsible and sustainable real estate finance industry requires a workforce that is reflective of our society at large.
For more information about the Path to Diversity Scholarship Program, click https://www.mba.org/conferences-and-education/mba-education/path-to-diversity.
