Anoop's Story

After choosing to study a 3-year honours degree in Economics and Finance, Anoop was successful in getting a job in London as a Research Associate for global executive search firm, L.Knighton.

How did studying here open doors for you academically, professionally, or personally?

Studying at the Edinburgh Business School gave my internship applications a much stronger boost which opened doors to lots of Asset Managers - including Baillie Gifford where I interned for 3 months during Summer. The experience working on multi-billion dollar funds and institutional-grade investment research gave me lots of exit opportunities within the finance industry.

Moving to Scotland, what surprised you most about studying and living in Edinburgh?

Edinburgh is such a nice blend of medieval architecture with open natural spaces and the city feeling. There's so many distinct neighbourhoods within Edinburgh each with its own atmosphere and charm. It's a walkable city which is quite rare for a capital but has so much going on - especially during Summer and Winter. The city has something for everyone and a large student population which made it a great place to live and study in.

Do you feel that the 3-year degree route played an important part in you staying to do a masters?

Doing a (3-year) undergraduate Economics programme definitely made me open to undertaking my MSc in Investment Management. It is a big financial relief to have a 3-year graduate program and I was finishing at the same time as my friends from England.

How do you feel what you learned on your course helps you thrive in your day-to-day profession?

The economics and broader finance courses are focused on real world knowledge and building on theoretical models. Many of the financial derivatives products and strategies we learn about I use in my daily work alongside the core tenets of investment management and quantitative trading. The coursework and assignments helped shape my analytical thought process and turn contemporary market debates into actionable insight.

When you think about who you were when you arrived and who you were when you graduated, what’s changed the most?

What's changed the most is definitely my friendship group and some of my interests and hobbies. I have made lifelong friends from all over the world because we shared similar interests or just saw each other around campus so much. I have also become more curious and open-minded about trying new things and going out of my comfort zone.

What advice do you have for students who are thinking about joining Heriot-Watt?

I would seriously consider joining Heriot-Watt University and making the most of the societies, sports clubs and student network. Be open to trying as many new things and meeting new people. The national and global reputation of the university opens a lot of doors and career pathways. You can get as much out of the Heriot-Watt experience as you choose - including the chance to study in Malaysia or Dubai.