Gaining that edge

It is not an unknown fact that today's world is a competitive one, and to be able to be on top, you must be the best you can be. It is also important to be a well-rounded individual and in this process one needs to not just be good in one's studies, but also be able to take part in extra curricular activities and at the same time gather as much knowledge in what you do, as possible.

Then, once you enter the world of employment you need to perform really well in your place of work, because work experience and how you perform in that work environment, has a big impact on your future. And more so, if you are thinking of applying for a Postgraduate Degree, work experience and the type of work you do, will really be a bonus for you.

We met up with two such individuals recently, currently employed at Amba Research, Buddhilini de Soyza and Jayamin Pelpola both 25 years of age. They both joined Amba Research as Financial Analysts over three years ago. Buddhilini has now moved on to Associate Vice President and Jayamin to Vice President.

Buddhilini studied at Bishop's College and read for her degree in Business Administraion at the University of Colombo. She also went on to do a Postgraduate Diploma in Information Management at SLIT. All the qualifications aside, her experience at Amba was what really made a difference when she applied for MBA programmes. And she went on to gain entrance at The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, Dartmouth College and the University of Michigan, both in the USA.

"The Universities found the whole concept of outsourcing and investment research, intriguing," she said, and went on to explain that when facing the interviews at the universities it was this international exposure which she received by working for both the buy side clients and sell side clients at a senior level that made a difference and was appreciated by the interviewers, adding "My application was enhanced by the exposure I received at Amba which enabled me to appreciate the practical side of theoretical learning." She also highlighted the fact that "the training (at Amba) was very helpful," and prior to working here she worked at Brandix.

Jayamin studied at Nalanda College and Gateway College and then went on to do his CIMA and became a Passed Finalist. What is probably most noteworthy about him is that he is the youngest ACMA in the world, to date. Before joining Amba he worked at MAS and in terms of the work he currently does at Amba, he interacts directly and works with many well-known and reputed analysts in the global finance industry, which has in turn helped him gain entrance to some prestigious universities, them being, The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and Harvard University. At the moment, he heads a team of five offshore analysts and manages a US equity portfolio.

They both said that in such a short period of time, they have been exposed to a vast area in investment research and that this is all mainly because of working at Amba. However, as we all know, all work and no play would make you very dull! So in both Buddhilini's and Jayamin's case, they do that extra bit!

According to Buddhilini she is a wildlife buff, and is also a member of the wildlife society. She also went on to say, "I love to read," and has formed a reading club at Amba. She also plays tennis, volleyball and basketball. Jayamin too plays tennis and also loves white-water rafting. He is also a part of an online health initiative with medical practitioners and is also a CIMA lecturer.

Jayamin summed it up best by saying, "They look for a well-rounded exposure," in terms of applying for an MBA, therefore making it clear you can juggle a whole bunch of things and do well in what ever you do and it will certainly help you in the long run.