Welcome to Jobaaj Stories, a collection of inspiring stories of people who pursued their dreams and excelled in their chosen fields.
Meet Inderjeet Chandnani, an FRM, MSc(Mathematics), PGDBA (Finance). With a remarkable career trajectory in the finance industry, Inderjeet is driven by a noble vision to establish a company dedicated to providing quality education to individuals who find it difficult to afford it.
Let us read about his journey to overcoming obstacles and emerging as a symbol of success.
Early Life: Turning Challenges into Opportunities
Being born in Ulhasanagar (a Mumbai suburb), I originally planned to study BE/IT but owing to financial restrictions, I had to settle for a BSc in Mathematics from Mumbai University. Despite this, I've always been fascinated by numbers and have a strong interest in maths.
As a student, I faced the challenge of balancing academics with the need to work part-time to support myself financially.
At that time, I had no exact vision for my future, but I had a burning desire to do something big. After graduation, I decided to pursue a part-time MBA to gain more knowledge and expand my career options at NMIMS, finance being the major.
The combination of my mathematical expertise and finance specialization during my MBA studies proved advantageous. It gave me a unique perspective and an edge in understanding and analyzing financial concepts. This foundation eventually opened doors for me in the finance industry, explicitly securing a position as an investment vendor at eClerx.
However, as I progressed in my career, I sensed that there was still room for growth and improvement. This realization led me to pursue the Financial Risk Manager (FRM) certification. Obtaining this coveted accreditation enabled me to use my experience and differentiate myself in the business.
Soon, I landed a better job at SS&C GlobeOp, where I worked as a manager for 6.5 years. It was a milestone for me, as this kind of position is usually only given to people from IITs and IIMs. The accomplishment reinforced my belief that dedication and a strong work ethic can propel anyone forward, regardless of background. Following this, I have also worked at Deutsche Bank as an Associate.
Highlighting the main points: Lessons From My Journey
Consistency is a fundamental principle that applies to achieving success in any field, including finance. Consistency ensures that you make progress, even if it is gradual. It builds a strong foundation for long-term success.
Employers value professionals who can contribute to the company's goals, generate innovative ideas, and deliver tangible results.
Continuous skill development is critical in today's changing corporate world, particularly in the finance industry. With the fast growth of technology, keeping up with the newest trends and learning new skills is critical.
When it comes to choosing professional qualifications, there are different paths you can take. One popular combination is the CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) designation with an MBA (Master of Business Administration). It provides a well-rounded skill set and can open doors to a wide range of career opportunities in finance, including roles in asset management, investment banking, and corporate finance.
Pursuing the CFA designation requires a significant investment of money and time, and it may not be feasible for everyone. On the other hand, the FRM (Financial Risk Manager) certification focuses specifically on risk management, a critical area in the finance industry. It offers a more specialised skill set and can be a suitable option for individuals with limited time and financial resources who want to enhance their career prospects.
Also, pursuing an MBA in finance with the FRM (Financial Risk Manager) certification can be an excellent choice for individuals with a technical background.
Ultimately, the choice depends on your goals, resources, and personal preferences. Both combinations can provide a boost to your career in finance.
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Adapting to Change: Harnessing the Potential of AI in Finance
In the ever-evolving world of finance, embracing new technologies is essential for staying ahead. However, I must admit that I was initially uncomfortable with using AI. But instead of shying away from this uncertainty, I confront it head-on. I decided to take a proactive approach and learn more about AI, its capabilities, and how it's used in finance.
As I began incorporating AI tools and techniques into my daily tasks, I witnessed firsthand the transformative impact they could have. Moreover, I discovered that AI was not a threat to my role as a finance professional but rather a powerful tool that could complement and amplify my skills.
Over time, my initial discomfort and resistance towards AI faded away, replaced by a sense of excitement and opportunity. I recognized that AI is not to replace humans but to enhance our capabilities and drive innovation.
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Future Aspects: Investing in Myself and Others in Need
My short-term goal includes leveraging my profile in the market risk domain. As market risk professionals are often highly valued in the finance industry, their specialized skills and expertise can lead to attractive compensation packages.
My long-term goal is to launch a business dedicated to teaching and training people in finance at a fair rate. This ambition derives from my early-career experiences of fighting to make ends meet. I know the difficulties people from low-income families experience in obtaining a good education and training opportunities.
I am a staunch believer that everyone, regardless of financial circumstances, deserves a fair shot to pursue their aspirations and achieve their objectives. I aim to bridge the gap between potential and opportunity by establishing a business that offers affordable education and training.
The foundation of my vision lies in offering educational programs and training courses and making them accessible to individuals who may not have the means to pursue traditional, high-cost educational avenues. I want to give students the information, abilities, and tools they need in the finance sector, whether in market risk, financial analysis, or investment management.
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Conclusion: Experience, Skills, and Confidence to Make an Impact
My journey has been a rollercoaster ride full of challenges and triumphs. But, I am proud of where I am today, and I owe my success to my hard work, dedication, and willingness to learn and grow. My struggles in the early days to earn bread and butter have given me the drive to help others in similar situations.
In a nutshell, I am excited to see what the future holds for me. I believe the finance domain is changing, and there are new opportunities to explore. With my experience and skills, I can achieve my goals and positively impact others. I urge everyone to pursue their dreams, no matter how difficult it may seem. Consistency and hard work can take you a long way, and if you have the drive to succeed, nothing can stop you.
Thanks for Reading!
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