Uniform and University: How Financial Engineering Aligns with Military Service

Economics and Management News - mano.vilniustech.lt University news June 30, 2025
My story should inspire many, as the discipline, responsibility, and strategic thinking I developed while serving in the Lithuanian Armed Forces became the formula for success in my university studies.
 
While serving in the Lithuanian Armed Forces, in the Infantry Brigade "Žemaitija" of the Grand Hetman of Lithuania Jon Karol Chodkiewicz, I held the position of senior budget officer in the budget department and successfully completed my Master's studies in Financial Engineering at VILNIUS TECH. I chose the Financial Technologies (FinTech) specialization, and the studies were conducted in English. I graduated with distinction – awarded a Magna Cum Laude diploma.
 
The studies were intensive, but they followed a hybrid model – lectures were online, while exams were held in person. This allowed me to combine military service with academic commitments. The discipline, responsibility, and strategic thinking I learned in the military greatly contributed to my academic achievements. This experience inspired me to continue my academic journey through doctoral studies and to pursue a PhD degree.
 
The Master’s in Financial Engineering program at the VILNIUS TECH Faculty of Business Management is focused on current market needs and offers the opportunity to specialize in one of three areas – investment management, anti-money laundering, or financial technologies. Students gain a strong theoretical foundation and practical skills that help solve real-world financial problems. The program covers both public and private sector topics, teaches how to properly apply quantitative research methods, analyze data, and use innovative solutions.
 
Skills acquired in military service can successfully serve both academic and professional pursuits. Even under challenging circumstances, it is possible to pursue academic goals, and the experience gained in the military can be effectively applied in the academic world.

PhD candidate at the Department of Financial Engineering,

Faculty of Business Management, VILNIUS TECH – Mantas Bertulis

Related news

VILNIUS TECH hosted the annual International Staff Week “Internationalisation 360°”
VILNIUS TECH hosted the annual International Staff Week “Internationalisation 360°”
From 20–24 April, VILNIUS TECH hosted the annual International Staff Week “Internationalisation 360°”, organised by the International Relations Office. This year, the event welcomed a record number of 66 participants from 24 countries (across Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America) and 42 universities, including academics, researchers, and representatives of international and other administrative departments. The International Staff Week became the first event dedicated to celebrating VILNIUS TECH’s jubilee. Participants recorded congratulatory messages for the 70th anniversary, which were compiled into a short video. Throughout the week, VILNIUS TECH’s faculties and units, its achievements, and its international activities were presented through interactive methods, offering a 360-degree perspective: studies, research, projects, university -industry collaboration, initiatives for the city and local community, as well as achievements, success stories, and challenges. We received extremely positive feedback from participants: “Honestly, I came here expecting a conference. What I got instead was far more memorable!...I arrived with certain assumptions about STEM people, and you systematically dismantled every single one of them. The gamification, the playful interaction design, the way you turned what could have been the sterile presentations into genuine human moments of connection and bonding…” “I’d like to thank the organisers of the event at VILNIUS TECH, for letting me take part in such a remarkable event, for excellence, for the organization, the care and warmth! “It was a truly valuable experience, well-structured, insightful, and at the same time very welcoming and friendly. … we genuinely had a productive and meaningful time: exchanging ideas, building new connections, and gaining inspiration for future cooperation!... Creative workshops, games, and discussions helped to establish new connections and strengthen ties with long-standing VILNIUS TECH partners. We believe that these connections will foster new initiatives with partner universities abroad and contribute to increasing the international visibility of VILNIUS TECH.
More