How Did My ASBS MBA Journey Start?
My story begins with completing my graduation and pursuing an MBA. From graduating in math (with no connection to finance or accounting) to pursuing an MBA in finance at ASBS and starting a core finance career, my journey has been fascinating so far. Initially, I was a bit confused about my career, like most graduate freshers. I was unsure about my career path and direction. As I pursued the ASBS MBA, I developed a strong interest in numbers and analytics, as I was adept at numbers and calculations because of my math background. As I look back, I am proud that I made the right MBA decision, choosing an MBA in Finance, which gave me the clarity, career path, and growth I was aiming for.
Turning Point of My Life
I have started my journey for an MBA in finance after graduating in math (BSc in Mathematics). I excelled in mathematics, including complex calculations, formulas, problem-solving, and logical thinking. One of my professors introduced me to the MBA in finance. He guided me with the career path and the right MBA college for finance specialisation. I got interested in finance and an MBA. It became a turning point in my career. Honestly, I had no knowledge of commerce, accounting, economics, or finance at the beginning. But I dared to enter the world of finance. I was confident about my strong mathematical background. Analytical skills and problem-solving abilities were my strengths.
Why did I choose the ASBS MBA?
I was seeking an MBA program that would help me get core finance roles in Mumbai. I want an MBA in finance, which can help develop strong fundamentals. I did not want an MBA theory, but the MBA must provide industry exposure and a practical role with hands-on experience. ASBS MBA helped me develop a practical approach and industry readiness that eventually resulted in a core finance campus placement.
Why I was Nervous
Again, I was nervous and unsure if Math and MBA can go together. My B.Sc. math background has really helped me in my finance career. I had a mathematics background, and switching to an MBA in finance was a tough decision. Honestly, my math background was the greatest advantage. When my fellow students were struggling with numbers because the MBA in Finance is a number-intensive program, I was having a cake walk with numbers. I excelled in number-intensive subjects, such as statistics, business accounting, quantitative economics, finance, logical reasoning, and solving complex problems.
The Entrance Exam
The first hurdle was to clear the right entrance test for admission to the best MBA in finance. I wanted an MBA in finance in Mumbai or Maharashtra. I prepared myself for MH CET. A high CET score can help me get admission to a top MBA in finance college in Mumbai. CET is a very competitive exam. The CET cutoffs will determine which top-ranking college you will secure a seat in. In MH CET, last-minute preparation does not help. You can score high in CET with consistent practice, focus, and a plan. [add MH CET 2nd attempt link]
My Preparation Strategy
My MAH CET strategy is simple. I focus on the aptitude questions and practice the CET aptitude tests daily. I focused on completing two CET mock tests daily. I worked on improving speed and accuracy because CET does not have negative marking, so attempting most questions is the way to high scores. For MH CET, learning time management played a big role. Time management is critical for attempting the maximum number of questions in the logical reasoning and quantitative aptitude sections.
The Right Decision
Before choosing my master’s specialisation or ASBS MBA, I researched and collected feedback from my seniors, professors, and MBA consultants. I chose the ASBS MBA because it has 100% industry experts who prepare students for real jobs and industry-aligned roles from day one. My decision to join the ASBS MBA is because of its industry-aligned curriculum and 100% placement support, which starts from the 3rd semester.
How the ASBS MBA Helped
My two-year, exhaustive, and meaningful ASBS MBA journey was a great and complete learning experience with hands-on practical exposure. I became more confident not only because of my academic knowledge but also developed immense confidence to face the real-world challenges in my job role. Core finance is a very challenging career. I grew as a professional.
The Faculty – Industry Experts
At ASBS MBA, we had 100% industry experts as faculty. Our case studies and projects were all based on current and real-life scenarios. The faculty was very supportive, responsive, and helpful in our projects and queries. We participated in live projects, case studies, and practical research, which boosted our confidence to solve complex situations and problems at work. Our transitions from classrooms to placements were smooth. We had various career options and job roles to select from. It helped us choose the job role that matches our expertise and interests.
Career Opportunities after ASBS MBA
I chose MBA Finance to maximise career opportunities in the finance industry. Finance offers many career options. I was fascinated by multiple finance career opportunities that the ASBS MBA provided from the 3rd semester onward. Some of the career opportunities include investment roles, accounting, research and analysis, and operations. The more opportunities, the more scope for learning new things in finance, which attracted me.
My Advice for MBA Freshers
My personal advice is that if you are from accounting, finance, mathematics, statistics, or economics, if you love analyzing data, and if you are interested in financial systems, the ASBS MBA is for you. But be patient, detail-oriented, and willing to learn continuously.
My Experience at ASBS MBA
I am really satisfied with the knowledge I received at the ASBS MBA. This knowledge is helping me in my current role at Waystone. The concepts I studied are directly applied to my finance tasks. I can understand my job role and tasks. I can perform better.
My Placement
My placement was at Waystone, a reputed core finance company, and I am working in fund operations. My job requires in-depth financial knowledge and applications, accuracy, and focus. Currently, I am working on financial reports, maintaining accurate information, ensuring no errors, and that all financial data is accurate.
ASBS Curriculum
The ASBS MBA Finance curriculum played a big role in my career and helped me get a job at Waystone. The ideal blend of theory and practical, hands-on exposure differentiates the ASBS MBA curriculum from other MBAs. It helped me prepare well to face interview questions and made me more confident than at the start of my MBA. I took several mock interviews and attended guest section interviews comprising industry experts, which boosted my confidence. I was ready to face any interview questions related to core finance. I landed a job in finance.
What I Gained from the ASBS MBA
At ASBS MBA, I received critical skills in financial analysis, complex problem-solving, data analysis, and behavioural skills, such as teamwork and effective communication. These skills help you crack the interview and land a job in core finance. These skills are forever and help you become successful in the long run.
Parting Advice to Freshers
My advice for freshers aspiring for core finance jobs is to start with an MBA in finance and select a college with the best core finance placements for freshers. Stay dedicated, consistent, and focused during your MBA. Learn to gain practical knowledge through live projects, case studies, and industry exposure. Always look for opportunities in core finance industries. Finance is vast, specialise in a finance role that is in demand. With the right and focused effort, you can surely build a strong and successful career.
About the Author
Cenetra Fernandes is a finance professional and ASBS MBA alumna specializing in core finance roles. With a strong academic foundation in Mathematics and hands-on experience in fund operations at Waystone, she brings a practical perspective on building a career in finance as a fresher. Through her journey from a non-commerce background to the finance industry, she shares insights on MBA decision-making, skill development, and real-world career readiness.
