PhD another milestone for lifelong learner

Dr. Husna Memon considers herself a lifelong learner and now has a PhD in Finance from SFU’s Beedie School of Business to show for it.

Memon’s curiosity and drive led her to earn an MBA from the University of Wales, and then on to Vancouver to continue her studies. “I first joined SFU Beedie’s MSc Finance program to expand upon my knowledge base acquired through an MBA,” Memon explains.

“Following the completion of my MSc, I was eager to continue gaining fresh perspectives. I recognized that a doctorate program would give me the deeper insight into the complexities of finance that I craved, and allow me to contribute meaningfully to the field.”

SFU Beedie’s doctoral program met several of Memon’s criteria. The faculty’s expertise, particularly in areas aligned with her finance research interests, was a major draw. She also appreciated the low student-faculty ratio, knowing she would have ample opportunity to benefit from individualized attention from faculty members, and to collaborate with researchers.

Another deciding factor for Memon was the dynamic and welcoming campus. “SFU Beedie’s supportive and inclusive environment resonates with my own values and aspirations,” says Memon. “And, situated in the heart of downtown Vancouver, the campus thrives in one of the world’s most sought-after cities for livability and cultural richness,” she adds.

Memon’s research and dissertation explores three main questions. First, does the sentiment of the rich and poor matter for the performance of different types of firms? Second, can we use this sentiment heterogeneity across income groups to predict broader market-level outcomes? Third is a completely different question examining whether political leadership and advocacy influence institutional practices by specifically focusing on Canadian corporate boards.

Doctoral studies demand unwavering dedication and intellectual rigor, and Memon notes that progress isn’t always linear, making maintaining momentum during periods of uncertainty a challenge. “To overcome this, I focused on persistence and reframed setbacks as opportunities to refine and improve,” she says.

Although the past few years have been busy, exhausting, and challenging for Memon, her PhD experience is another confirmation of her capacity to learn and be more. “Each educational milestone has propelled me forward and reinforced my dedication to continual self-improvement,” she says.

Memon credits her supervisor, Amir Rubin, SFU Beedie professor of Finance, and Business and Society, for providing intellectual support and great mentorship that made a huge difference to her academic journey, as well as peers and other academics across departments.

As Memon reflects on her now completed doctoral experience, she has sage advice for current students. “In academia, there is often a significant amount of unseen effort,” she says. “We should acknowledge and appreciate our perseverance and dedication throughout the process, celebrating each milestone achieved along the way.”