Alumni

Name: Lilia Mnatsakanyan

Home country: Armenia

"I embarked on my career as a Portfolio Manager at the Central Bank of Armenia, where I gained valuable experience in financial management and investment strategies. After two and a half years in the field, I decided to pursue my goal of obtaining a Master's degree in the United Kingdom, a leading global financial hub. 

Driven by my passion for finance and my desire to expand my skill set, I successfully passed the CFA Level 1 Exam, laying the groundwork for my academic pursuits. Through hard work and dedication, I was honoured to be selected as one of the recipients of the prestigious Chevening Scholarship from the British Government. 

Having this exceptional opportunity, I launched into the transformative journey at one of the world's top universities: The University of Glasgow."

 
Why did you choose the Adam Smith Business School? 

The Adam Smith Business School initially caught my interest due to its specific course of study, offered as 'Financial Modelling and Investment'. This program had robust emphasis on practical and real-world learning experiences embedded within its modules and rooted in its renowned theoretical framework. I immediately recognised the tremendous potential to acquire the invaluable skills through hands-on individual and group projects, which are directly applicable in the finance industry. 

What did you enjoy the most about your programme? How has your degree helped you in your career?  

The dynamic learning environment, interactive classes, and practical approach to learning made every aspect of the program engaging and enriching. The programme offered many side-courses for supplementary hard- and soft-skill development. I incorporated them in many aspects of my dissertation, enjoying the feeling of growth during the entire time of working on the thesis and applying the obtained skillset. 
 
My degree, as expected, has been immensely beneficial for my career. As part of the Adam Smith Skills Award at the University of Glasgow, I successfully completed courses advancing my proficiency of computer programming, scripting, data base organisation and machine learning, each of them playing a pivotal role in modern finance. 
 
Beyond educational pursuit, the period was filled with traveling, exploring and delving into UK lifestyle. Glasgow was a thrilling city for learning about Scottish beautiful and unique culture. 

What have you been up to since graduating from the Business School? 

Upon my return to Armenia, I joined EPFC Capital Partners, a Registered Investment Advisor specialising in Credit Relative Value Strategies, headquartered in New York. The responsibilities of my role as a Trade Operations Analyst involve ensuring smooth functioning of post-trading operations and automating the related processes and workflows.

My role at EPFC Capital Partners allows me to leverage my expertise acquired from the studies, contributing to the success of the firm and furthering my professional growth in the financial industry. 

What was the most important thing you learnt while studying at Glasgow? 

One of the most valuable things I gained from studying at Glasgow, is the cultivation of a genuine love for learning and an insatiable curiosity to explore new ideas, subjects, and perspectives to apply and achieve the established objectives. 

What is your top piece of advice for current students – our future alumni? 

 My top advice for current students is to acknowledge the fact that they are in the best life phase for learning, as they will never have as much time as they do right now to invest into studies. Take the time to set the goals as clear as possible, prioritise effectively, manage your time wisely, embrace learning opportunities, challenge yourself, build meaningful relationships, and be flexible towards you career plans. By fully immersing yourself in this learning environment, you'll not only maximise your academic potential, but will also lay a strong foundation for a successful future. 

Tell us about your fondest memory at the Business School. 

The commemoration of Adam Smith's 300th birth anniversary was a noteworthy and memorable occasion, marked by a series of events honouring the enduring legacy of the renowned economist and philosopher. Being part of these events during my time at the university was a truly remarkable experience, that left a lasting impression on me. It was inspiring to witness the vibrant intellectual discussions, debates, public lectures in light of modern challenges, through which we celebrated Adam Smith's profound contributions to economics, philosophy, and social sciences. 

 

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First published: 12 June 2024