Published
Blog type
Manushri Jain, MSc Finance (2022) offers an insight into her experience studying at Imperial College Business School. She shares how this Master’s programme has transformed her global perspective and cross-cultural competencies, as well as opening doors for her career in finance. Manushri highlights what being a woman in finance means to her; she touches on the drive and talents of extraordinary women in her Imperial cohort, providing a strong sense of community.
As an ambitious young Indian woman, I aspired to have global impact in a future-oriented industry. The field combined my interests in mathematics, problem-solving, global affairs and strategic decision making.
Nationality: Indian
Undergraduate education: BSc Finance, NMIMS, Mumbai
Company and role: Ernst and Young LLP, Associate, Lead Advisory
Why I chose Imperial College Business School
I was always fascinated by London and the global possibilities it held, which motivated me to apply for my Master's there. Imperial College Business School is one of the most coveted choices offering not only a competitive start to my career but also the kind of multinational exposure I was looking for. Specifically, Imperial stood out to me for its excellence in finance education, its focus on responsible business practices, and its diverse student community.
Additionally, studying alongside classmates from over 20 countries created an enriching cross-cultural experience that has helped me succeed in an increasingly globalised financial sector. I was able to gain diverse perspectives and build a multinational professional network. The collaborative environment also prepared me well for teamwork in fast-paced London.
My post-graduate achievements
Professionally, my MSc Finance has opened doors to respected finance roles, like my previous position as a Quantitative Analyst at Tudor Investment Corporation as well as my current post in the Lead Advisory division at Ernst & Young. In both jobs, I have developed specialised technical skills and leadership abilities that have accelerated my career within quantitative analysis and advisory services in the London financial sector.
On a personal level, my degree truly transformed my global perspective and cross-cultural competencies. Studying alongside such an internationally diverse group of peers expanded my worldview. I learned to communicate, collaborate, and solve problems more effectively with individuals from varying backgrounds. This has served me well in succeeding within multinational corporations in London's diverse financial district.
Additionally, through Imperial's focus on ethical business practices, I deepened my commitment to using my finance skills responsibly. As I progress professionally, I strive to bring both technical excellence and steadfast integrity to my work. Overall, my Master’s from Imperial College Business School has equipped me with the hard and soft skills to continue making positive impacts in global finance.
Witnessing the drive and talents of these extraordinary women gave me a strong sense of community and reaffirmed my commitment to female advancement in the field. Although barriers persist, I emerged from Imperial College Business School feeling equipped, emboldened and responsible to champion women leadership in global finance.
What I valued the most
What I valued most was the immense breadth and depth of financial subjects I was able to study. From corporate finance, investment banking, and financial econometrics to specialised topics like PE, VC, and M&A—Imperial offered an incredibly wide selection. I tailored my curriculum to pursue diverse facets of finance.
This wide range of electives gave me versatility and allowed me to discover my passions within the field. Ultimately, it equipped me with multi-dimensional finance skills that set me apart in securing coveted roles. The vast finance education was truly invaluable preparation for leadership positions in global financial firms in London. I emerged ready to add value across banking domains—and that flexible expertise is what I treasure most from Imperial.
Why I chose a career in Finance
I chose finance as a career because I have always been fascinated by financial markets and excited by the fast-paced, challenging nature of the industry. During my undergraduate economics studies, I discovered I had an aptitude for numbers, modelling, and data analysis. Finance built upon those strengths perfectly while allowing me to remain closely connected to business operations.
Additionally, entering Finance opened doors to work internationally. As an ambitious young Indian woman, I aspired to have global impact in a future-oriented industry. The field combined my interests in mathematics, problem-solving, global affairs and strategic decision making. With possibilities to specialise across banking, investments, financial advisory and more—I knew finance could be dynamic and intellectually stimulating over the long run.
Most attractive, however, was finance’s potential for positive change on both micro and macro levels. Helping businesses grow sustainably, enabling trade across borders, designing inclusive financial products—the field facilitates economic prosperity. I felt called to be part of that. Finance empowers visionaries, uplifts communities, and transforms industries for the better. That ability to drive progress both locally and globally is what truly drew me in.
What it means to me to be a woman in finance
Being a woman in finance fills me with a sense of responsibility to forge paths for other women and represent our capabilities within a male-dominated industry. I recognise the unique challenges women face regarding career progression, work-life balance, compensation equity and more in banking. And I aim to lead by example in overcoming systemic barriers.
Seeing my classmates balance internships and family life while excelling academically motivated me to bring my best self as a woman forging new paths in the industry. Other peers went on to secure competitive banking and fintech roles, further widening the door for women in finance.
Witnessing the drive and talents of these extraordinary women gave me a strong sense of community and reaffirmed my commitment to female advancement in the field. Although barriers persist, I emerged from Imperial College Business School feeling equipped, emboldened and responsible to champion women leadership in global finance. I strive to represent the capabilities of women in the industry and open even more opportunities for the next generation.
Imperial’s support for my career ambitions
Imperial College Business School supported my career ambitions in numerous impactful ways. Firstly, the rigorous finance curriculum and specialised concentrations prepared me with cutting-edge technical abilities that set me apart. Through electives in financial modelling, econometrics, risk management and more—I developed versatile skillsets tailored to thrive in London’s dynamic financial sector.
Additionally, the Business School’s ties to top global banks and firms opened pathways to coveted internships and jobs. From resume workshops to exclusive networking events, I gained access to firms I had dreamed of working for. The career coaching also helped me articulate my value powerfully. Leveraging those connections and learning how to effectively promote my expertise were instrumental in landing roles after graduation.
Furthermore, Imperial’s focus on holistic development made me well-rounded. Presentation trainings, leadership workshops, ethics cases and group assignments not only boosted my hard skills but also communication abilities, emotional intelligence and moral compass—qualities vital for impactful finance leadership.
By fuelling me with multidimensional talents grounded in ethics, Imperial empowered me to bring technical excellence and compassion to advance responsible, inclusive finance globally. I emerged perfectly equipped to match the needs of leading corporations while staying true to my ambition of driving progress through finance. For nurturing that, I am tremendously grateful.
My advice for women
Firstly, have confidence in yourself and your capabilities. Imperial's programmes are rigorous, but if you have a strong quantitative background and interest in business, you have what it takes. Use the application to accentuate your unique passions within finance, whether in banking, sustainability, fintech or beyond.
Additionally, leverage all the support available if admitted. Seek out mentors like the incredible female finance faculty who can offer insights on thriving in this space as a woman. Attend Imperial's career fairs and resume workshops to land competitive internships that open doors. And get involved with clubs like the Women in Business Society which provide community and empower you further. These clubs also offer opportunities to connect with peers from all our programmes and attend events hosted by inspiring female leaders.
Finally, appreciate that you'll be forging new paths for other women. Finance needs more diverse perspectives and ethical leaders. Leverage this opportunity to find your voice and develop solutions to complex global issues. Let the women peers that inspire you motivate you to bring your best self. You'll face challenges but have an enormously powerful opportunity to turn them into triumphs.
Ultimately, have courage in your talents and know that Imperial will equip you with the hard and soft skills to shatter ceilings. You'll emerge ready to advance as a woman in global finance while lifting others.
Imperial’s support
To help towards closing the gender gap in business, Imperial offers a Women in Finance scholarship of £25,000 (for 2024 entry) to those demonstrating academic excellence and leadership potential. In addition to the financial reward, recipients gain access to networking events and can share their outstanding achievement with recruiters when applying for jobs.
Finance is traditionally seen as a ‘male-dominated' industry, and as a result some women may have reservations about working in this area. However, this shouldn’t be the case as steps are being made to make the industry inclusive for all, beginning at institutions like Imperial.
This award is available for all five Finance Master’s programmes at Imperial, which range from the broader to more specialised topics like fintech and risk management:
Published
Blog type
Share
