What was your study and/or professional background prior to this programme?
I completed my undergraduate degree in Production Engineering back in India 13 years ago and began my career as a mechanical engineer in a steel plant. After a brief stint in core engineering, I transitioned to the banking, financial services and insurance sector, first joining the insurance regulator in India and later the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), India’s central bank and banking regulator.
I have been working with the RBI for nine years in various capacities which gave me lots of insight into the area of financial supervision, financial inclusion and development, financial frauds and policy making. These experiences inspired me to pursue further studies in finance and deepen my understanding of the field from a global perspective.
Why did you choose to study at the University of Edinburgh Business School?
I decided to pursue a postgraduate degree in finance to support my professional development and broaden my perspective. The strong international reputation of the University of Edinburgh as well as the ranking of the MSc Finance and Investment programme made it a natural choice.
Beyond the academic side, I was drawn to Edinburgh itself. After years of living and working in large, bustling cities, I wanted to experience life in a city that offers the perfect balance between urban living and nature.
I also felt a personal connection to Scotland. Having grown up in Kolkata, a city with longstanding historical and cultural ties to Scotland, studying here felt especially meaningful and influenced my decision.
About the programme
What does a typical day look like for you on this programme?
A typical day on the programme usually involves two to three hours of lectures, with weekends and one weekday free from scheduled classes. The lectures are intensive, so I prefer to review the slides beforehand to make the most of them. I also make a point to study consistently rather than leaving everything until the exam period.
I make time every day for a walk through the Meadows. It is the perfect way to unwind after classes, and I never miss the chance to enjoy the beautiful sunsets of Edinburgh.
The programme is truly international in nature with my classmates coming from different corners of the world. I particularly remember the first end of term dinner in December where many of us had our first taste of ceilidh dancing.
What course(s) have you enjoyed the most so far and why?
I have particularly enjoyed several courses, each for different reasons. I enjoyed Financial Markets and Investment and Equity Valuation because of Dr Ronan Gallagher’s engaging teaching as well as the strong emphasis on applying theory to real-world financial markets.
I also enjoyed Corporate Finance. Before joining the programme, I found the subject quite intimidating, but Dr Kalsoom Jaffar’s supportive teaching helped me build both my understanding and confidence.
Another highlight has been Quantitative Techniques for Finance which was taught through two semesters. It gave me the opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of regression analysis and appreciate how quantitative methods are applied to real world financial problems.
Finally, Financial Development and Inclusion stood out for the interdisciplinary approach. It was fascinating to learn how culture, trust, legal institutions, governance and politics affect financial development across countries.
Student experience
Have you travelled to other parts of Scotland or the UK?
Yes, this has been one of the highlights of studying in Edinburgh.
So far, I have travelled through the Scottish Highlands covering Glencoe, Ben Nevis, Fort William, Cairngorms National Park and Loch Ness. I have also explored cities such as Glasgow, London and Belfast as well as charming towns including North Berwick, Alnwick and Berwick-upon-Tweed.
The Christmas markets in Edinburgh and York were memorable and well worth visiting if you are in the UK during the festive season. I am also looking forward to visiting the Isle of Skye and the Shetland Islands soon.
One of the best things about living in Edinburgh is its proximity to wonderful places. Destinations like Rosslyn Chapel, The Hermitage, Duddingston, and the Pentland Hills are all ideal for day trips.
Looking ahead
What are you hoping to do after you graduate from this programme?
After graduating, I will return to India and resume working at the RBI, continuing to serve the public. I will be working in one of the remotest corners of India bordering Myanmar and Bangladesh where I hope to contribute to advancing financial inclusion and development.
Beyond academic growth, my time in Edinburgh has been personally transformative.
Living here has given me the opportunity to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with a sense of purpose that had been overshadowed by the demands of everyday professional life. This year has been as much a journey of personal growth as it has been of academic learning.
I hope to take the knowledge, perspectives and experiences I have gained at the University of Edinburgh back with me and use them to make a meaningful difference to the lives of people.