From a Strong Foundation in Finance at ASBS to a Core Finance Career
Why and How It Started?
If you love playing with numbers, have strong analytical skills, and an eye for detail, a finance career is for you. I always wanted to build a meaningful career in finance from the start of my academic journey. I was proficient with numbers, data, and analytical skills, had sound knowledge of finance, and the financial decision-making process. It helped me remain motivated in the long run to become a niche finance professional. Now, after PGDM Finance, I can say that every step I have taken has contributed to and shaped my career in finance.
My Journey at ASBS
My journey at the ASBS MBA started after completing my Bachelor of Management Studies (BMS). After my 12th, I graduated with a BMS because I wanted to learn the basics of business and finance. In BMS, I was introduced to accounting, financial management, and economics. Exposure to these subjects increased my interest in finance. I chose finance as my specialization because I knew I could make a career that I would enjoy.
My Learnings at ASBS
I thought that a PGDM in Finance would be the right next step for me. I wanted to gain a better understanding of concepts such as financial analysis, investment strategies, and corporate finance. Through my academic programs, particularly Financial Modelling, Financial Markets, Wealth Management, and Business Research, I have gained both theoretical and practical exposure.
I have published a research paper on microfinance awareness in tribal communities, where I developed my analytical and research skills. Through this experience, I understood how financial constraints operate in the real world and the challenges and importance of financial inclusion.
My Projects at ASBS
One of the most valuable learning experiences throughout my whole PGDM has been working on a Hedge Fund Accounting and NAV Valuation project. In this project, I built a financial model for a hedge fund with $1.5 million in funding from two investors.
I calculated NAV (Net Asset Value) under a high-water mark structure in management and performance fees. Besides, I was involved with month-end journal entries, investor subscriptions, profit & loss allocation, and expense accruals. It was in this project that I gained practical experience in fund accounting, valuation, and investor reporting.
I also served as a ZED Facilitator intern at Saisha Electrical in their MSME ZED Certification. My work was to document and create awareness of the Zero Defect Zero Effect (ZED) standard. Through this project, I understood that operational efficiency and compliance drive business growth.
Leadership Skills
As I gained academic and professional experience during my ASBS MBA, I was also involved in leadership and extracurricular activities. My appointment as the first female General Secretary was a proud moment for me. In this role, I learned and developed leadership, decision-making, and organizational skills. I have also worked on the placement committee and participated in NSS activities. It helped me develop my teamwork skills and communicate effectively.
Core Finance Skills
My Core Finance Skills Throughout my ASBS PGDM course, I learnt skills like Financial Analysis, Data Interpretation, Problem-Solving, Communication, and Strategic Thinking. In addition, my skills in MS Excel and research have helped me analyze financial data. As I progressed in my career, I desired to contribute to business growth, finance process improvement, and strategic decision-making within the finance sector. I believe that academics, along with practical exposure and leadership opportunities I received during the ASBS MBA, have equipped me to take up real-world challenges.
My Suggestions to Aspiring ASBS MBA Finance Students.
My first advice for students who want to make a finance startup a career choice. Stick to fundamentals and practice more. Get involved in real projects and internships, the right course, and extracurricular activities. The right course will actively help you grow as a professional. The right mindset, up-to-date knowledge, and consistency can bring excellent career prospects in the finance domain. I am still on my journey, but every new experience is helping me attain what I want.
