Alumni Spotlight: Shiyan Chen, Duke FinTech ’22

Duke University’s Master of Financial Technology (FinTech) graduates are equipped with the technical, financial, and management expertise needed to lead financial innovation. One of those graduates is Shiyan Chen, Duke FinTech class of 2022. 

After graduation, Shiyan secured a role as a Data Analyst at Capital One. She turns raw data into actionable insights that guide key strategic decisions. She starts her workday by collecting and organizing large datasets from various internal platforms. From there, she cleans, processes, and explores the information using SQL and Python to uncover trends, anomalies, and patterns that can influence decisions ranging from product strategies to associate experience. Beyond hands-on analysis, Shiyan partners closely with product managers, engineers, researchers, and leadership teams to translate findings into meaningful recommendations. This could be incremental product improvements or forward-looking initiatives, such as evaluating new AI tools that could help Capital One maintain its edge of innovation. 

When reflecting on how the program prepared her for her current role, she mentioned how the program provided a strong foundation in financial service, as well as analytical, technical, and strategic thinking skills. Through the program, she learned advanced data manipulation techniques in Python and SQL, experimented with machine learning approaches to uncover insights, and honed her ability to communicate results effectively through clear data visualizations. The comprehensive analytical toolkit the program provided directly informs how she tackles complex datasets and drives impactful decisions in her current role. Additionally, the program encouraged her not to settle for quick answers. Instead, the students are encouraged to explore why certain patterns emerged, challenge conventional thinking, and remain open to new perspectives.

She also mentions how the program’s collaborative experiences—from hands-on team projects to the capstone projects—helped her learn how to effectively communicate complex ideas to a wide range of audiences. This skill has allowed her to not just present findings, but to frame them in ways that inspire others to think more deeply, ask more probing questions, and consider innovative angles. Shiyan does not just deliver reports. She shapes conversations that lead to more strategic, informed, and forward-looking decisions. 

As part of Duke FinTech’s first cohort, she mentions it is truly inspiring to see how the program and the community around it have grown over time. Shiyan mentions how the program has created a welcoming environment that feels just as supportive today as it did when she graduated, showing that the guidance Duke FinTech provides extends well beyond the classroom. She also mentions how as new specializations emerge, current students benefit from the program’s evolving coursework and collective knowledge of alumni. Over the years, Shiyan has seen the alumni network transform into a vibrant hub of mentorship, professional connections, and fresh ideas, creating an environment for learning and growth.  

If you are interested in any of our programs, please contact us at pratt_fintech@duke.edu.