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When it came time to choose my university programme, I found myself deciding between Accounting and Financial Economics. Many people advised me to pursue Accounting because it was considered the safer and more conventional choice. However, I have always believed in pursuing what genuinely interests me rather than simply following the crowd.

As I explored the modules offered by both programmes, Financial Economics immediately stood out. I have always been fascinated by mathematics and have enjoyed learning about how businesses operate, make decisions, and grow. The combination of economics, finance, and analytical thinking felt like the perfect fit, so I followed my instincts. Looking back, I have never regretted that decision.

The knowledge I gained throughout my degree has been directly applicable to my career in corporate banking. Modules covering financial analysis, ratio analysis, and the interpretation of audited financial statements provided me with a strong technical foundation long before I entered the workforce. When I began analysing companies professionally, many of the concepts already felt familiar, allowing me to adapt much more quickly to the job's demands.

Even today, those foundations continue to benefit me. As I prepare for the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Level 1 examination, I find that many of the topics build naturally upon what I learned during my degree. Combined with several years of practical banking experience, this knowledge has continued to compound over time, making both my studies and my day-to-day responsibilities more meaningful and easier to understand.

Interestingly, banking was never part of my original career plan. After graduating, I completed a six-month internship as an Accounts Receivable Analyst at an oil and gas company's shared services centre. Although the experience taught me valuable workplace skills, the work was repetitive, and I quickly realised it was not the career path I wanted to pursue.

During that period, I applied for several management trainee programmes. One of those opportunities was with a bank, and to be honest, I was initially unsure whether I should even attend the interview. My mother encouraged me to keep an open mind and simply hear what the interviewers had to say. That advice changed the course of my career.

During the interview, I had the opportunity to speak with experienced banking professionals who explained that corporate banking was much more than approving loans. It involved understanding different industries, analysing businesses, identifying opportunities, and helping companies achieve their growth ambitions. That conversation immediately captured my interest. I realised that every client and every business would present a unique challenge, offering continuous opportunities to learn. Three years later, I still enjoy that aspect of my work. Every day brings something different, and I continue to discover new industries and business models.

One achievement I remain especially proud of is being selected as a Management Trainee at my first bank. Competing alongside approximately fifty candidates and earning a place in the programme was an incredibly rewarding moment. It reinforced my confidence and marked the beginning of a career that has challenged me, developed me, and provided opportunities to grow professionally.

Beyond my own career development, I believe corporate banking allows me to make a meaningful contribution to society. By helping businesses obtain the financing they need to expand, invest, and create employment opportunities, I play a small role in supporting economic growth. It is rewarding to know that the work I do can positively impact businesses and, in turn, the wider community.

One of the greatest takeaways from my time at Sunway Business School was learning how to analyse financial statements and understand how businesses make financing decisions, whether through debt or equity. Those concepts remain fundamental to my work today and continue to shape how I assess companies and make recommendations.

Although my university experience took place during the COVID-19 pandemic and my cohort consisted of only twelve students, it was still a memorable chapter of my life. The small class size created a close-knit learning environment where we were able to interact more personally with our lecturers and support one another despite the challenges of remote learning. It reminded me that meaningful learning is not defined by the size of the classroom but by the quality of the education and the people around you.

Looking back, choosing Financial Economics was one of the best decisions I have ever made. It gave me the confidence to pursue a career aligned with my interests, equipped me with practical skills that remain relevant today, and laid the foundation for continuous professional growth. My journey has reinforced one simple lesson: following your passion, while remaining committed to lifelong learning, can lead to opportunities you never imagined.

Edited by
Dr Arumugam Muthusamy
Sunway Business School
Email: @email