Anamika Singh
Country of origin: India
MSc Course: MSc Finance
Graduation year: 2022
“The more you put into the Bayes experience, the more you will get out.”
Anamika Singh is reflecting on her time on the MSc Finance at Bayes Business School and offering advice to future students:
“I would encourage them to fully immerse themselves in this experience, engage with the faculty, participate in societies, and take advantage of the networking opportunities. Bayes offers a wealth of resources, and the more you put into the experience, the more you will get out.”
Anamika was looking for a UK-based postgraduate degree to help progress her career in Finance.
Taught by world-leading faculty and industry experts, the MSc Finance programme prepares students for a career in global finance, in sectors such as hedge funds, financial services and investment banking.
“I received several offers from other leading business schools, and I was a bit confused as to which one to choose because they all ranked well. But when I talked to employers and to alumni, they said Bayes has a good reputation. It was a very tough call, but Bayes stood out because of its strong reputation in finance and its central London location, which provides unparalleled access to the financial heart of Europe. Having spent my time there, I wouldn't trade it with anywhere else.”
“When people ask where I studied, they recognise Bayes and that makes me very happy. It gives you a sense of validation.”
Before taking the MSc, Anamika was working as a lead audit associate with EY in India, where she was involved in statutory audits and internal control assessments. She had a clear vision for what she wanted from her master’s at Bayes.
“I wanted to deepen my understanding of the financial principles and gain a more sophisticated grasp of topics like corporate finance, valuations, and asset management. Coming from a background in commerce and accounting, I was looking for a course that would not only enhance my technical knowledge, but which also equipped me with practical skills like financial modelling and international finance, which are essential for a career in finance.”
Gaining new skills and applying the learning
“The best part of the course for me was the coursework which was set alongside our modules. This focused on the practical application of the theoretical knowledge we were taught in class. Having the opportunity to apply that learning to real-world case studies gave a great insight into how Finance would look when we entered the marketplace.”
Currently, Anamika works as an analyst at Barclays in Glasgow, where she applies the financial and analytical skills learned during her time at Bayes to manage cash discrepancies, execute risk assessments, and support audit processes.
“I acquired a lot of skills in financial modelling and risk management, and I gained proficiency in tools like Bloomberg and Python. These skills have been instrumental in my role at Barclays, where I continuously conduct risk assessments, manage the financial data and optimise cash management processes. All of these technical skills, along with the soft skills I learned in terms of dealing with teams, working under pressure and delivering on time, it does prepare you for the real world. I’ve definitely been able to transfer those skills to my job.”
“Bayes taught me the importance of adaptability and continuous learning. The environment is fast-paced and rigorous - it pushed me to expand my capabilities and step out of my comfort zone, which has been crucial in navigating the challenges of my professional career.”
Making the most of life outside the classroom
“One of my main goals when I joined Bayes was that I was not just going to be another student in a class full of hundreds. I wanted to do something apart from my studies, and I joined multiple student societies.”
“I was the Head of Strategy and Operations for the Mergers & Acquisitions and Private Equity Society. I was also the Secretary at Bayes Times newspaper, the Student Ambassador and Class Representative for the MSc Finance, and the partnership coordinator at Enactus City.”
“In my role as Head of Strategy at the M&A and PE Society, I developed and implemented a business plan that increased our funding by 20%. We then went on to conduct the Global M&A and PE conference, which is one of the biggest student-led conferences within Europe.”
“That conference is one of the main highlights of my time at Bayes - we had industry professionals from the biggest investment banks as well as prestigious Bayes alumni. Students who attended really appreciated the opportunity to meet and network and get great insights.”
“At Bayes I got the opportunity to expand my professional network and connect to the industry leaders and peers who have been valuable in my career progression.”
“Enrolling in societies helped me to build my network. Life in London is very busy and there can be little time to interact with students outside the classroom. But being part of the societies gave me that time to get to know people who I would not meet in my daily life.”
Another major highlight was Anamika’s decision to take up an opportunity to do her dissertation in France.
“I got to spend the summer in the south of France, at Montpellier Business School, where I worked with the Head of Finance on my dissertation paper. His insights were really helpful, and it was one of the best decisions I made.”
Relocating to London
Like many Bayes master’s students, Anamika relocated to London for her studies, discovering all that the UK’s capital has to offer.
“Studying and living in London was truly an enriching experience. The city has a dynamic environment, great cultural diversity, and an enviable status as a global financial centre. It provided endless opportunities for learning and networking. Bayes’ close proximity to leading financial institutions allowed me to attend industry events, and gain insights from top professionals that complemented my academic studies. I do miss that now I am no longer in London.”
Looking to the future
Anamika is currently studying for an ACCA accountancy qualification. Students who successfully complete the MSc Finance are awarded exemptions from three ACCA modules: Accountant in Business, Management Accounting and Financial Accounting.
“The Accountancy qualification is enhancing my expertise and gives me the option to take on a more diverse array of roles and target different areas of finance. I've worked in audit before. Now, I'm in reconciliations. Going forward, I see myself working within financial controls and product controls. I see my career varying across different areas of finance in the future, and that's what I'm working towards.”
“What excites me about the future is the ever-evolving nature of the finance industry. I think the potential of innovation, particularly the increasing integration of technology in finance, presents endless opportunities for growth and learning. I'm particularly interested in how emerging technologies like AI and blockchain are going to reshape the financial services.”
Having embraced all that Bayes has to offer - and seen the impact on her career - Anamika’s message to future students is clear:
“Bayes is about so much more than just the academic curriculum. The opportunities are endless, and you get to have a truly immersive experience. Join clubs, network and put yourself out there. You never know what might help you in the future.”