MA International Relations-Visual Culture, 2015 From Aberdeen to FinTech
Your Time at Aberdeen
Why did you choose to study at Aberdeen? I had always wanted to study in English and at a university with great ancient traditions which also combines modern learning methods. I found that Aberdeen was just that - great medieval buildings blended in with modern and tech-savvy architecture, creating a dynamic atmosphere for international students.
Why did you choose your particular course? At that time I had felt that understanding politics, economy and culture would give you a very broad yet insightful view of the world. Since the world of knowledge is boundless, I strongly believed that having a broader perception of different subjects was crucial to making sound decisions.
If you were involved in any clubs and societies as a student, what did you enjoy most about them and what benefit do you think they have for students? I was a section Editor for The Gaudie student newspaper which was the most exciting experience. I remember myself in the first year looking at the newspaper and thinking how great it would be to write for it.
As my course progressed, I got more and more involved with the newspaper. Then in my 4th year I was elected as the Life and Style Editor, which allowed me to forward the vision of student lifestyle by introducing the student community to new societies, volunteering opportunities and surprising career paths undertaken by fellow classmates.
Your Time After Aberdeen
What was the title of your first job after graduating from Aberdeen? Associate at a high street bank in the United Kingdom.
What did your first role involve? My first role was working on regulatory projects, which basically meant getting things right and meeting strict deadlines. I remember walking into the office, inside an impressive ten-floor building made of glass, thinking how big the banking industry actually is.
What is your current job title? Head of Operational Risk at e-money institution.
What is your current role? My current role involves leading strategic business projects, performing impact assessments, tracking all our interactions with customers and corporate clients, and arranging trainings for operational colleagues and senior leaders. For me, training is the part that gives me the best insights as to where the organisation is and shows me how ready we are to introduce new projects and products. Furthermore, it helps me to identify our talent growth, as driven people are the most essential thing for success in any business.
Was your degree at Aberdeen essential for getting to where you are now? If so, in what way? Critical and creative thinking is key for solving business problems or finding ways to transform various threats into opportunities. I believe I had great lectures and seminars at the University of Aberdeen which taught me just that.
Did you study any professional qualifications at other institutions? I have also completed professional qualifications in compliance, banking, information technology and project management. Indeed, I am currently doing one more course because you just need to refresh your knowledge and deepen your understanding on various new things.
One Top Tip
Constant learning is something set in stone for life, even after university. Embrace it.
