Sekar Langit MSc

The course

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

After researching programmes, I chose the UEBS MSc in Finance, Technology and Policy (FTP) programme as I felt it 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 for about six years.

After graduation, I took the role of Senior Product Manager because it was for web3 space, a crypto exchange, where my passion lay. It allowed me to advance my fintech skills.

After a few months building my skills in this area, I moved to a new role of Senior Business Analyst at the 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 Finance, Technology and Policy exposed me to the workings of the stock market, applicable to crypto exchanges. When my company at the time initiated a project to introduce the US stocks as an additional asset class, I was able to contribute different fund strategies to the C-level.

My Masters helped me to shape and present my ideas, and I could read and digest financial documents easily. In addition to the technical skills, my business attitude, communication and leadership skills have also proved valuable.

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 keep progressing in my career.

I also dabbled in various entrepreneurial activities, such as entering a few competitions when at the Business School and pitching for various projects in the UK web3 communities.

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 worked with Python for these models, using my data analytics skills to ensure data quality. I found my skills were fairly unique and I enjoyed sharing my knowledge with others.

My current role requires my senior expertise in project management and business analysis to support the energy transition in the oil and gas industry. I’ve incorporated more automation in the project management business processes and improved parts of the business analysis aspects.

It’s quite interesting because before working in tech product management, I’d been in the energy industry (an engineering service company) for years. My current role allows me to combine my knowledge from the engineering field, with that from finance, technology and policy. It provides healthy challenges, and I enjoy feeling that I am one of the workers who will shape the UK’s future energy landscape.

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

For my fintech product manager role, the programme introduced me to machine learning and Python skills, which added nuance to what I could do in my role. As for my business analyst role, the skills I learned from the Student Development Team have enabled me to approach senior stakeholders to introduce changes.

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

Striving for excellence: From turning in assignments and my dissertation, to presenting myself in a business-like manner, I continue to make excellence part of who I am.

Networking skills: The basics were taught at UEBS and I continued practising these skills (so many times!) in personal and professional situations.

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 life, such as working in a field that aligns with my values and routines. Dare to be the change you’d want to see in the world.