(Investment and Finance MSc, 2019)
What I like the most about my job is the fact that I must constantly keep abreast of the evolution of the market both locally and internationally and to analyse its impact on the performance of funds and securities. The market is now very dynamic especially with the massive use of technological tools and understanding how financial assets react to news is very interesting!
Could you tell me a bit about your current role at SICOM Group? What drew you to the role?
After completing my Masters, I joined the Investment Department of SICOM Group (Mauritius) under a Graduate Scheme. Being a CFA Level 2 candidate, this job position is ideal for me as there is a high correlation between my studies and the operations of the department. I currently work in the Analyst Team and some of my main responsibilities are to examine and assess economic and market trends, earnings prospects, and financial statements to derive meaningful information that help the team in decision making processes, to carry due diligence and draft investment papers when pitching for new funds and securities to invest in, keeping track of the prices and volumes traded of stocks in which the company invest in, among others. What I like the most about my job is the fact that I must constantly keep abreast of the evolution of the market both locally and internationally and to analyse its impact on the performance of funds and securities. The market is now very dynamic especially with the massive use of technological tools and understanding how financial assets react to news is very interesting!!!
Dance has enabled me to be confident, to adopt the right behaviour and attitude in life and to have the capacity to guide others.
Why did you choose to study the MSc in Investment and Finance? Why at Queen Mary?
While finance offers a lot of career paths to a graduate, I was inclined to the Investment field. MSc Investment and Finance was ideal for me as it comprised of modules that deepened my knowledge on technical aspects like valuation, asset management, portfolio construction among others.
I always wanted to study in London as it is a leading global financial centre and a city full of opportunities. While doing my research, I found that the courses offered by the School of Economics and Finance were among the best in the UK. Also, facilities provided by the school such as access to the Bloomberg Terminal, free subscription to publications like Financial Times and networking events with employers from top UK companies acted as a great aid to me.
How did you find moving to London for study? Was there anything that surprised you about the UK?
Moving to London for postgraduate studies was the time when I reaped the rewards of so many years of hard work. I was looking for this moment with a lot of enthusiasm and I was moving to this city with the thought that I need to excel in my studies but also enjoy every opportunity that the University and the city has to offer. Thanks to my uncle and aunt living in the UK, my transition to London was smooth as they helped me to settle in. When I was fully independent, a good planning always helped to manage my time between studies, household chores and physical exercise.
More than surprised, I was rather impressed by how technology has penetrated in every field and eased the lives of people in the UK. From banking transactions and payments to online shopping to the transport system, technology was present everywhere and enabled me to save a lot of time. It might sound crazy, but I really loved ordering products from Amazon.
Do you have any particular fond memories from your time at Queen Mary you would like to share?
The best times I have spent at Queen Mary are those with my FRIENDS. I met people from around the globe and always enjoyed moments of cultural exchange. I soon connected with some amazing people with whom I shared most of my “out-of-study” time. From cooking to shopping to praying to going on trips and dinners to watching movies to clubbing – I did them all with my friends. London would never have been the same without them. Even if today we are miles apart, I am blessed and grateful that they still stand by my side.
I understand you had some difficulties with your mental health whilst you were studying, how did you manage to improve this?
My journey in London was one with lots of ups and downs especially on the emotional side. Managing everything alone can at times be very tedious and when the pressure builds on, it becomes difficult to put everything back into place. Indeed, never did I imagine that I would suffer from mental breakdown prior to my exams as the study load was enormous and time was limited. I was nonetheless able to overcome this dark phase of my life by talking to people who I know would always give me the correct advice and guidance. The most efficient way to overcome a mental breakdown is by speaking it out to someone who can lift you out of this situation.
What advice would you give a current student or recent graduate considering their career options?
The advice that I would give to students or graduates is to be passionate about your work. Whether in the academic, non-academic, or professional field, being dedicated, sincere and honest towards one’s work is the key factor that will help a person in climbing the ladders and eventually attain success. The second advice pertains to extracurricular activities. It is important to hold on to something else in life besides our mainstream work. Be it sports, arts or music, it is vital to channelise our time and energy in a constructive way that will help us in our professional and social life.
In your academic or professional journey to date, what achievement are you most proud of?
The achievement that I am most proud of is to have completed my education (and still on-going) based on scholarships. Coming from a middle-income family, I had to strive at each step. Despite all the hardships faced, I paved my way to the elite with the support of my family and the persistent belief I have in my work. Being awarded the State of Mauritius Postgraduate Scholarship in 2018 is very dear to me as it enabled me to fly to UK for my Masters and live a life that I could never have afforded.
Could you tell me a bit about your passion for Indian Classical Dance, and how this has influenced your life?
I started learning Indian Classical Dance (Kathak) 12 years ago and never imagined that it would influence my life in so many aspects. While dance is a way for me to keep fit, it is also a medium of socialisation. Dance has enabled me to be confident, to adopt the right behaviour and attitude in life and to have the capacity to guide others. My teachers (Gurus) have also had a major influence in my life. The knowledge imparted by them was not merely restricted to the technical aspects of dance but reached to issues like life teachings, personality enhancement and aiming for excellence in life. After years of intense practice, dance taught me that the ability of overcome physical fatigue and to push oneself to go beyond our capacity resides in mental power.
Where do you see yourself in 2030?
On the professional side, I would like to see myself working as a Chartered Financial Analyst. As a person, I would like to be someone who can inspire and create an impact in people’s lives.
If you would like to get in touch with Goshilla or engage them in your work, please contact the Alumni Engagement team at alumni@qmul.ac.uk.