BMOCM Lime Scholar Spotlight: Matthew Turner
Matthew Turner is a Lime Connect Fellow (Class of 2019) and BMOCM Lime Scholar. He's currently a junior majoring in Mathematics and Computer Science at MIT. Read about how the BMOCM Lime Scholarship helped him gain confidence and tackle real-world problems this summer.
What sparked your interest in applying for the BMO Capital Markets Lime Connect Equity Through Education Scholarship?
I first learned of the BMOCM scholarship when I attended a Lime Connect event at my school’s disability services office. College is not cheap, and I knew that receiving this scholarship would allow me to focus more of my time on my studies and less time on working a part-time job.
How has the scholarship helped advance your education?
I was able to quit my job phoning alumni and asking for donations and instead pick up a campus research position where I learned a lot about computer vision. This experience complemented the machine learning class I took the following semester. I gained confidence in knowing that I could implement many of the concepts I learned in class to tackle real-world problems.
If currently working or interning, how has the scholarship helped support your professional advancement?
I worked in Israel this summer as a Research Assistant at Bar-Ilan University. Although MIT covered most expenses, I did not receive a salary. This scholarship allowed me to participate in this program without having to take on a paid summer job. I was able to help my professor create models for a research paper he is writing, which happens to be at the intersection of Computer Science and Economics - my fields of study. The experience has been invaluable in advancing my vocational goals.
Do you have any advice for prospective applicants?
Apply! Even if you don’t think you have the qualifications, there may be a space for you! I think last year I read a post very similar to this one and thought, “There’s no way I can match this person’s accomplishments.” Yet we all have a unique story to tell and amazing achievements we’ve completed. I think if you can talk about your studies, work experience, and side projects with confidence and passion, you have a great chance at success!
The BMO Capital Markets Lime Connect Equity Through Education Scholarship is open to undergraduate or graduate students who are interested in a career in Financial Services (focus on Capital Markets preferred) and are currently pursuing a degree in business or a STEM-related discipline. Selected recipients will receive $10,000 USD (students in the US) or $5,000 USD (students in Canada) to support their future studies. Click here to learn more.
[This article originally appeared in September 2019.]