Alumni profile: MSc in Finance

Name: Akash Uchil 
Degree: Masters in Finance
Year of Graduation: 2006
Place of Study: University of Lancaster
Current place of employment: Ernst and Young, India
Current position/job title: Business Consultant

Akash Uchil has experienced first hand how a Masters in Finance can progress a career. Working as a junior consultant in Ernst and Young in India for three years, Akash then studied at the University of Lancaster in the UK. He's now a Business Consultant.

The highlights are the decision-making of extensive financial investments for clients and also the analysis of the financial structure with in-flow and out-flow of cash.

My job (as a business consultant at Ernst and Young) mainly involves assisting in financial research for our clients and drafting a rough financial structure for approval of our clients various projects. The highlights are the decision-making of extensive financial investments for clients and also the analysis of the financial structure with in-flow and out-flow of cash.

As Akash talks about his job and the finance industry, it's easy to see he's in his element. Finance and accountancy have always been a subject of interest to me and I was rather good at it too, therefore a masters in the same seemed attractive enough especially with a growing need of employees in the financial services' sector.

When he came to study for his masters degree in the UK in 2005, Akash partially funded it himself from the savings he had acquired during his work with Ernst and Young. The remainder of his fees were paid by a relative who eventually wants to hand his family business to Akash.

The core module, and most important part of Akash's masters was strategy, but he feels that he also acquired many other skills in different areas. Akash learnt and tested his leadership skills when he was asked to manage groups in several different assignments. He also had to be a good team player and yet be able to work autonomously and be aware of, and sensitive to cultural differences.

These skills have also prepared Akash to cope with the challenges of his job:  the responsibility of looking after millions of dollars worth of investments made by clients and also analysing the long-term effects of pay backs and profits. He also feels prepared for career opportunities in the financial sector. A business consultant can later go on to become a senior, after which he can become part of the management. From here he can carry on to open another office under the same head, or he can open his own consultancy.

His advice to others considering a Masters in Finance: "I would suggest that young professionals work for a few years, then pursue a masters before working again. There are rising opportunities out there for highly educated and skilled employees".