Your journey from Mumbai to Frankfurt took more than just a flight; it involved a major life shift. Was there a moment when it really hit you: “I live in Germany now”?
For me, the moment came on an ordinary afternoon at Rewe. Back in Mumbai, I was used to the chaos of farmers markets but also the convenience of things and the ease of not having to carry cash anywhere, thanks to UPI. Suddenly, it sank in when I stood there, surrounded by unfamiliar products, translating labels and realizing I was starting from scratch, this wasn’t a visit anymore, this was home. It was both humbling and exciting, a reminder that I had stepped into a completely new chapter where growth would come from embracing the unfamiliar.
You recently started as a Junior Portfolio Manager at Source For Alpha, an exciting step early on in your Master in Finance journey. What led you to this opportunity, and what has been the biggest learning curve so far?
When I started the Master in Finance program, I was clear that I definitely wanted to gain practical exposure alongside my studies, so I actively looked for professional opportunities in Germany. I had even told Elisabeth, the GBS recruitment and admissions manager, that if anything came up, I’d be very interested. That’s how I got to know about the opening at Source For Alpha. From there, it was up to me to clear the interview process. My background in investing and equity research definitely gave me a strong foundation and was an added advantage.
What’s been most rewarding since joining is the steep learning curve of understanding the German financial markets, especially how they function differently compared to India, with less volatility and a distinct set of regulatory frameworks. This has helped me sharpen my technical skills and also taught me how to communicate investment ideas effectively across cultural and professional contexts.
You were awarded the Diversity in Business Scholarship. What motivated you to apply, and what does this recognition mean to you personally and professionally?
What motivated me to apply for the Diversity in Business Scholarship is experience and conviction. Finance, as an industry, has traditionally been more male-dominated, and early in my career, I did encounter moments where I felt out of place or even a little helpless. But what changed the trajectory for me was the presence of a mentor very early on, someone who not only believed in my abilities but also empowered me to see that challenges don’t define me, they can actually strengthen me. That guidance gave me the confidence to navigate difficult situations with resilience, and over time, I began to realize how powerful the right support system can be in shaping one’s journey.
That is why diversity is so important to me because it is not just about representation, it is about creating environments where people feel seen, supported, and encouraged to bring their best selves forward. My motivation in applying for this scholarship was to step into that kind of role myself to be able to mentor, to raise awareness, and to support others across different walks of life so they, too, feel empowered to overcome barriers. Receiving this recognition is deeply personal to me. It validates not only the struggles I’ve navigated but also the growth that came from them, and it reminds me of the responsibility I now have to give back. Professionally, it has opened doors to conversations I might not otherwise have had, conversations about how to make finance more inclusive, how to strengthen teams through diverse perspectives, and how to lead with empathy. Personally, it is a constant reminder that even small acts of empowerment can create ripples of change, and I want to keep contributing to that change wherever I can.
Professionally, this recognition has positioned me not just as a finance professional but as someone with a voice in the conversation around inclusion. It pushes me to carry that responsibility into every team I work with, ensuring that diversity is not just spoken about but practiced in meaningful ways.
What’s one unexpected mindset shift you’ve had since starting the Master in Finance at Goethe Business School?
Honestly, one unexpected mindset shift I’ve had since starting the Master in Finance is realizing how much self-discipline and balance it really takes. I knew the classes would be intense, but I didn’t realize how much I’d need to manage my time, stay focused through long lectures, and still balance everything else in my life. The program has pushed me to be more structured and intentional with my time, and that’s been just as big a learning as the finance itself. It’s definitely made me more resilient, because even when I feel tired or overwhelmed, I’ve learned I can push through and still perform. That shift in mindset is something I know will stay with me well beyond the program.
You've had experience with both Indian and German cultures. How have those cultural contexts influenced your approach to problem-solving, teamwork, or work in general?
Growing up and working in India taught me resourcefulness and adaptability. Things don’t always go as planned, and you learn to think on your feet and find solutions quickly. Germany, on the other hand, has taught me the value of structure, precision, and planning. Now I like to say I’ve got the “best of both worlds", the ability to improvise when life throws a curveball, and the discipline to plan things down to the last detail when it really matters. In teamwork, this means I can adapt when things change unexpectedly, but I also know how to contribute to a structured process that keeps everyone aligned. Having both approaches in my toolkit makes group work smoother and, sometimes, even a bit more fun because we can handle surprises without losing focus.
If you could write a postcard to your past self, back when you were applying to the program, what would it say?
Believe in yourself and take the leap. The journey ahead will challenge you in ways you can’t yet imagine. Moving to a new country, starting over, and stepping into a demanding Master’s program will feel overwhelming at times. You’ll have days when the language feels like a barrier, when the long weekends of lectures leave you exhausted, and when balancing studies, personal life, and all the uncertainty seems almost impossible. But here’s the part you can’t see yet, every challenge will teach you something. You’ll discover resilience you didn’t know you had, discipline you never thought you could build, and a new perspective on finance that goes beyond just numbers. You’ll learn from diversity, different cultures, different ways of thinking and that will shape not just your career but also the way you see the world. Just trust the process and know this, it will all be worth it!