91´óÉñ

The course

Why did you choose to study at the University of Edinburgh Business School (UEBS)?

I knew the MSc in Finance, Technology and Policy (FTP) programme would enable me to advance my career and improve my strategic thinking.

Your career

Can you tell us about your career before and after graduating?

Before studying, I had followed a product manager career path from Junior Product Manager to Lead Project Manager over about six years.

After graduation, I became a Senior Product Manager again (not a lead this time). Although it didn't seem like career progression, I took the role because it was for web3 space, a crypto exchange, which was my passion and it gave me the opportunity to advance my fintech skills. After a few months building my skills in this area, I moved to a new role as Senior Business Analyst at North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA).

I combined fintech and ESG expertise to support energy transition.

How did your degree prepare you for your career?

My MSc in Fintech and Policy exposed me to the workings of the stock market, applicable knowledge for crypto exchanges. As a result, when my company initiated a project to introduce US stock as an additional asset class, I was able to follow the direction from the C-level. My Masters helped me to shape and present my ideas, and when I was required to conduct detailed research to formulate funds, I could read and digest financial documents easily.

Masters of Change

What notable changes has your degree enabled you to make in your professional or personal life?

The broad, interrelated subjects I took during my degree, such as understanding Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) considerations in investment, and the people I met during the networking events, all inspired me and gave me confidence to apply for my next role and keep progressing in my career.

I also founded a community for solopreneurs, which propelled me towards meeting more entrepreneurs and inspired me for the next leap.

What are the changes you have been able to make in your chosen field, of which you are most proud?

In my first role after graduation, I introduced statistical models, such as the Markowitz model, and financial simulations for the in-house funds. I also applied Python for these models, using my data analytics skills to ensure data quality. I found my skills were quite unique and other teams didn’t have the same knowledge.

And now, combining my fintech expertise and academic knowledge with the pressing matter of ESG, I am proud to start a new role at NSTA where I can support energy transition in the oil and gas industry with high quality data.

How did your studies at the Business School help you to make those changes?

The programme introduced me to machine learning and Python skills which added nuance to what I can do in my role. It's not only about delivering results faster with higher quality but also about critical thinking and the ability to engage in critical financial discussions.

What key things that you learnt at the Business School do you still rely on today?

Confidence: I’ve learnt to just go for it and apply for roles I’m attracted to.

Networking skills: The basics were taught at UEBS and I continued practising these skills (so many times!) in personal and professional situations. These skills led me to feel more comfortable in the in-person interview for my new role. I have also seen the impact that these skills have had on my entrepreneurial projects.

Course highlights and advice

What are your best memories on the programme?

Getting selected for a client sourced dissertation with Predictiva.

Engaging with businesses including Morgan Stanley in Glasgow and the business trek with the FTP cohort to Germany where we visited fintech organisations including Stripe and Klarna.

Making lifelong friendships with my two flatmates in the Pentland student accommodation.

What one piece of advice would you give to current students and recent graduates?

To current students: immerse yourself in the activities run at the Business School as well as the student development sessions. These events sharpen your people skills, the kind that you need in real life, and help you to build friendships which might extend way beyond graduation.

To recent graduates: UEBS education prepares you to be an agent of change. For me, it means creating a sustainable business and working in the field that aligns with my values. Don’t fix your eyes on ideals, instead embrace what value your uniqueness can contribute to this world.