What is one thing you did not know about being a quant at a bank that you learned during the vacation programme?
I learned that answers in the quant world are not always ‘black and white’. There are many ways to understand a problem and interpret solutions, and as long as you can logically explain your reasoning, you will be heard.

Any advice for the vacation programme candidates?
The experience will be what you make of it. Understand that you deserve to be in this programme, and as a result, keep putting your best foot forward – learn as much as possible and build lasting relationships. Many people from this programme will go on to be successful in their careers and in different parts of the banking world.
If you don't feel like you deserve to be in this programme, adopt a mindset that every day is an opportunity to earn your place in the programme. In my opinion, the only way to not deserve it would be to waste the opportunity.

If your graduate journey were a movie, what would the title be?
Scream.
(Kidding – it would be Everything everywhere all at once.)

What was your key takeaway from the vacation programme that you went on to apply in your life?
Be bold enough to take the leap – trust in your abilities. You’re capable of achieving far more than you imagine. Believe in yourself, embrace the journey, and don’t hold back.

Any advice for the vacation programme candidates?
There will be moments when you question whether you belong – when self-doubt creeps in and your confidence wavers. Jump in regardless. Embrace the opportunity, dive in wholeheartedly, and, most importantly, stay true to yourself. You’ve got this.

If your graduate journey were a movie, what would the title be?
The Growth Equation.

What’s your hidden talent that has nothing to do with banking?
I make a mean Cinnabon. If I were ever to change career paths, I would become a pastry chef.

What did you enjoy the most during your vacation programme experience?
I thoroughly enjoyed many aspects of the programme, but if I were to highlight a few, I’d mention the fun team-building games we played as well as the Secret Sunrise session. Above all, we were well taken care of, and I especially enjoyed challenging myself with the project we worked on. Presenting our results to an esteemed panel was both nerve-wracking and rewarding – and it gave me a real sense of accomplishment.

What was your key takeaway from the vacation programme that you went on to apply in your life?
My biggest takeaway was realising that I am more than capable. At first, it took me a while to come out of my shell, but once I did, I really took up space and embraced the experience. The feedback sessions with our faculty members after the project were incredibly valuable – they helped me see my strengths and areas for growth. I stopped doubting my abilities and understood that the programme was about learning – not knowing everything upfront. I left with so much knowledge I didn’t have when I started, and that reinforced the idea that growth comes from curiosity and effort, not perfection.

If your graduate journey were a movie, what would the title be?
Unscripted: A story of discovery.

What did you enjoy the most during your vacation programme experience?
The food, the gifts and most importantly the learnings. So much of what you do at the vacation work is applicable in your everyday life. From how to start your morning, how to present yourself and the very important soft skills we often neglect in our university careers.

What was your key takeaway from the vacation programme that you went on to apply in your life?
You are allowed to pause and think when presenting.

What is one thing you did not know about being a quant at a bank that you learned during the vacation programme?
Not all quants are the same, generally you would think that most are introverted. At the vacation work, I got to see different quants who embraced their own 'uniqueness'.

If your graduate journey were a movie, what would the title be?
Say what? You're actually a Quant?

What did you enjoy the most during your vacation programme experience?
The people! It's such a great opportunity to get to interact with not only the other students who are doing QEP with you, but also the grads who are currently in the grad programme. Everyone was so friendly and made the experience so easy and enjoyable

What was your key takeaway from the vacation programme that you went on to apply in your life?
Being yourself can be a good thing! The environment allowed me to be comfortable enough to be myself, and not only was that encouraged, but it was rewarded. During the working sessions, I felt free enough to make jokes, ask questions and pull my hair out when the excel wasn't excelling! I was awarded the QEP star of my group at the end of the programme because of how authentically I worked with my team. This taught me to never shy away from always being yourself and allowing people to value what makes you special.

What’s your “hidden talent” that has nothing to do with banking?
I have watched The Big Bang Theory so many times that I can practically recite any scene off by heart ;)

What did you enjoy the most during your vacation programme experience? ​
Engaging with the other delegates and trainees, which challenged me to step outside my comfort zone.

What was your key takeaway from the vacation programme that you went on to apply in your life?
It's okay to be an outlier – a standout person for the right reasons. I can stand tall and shine my light brightly and not dim it.

If your graduate journey were a movie, what would the title be?
Bold moves

What's your hidden talent that has nothing to do with banking?
I am somewhat of a singer.

What is one thing you did not know about doing articles at a bank that you learned during the vacation programme?
One thing I did not know before the programme was how diverse the roles for CAs are within the banking environment. I learned that completing your articles at a bank gives you the opportunity to rotate across different divisions, which not only broadens your exposure but also helps you discover where your interests and strengths lie. It is a great way to gain hands-on experience in various areas while shaping your career path with more clarity and intention.

If your graduate journey were a movie, what would the title be?
Legally Blonde.
I relate to this movie because it reflects the experience of navigating professional spaces while staying true to yourself. It highlights the balance between identity, self-expression, and ambition – something I have had to embrace in my own journey. Most importantly, it shows the power of relationships built on support, encouragement, and belief in one another.

What's your hidden talent that has nothing to do with banking?
Singing. I am part of the worship team at my church, which provides a space where I can express myself creatively and connect with others in a meaningful way outside the professional world.

What did you enjoy the most during your vacation programme experience?
I enjoyed the networking opportunities that the programme offered. The social activities helped me get to know as many new people as possible.​

What was your key takeaway from the vacation programme that you went on to apply in your life?
The personalised feedback I received from my faculty member made a lasting impact, and
I applied both the feedback and advice.

If your graduate journey were a movie, what would the title be?
Pulp Fiction.

What's your hidden talent that has nothing to do with banking?
I have yet to discover that talent (or those talents).