Vrnda Vinod

Since completing her MSc in Business Analytics with Finance in 2021, Vrnda has honed her technical skills in design, deployment, and defect management. Now a Senior Analyst at Arum, she focuses on designing workflows to assist customers in financial difficulty, drawing on the skills she developed at Kent, particularly in data analysis, risk management, and project execution.

Tell us about your career path since graduation.

Since completing my Masters in Business Analytics with Finance in 2021, I have had the opportunity to work on several impactful projects within the Fin-Tech sector. My career began as a Configuration Engineer on projects with one of UK's Top 5 banks where I was responsible for supporting design, build, deployment, and defect management. This role sharpened my technical and problem-solving skills, particularly in a dynamic environment. I then progressed to my current position as a Senior Analyst at Arum, this position has allowed me to leverage my technical expertise and analytical skills to drive meaningful improvements. Most recently, I have been involved in designing workflows and procedures for various workstreams aimed at assisting customers in financial difficulty. This journey has been both challenging and rewarding, allowing me to apply the skills I developed during my Masters while continuously aiming to advance in my professional career.

What does a typical work day look like for you?

A typical workday for me starts with a review of emails and making a quick to-do list for the day. My mornings are often spent in meetings, which could range from project planning sessions to client check-ins or internal team collaborations. As a Senior Analyst, I spend a significant part of my day analysing data, designing solutions, and preparing reports to ensure that projects are on track and objectives are being met. My afternoons are typically more focused on hands-on tasks like configuring systems, resolving technical defects and working closely with teams to implement solutions. I also spend quite a significant amount of my time on documentation, ensuring that all processes are clearly recorded and communicated to help my peers. My workday combines strategic planning with technical execution, offering a mix of challenges and engagement as no two days are ever the same!

Can you share a professional highlight from your career so far?

One of the most significant highlights of my career so far has been my work on a project that involved automating controls within the Collections and Recoveries sector at a leading financial institution. I was responsible for designing and implementing automated systems that streamlined processes and improved efficiency. This project required precise coordination, a deep understanding of technical processes, and effective communication across multiple teams. One of the most exciting aspects was being part of overnight releases on weekends, ensuring smooth deployments with minimal disruption. The project was both complex and challenging, but seeing it through from the initial design to successful implementation was incredibly rewarding! 

How did your time at Kent help you achieve your current career? 

My time at the university was quite instrumental in shaping my career. The Masters in Business Analytics with Finance was a well-structured program that provided me with a strong foundation in both technical and business aspects. The course offered a blend of statistical methods, programming languages, and financial knowledge, all of which have been directly applicable in my current roles. Learning SQL and R programming has been particularly useful for data analysis and automation tasks, while the Finance with Excel course equipped me with practical tools that I use regularly in my work. The risk management and project management courses also provided me with critical skills that I rely on daily, from identifying potential risks to managing complex projects. Beyond the technical skills, the university’s emphasis on real-world applications and its supportive environment encouraged me to think critically and approach problems with a solution-oriented mindset. This has been crucial in my career progression and in tackling the challenges I face in my day to day role.

What advice would you give to our current/prospective students who are looking to get into the same line of work?

For students looking to enter the financial services sector, especially in roles similar to mine, I would advise you to embrace every learning opportunity during your studies. Build a strong foundation in both technical skills and business acumen, as both are crucial in this field. Networking is key—your network is your net worth. Don’t hold back from asking questions to your professors; they are incredibly knowledgeable and eager to help. Start thinking about your career prospects early and make use of resources like the Careers and Employability Service at the university. Being proactive in your job search, tailoring your CV, and preparing thoroughly for interviews early on pays off later. Also, honing your presentation and communication skills is essential, as they play a significant role in conveying complex ideas clearly and effectively. Don’t be discouraged by rejections—rejection is just redirection to something more exciting. Use them as learning experiences to improve and keep pushing forward. Persistence, continuous learning, and adaptability are the keys to success in the Fin-Tech sector.

Did you get involved in any extracurricular activities as a student? 

No - not really. I came to do my Masters during the Covid time. 

Do you have a favourite memory from your time at Kent?

One of my favourite memories from my time at Kent was participating in a collaborative project for the Risk Management module. We worked as a team to analyse a real-world case study, and the experience was both challenging and incredibly rewarding. It was a great opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge to practical problems, and I fondly remember the sense of accomplishment when we successfully presented our findings. As an international student, I also cherished the chance to meet and collaborate with peers from diverse backgrounds. This exposure not only enriched my academic experience but also helped me build lasting friendships and connections that have continued beyond my time at Kent.

Is there anything you would do differently if you could repeat your time at Kent?

If I could repeat my time at Kent, I would definitely get more involved in extracurricular activities and networking opportunities. Because of COVID-19, I spent half of my semester online, which limited my participation in campus events. I think joining more student organizations and attending industry-related workshops would have added valuable experiences and connections to my time at Kent.

Are you still in touch with other Kent alumni or academics?

Yes, I am still in touch with some of my batchmates from my time at Kent.

What are your future ambitions?

Looking ahead, my primary ambition is to continue growing in my career and to take on increasingly challenging roles within the financial services sector. I aim to further specialize in areas that intersect technology and finance, such as data analytics and risk management. Long-term, I aspire to take on leadership positions where I can drive strategic initiatives and contribute to innovation across different banks and various segments of the Collections and Recoveries sector.