Zafar Kamalov
Country of origin: Uzbekistan
MSc course: International Accounting and Finance
Graduation year: 2020
“Make the most of Bayes’ networking opportunities.”
When researching where to study and what degree to take, every prospective student has a list of essential criteria to help guide their selection. For Zafar Kamalov from Uzbekistan, there were three main reasons for choosing Bayes Business School.
“Firstly, it has a brilliant reputation for financial education. Secondly, it has an extensive alumni network and that presents many opportunities. The third reason is the School’s close proximity to the City of London. I wasn’t considering any universities outside of London, and I thought Bayes was well positioned in the capital.”
Prior to joining Bayes, Zafar was working for PwC in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
“I was looking for a course with a good degree of flexibility. I chose the MSc International Accounting and Finance, because I already had experience with accounting, as I was working towards my ACCA. When I looked at the Bayes curriculum, I saw it offered so many optional modules. I was able to take a lot of interesting and informative electives, such as Mergers & Acquisitions, Private Equity, Project Finance and Infrastructure Investments.”
Bringing industry insight into the classroom
The MSc International Accounting and Finance is a highly practical course which blends academic theory with real-world applications equipping students with the transferable skills needed for strategic decision making and a holistic outlook in the fields of finance and accounting.
“One of the key features of Bayes is that a lot of the lecturers are real practitioners. They are working in the industry and have real-life experience and insight.”
It was one of those lecturers who set Zafar on the path to his current role, working at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).
“The lecturer on the Project Finance course, Juan Lafont, mentioned the EBRD and how as a development bank they do a lot of infrastructure financing. That module really solidified my interest in the area, and I was able to use what I’d learned in that module during my job interview.”
“The teaching at Bayes is different from other Schools. The lecturers teach it from the practical point of view, which is very useful to get a job.”
Zafar has now been working at the EBRD for four years, but it took some time and much perseverance to finally secure a job with the organisation.
“I applied for roles at the EBRD multiple times but was always unsuccessful. With perseverance, support and guidance from the Bayes Careers Centre, I was finally able to secure a job!”
Since joining the EBRD, Zafar’s work has focused on emerging markets in Eastern Europe, the Caucasus and Central Asia, looking at infrastructure investments, including waste-water treatment plants, district heating networks, electric buses and underground systems.
He has recently taken up a new Associate role at the bank in equity risk management, covering distressed investments.
Getting the full Bayes student experience
“Bayes is famous for its proactive student societies and I joined quite a few of them, including the Finance and Banking Society, and the Consulting Society.”
“They organised a lot of alumni networking events where they would invite graduates to come and share their experience and knowledge from industry. I remember there were a lot of bankers from different top-tier banks who came and delivered guest lectures, sharing insights on how they got their jobs.”
“The societies were great for making useful connections, and also for making friends. I met the majority of my friends at Bayes through student societies.”
“London offers good networking opportunities, and I made use of these by attending lots of external conference and business events – I remember speaking to people from the EBRD at conferences I attended which further solidified my interest in the organisation.”
“I also appreciated London’s culture – there are so many things to explore and I saw lots of theatre and musicals. Life in London is quite vibrant in that sense.”
Reflecting on the past and looking to the future
Thinking back on what he learned from the course and his time at Bayes, Zafar says: “The studies were challenging, and getting good marks really matters. But I think what matters most is your network. The time and effort you put into networking with professionals in your field, will help you get a job and be better in the role.”
“The Careers team really emphasised this, and that along with spending time in class, you also need to put a lot of effort into meeting new people.”
“Looking to the future, I’m excited because I work on the green investments, and net zero excites me more than anything else at the moment. I see lots of opportunities, and I think many new green technologies will emerge in the coming years.”
“This gives me hope that we can tackle climate change through some of these technologies.”
