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The course

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

The University of Edinburgh is very reputable with a top QS world-wide ranking and the MSc Finance programme covered subjects that were essential to me to advance my study of finance.

In addition, staff at the Business School were friendly. They had a chat with me about the course and guided me in the application process. The tuition fee and accommodation costs were also more affordable compared to universities based in London.

What was it about the degree programme that particularly attracted you?

The MSc Finance programme is only one year. That was an ideal length of time for me to finish further study and re-join the job market again. The programme also covered subjects in corporate finance, investment and mergers and acquisitions, which were some of the topics I was particularly interested in.

Your career

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

I joined Accenture after graduation. Over the past four years, I’ve had a clear career path and also regular career progression in the firm.

My Masters enabled me to move into strategy consultancy in Blockchain technologies.

How did your degree prepare you for your career?

My Masters degree gave me both analytical and soft skills to handle complex projects. I am able to engage with colleagues and clients with high adaptability and flexibility.

The business treks to Dublin and London were both very useful for me to explore the working environment and culture for firms based in the UK and Ireland.

In addition, subjects like statistics for finance, quantitative research methods in finance and equity valuation prepared me with extensive knowledge, research and analytical skills to perform and digest a huge amount of information into insights for various senior stakeholders.

Masters of Change

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

Professionally, it helped me develop my team spirit as well as my analytical, problem-solving and interpersonal skills necessary to work on various client opportunities and with different team members.

It also shaped me as a professional in the finance field, which massively increased my confidence working in that sector.

Personally, it offered me an opportunity to stay in the UK and live in London with freedom and peace and to enjoy an inclusive and diverse culture. London is a vibrant city with a lot of opportunities to meet new friends and engage in a lot of fun activities.

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

I have leveraged my solid finance knowledge and strategy consulting skills to create innovative solutions for clients.

I have also been involved in a variety of projects including an initiative to promote financial inclusion. I was able to make an impact by providing valuable insights from extensive research and numerous key stakeholder interviews in the public and private sectors.

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

Firstly, it deepened my knowledge in finance with the subjects I selected and insights taught by professors.

Secondly, it nurtured my soft skills such as leadership, team work, problem-solving and communication skills which are essential to work in various client projects.

Lastly, the exposure that the Business School gave me - for example the London trek, mentoring, career advice and activities outside of study - were instrumental in enabling me to grow professionally as well as provide support to others.

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

The finance knowledge obtained from the Masters degree has improved my financial literacy and allowed me to leverage my knowledge professionally and personally.

In addition, the people skills learnt are crucial for socialising and networking at work or in the community.

Course highlights and advice

What are your best memories on the programme?

I particularly remember the Christmas dinner we had at the Balmoral Hotel, where I tasted haggis for the first time and tried Scottish dancing. It was an unforgettable time spent with classmates to mingle and have a fun time outside the classroom!

Other highlights include watching the rugby and enjoying the Fringe and Festival at summer time… they were all amazing.

I really liked how diverse and intelligent my classmates were. I was able to have group assignment with students from different countries, who were open-minded and talented. I learnt a lot from working with them!

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

Make sure you choose the things that you're interested in and passionate about. Never give up on it. Opportunities come for people who are prepared!