Mr. Naseeb Ahmad Lecturer of Finance Department of Commerce & Business Studies Jamia Millia Islamia (Central University), New Delhi

"If you are endowed with an analytical bent of mind and are fond of handling data and numbers too then finance may be the hot career avenue for you - suggests Mr. Naseeb Ahmad, lecturer of Finance, Department of Commerce & Business Studies, Jamia Millia Islamia (Central University), New Delhi."

National Network of Education (NNE)’s correspondent managed to catch up with Mr. Naseeb Ahmad as he took time out of his busy schedule to enlighten the aspirants with some of the much- needed tricks of the financial jungle.

Excerpts from the exclusive interview :

1. To start with, please tell us something about yourself and   your academic journey so far.

I came from a family which always valued the importance of education. Having born into a middle class family, I grew up realizing the significance of education in bringing about social changes in the society. My mother, as my biggest mentor though illiterate herself, was always a source of inspiration for me. She has always been instrumental in pursuit of my higher education. She always taught me not to compromise with education.

After completing MBA in 1999, from a lesser known University (DDU Gorakhpur University), and simultaneously qualifying UGC-JRF & NET, I started my career as a lecturer in a business school at Dehradun. Having worked there for two years; I then joined Jamia Millia Islamia (Central University) New Delhi in 2002.

2. Of late, financial management as a lucrative career option has surely taken rapid strides. What do you   feel are the factors responsible for it ?

The spurt in business activities as a result of the LPG (Liberalization, Privatization & Globalization) has created tremendous opportunities for the management professionals in general and finance professionals in particular as the Banking, Financial Services and Insurance are among the fastest growing sectors of the economy. Today BFS (Banking and financial services) are undoubtedly among the main pillars of our service industry. These sectors have surely emerged as the main drivers of our GDP growth.

In today’s WTO-led international business regime, no country can isolate itself from others. This has resulted in a kind of interdependence with respect to global trade activity which in turn, has paved way for thousands of finance professionals. I regard this phenomenon as a non- reversible one and I am also of the view that it would only flourish in the coming years not only in India but globally too.

3. In your view, what are the key-skills needed   to make it big in this hot career option ?

In this regard, I genuinely believe in the saying ‘there is no shortcut to success and no substitute for hard work’. I feel that logical and analytical skills, computational skill coupled with sound knowledge of computers particularly knowledge of statistical and accounting software(s) is the key to success in this field. Besides being good at numbers, one must have excellent presentation and communication skills to effectively put his/her point across while dealing with people, who at times may not have understanding of finance. A skillful financial manager would always do away with technical jargons while addressing laymen.

4. How important is aptitude for numbers in this   field? How one can sharpen it further.

Being good at numbers is extremely important if one wishes to make a mark in this field. Aspirants for this field must have an inborn love and passion towards numbers, financial concepts and its terms. One should make it a hobby to play with numbers. In this regard one can also make use of games like Suduko and other puzzle games to further sharpen his/her analytical and numerical skills.

5. Apart from financial planning, what are the other streams which are turning out to be hot favorites?   And why so? To what extent essential skills specific to one stream of finance varies with respect to   another.

These days besides financial planning; newer streams of finance like foreign exchange management, Insurance, equity research, portfolio management, and banking have also emerged as the hot favorites among student fraternity. I attribute the reason for this swing to huge demand and better remunerations available to competent professionals in these specialized fields.

Talking about essential skill-set with respect to the latest developments in the area of finance like, equity research, portfolio management, derivatives and commodity trading, the key skills required generally revolve around understanding of derivative market, foreign exchange market, commodity market, valuation of securities and financial assets, hedging, portfolio management and investment functions of mutual funds, banks and other financial institutions.

By and large, the basics of the profession remains the same, yes there may be slight variations in the skill-set depending upon the requirement of the specialized industry/ functions.

6. How do you rank India’s competency in imparting training for finance vis-à-vis its other global   counterparts? Any grey area? How has been the response of MNCs towards our professionals in this   regard ?

Over the years, we have proved our worth in this field of producing world class finance professionals; our finance professionals have surely made a mark working for numerous MNCs globally. Of late, the MNCs have shown tremendous interest in recruiting Indian financial professionals for their global operations.

However in this regard I do feel, our focus is generally more on conceptual details but less on real life problems which surely is a cause of concern. This is one area of concern which must be addressed immediately.

7. Not many institutions are imparting training in finance at undergraduate level, why do you think it is   so. Also what are the research options available to a student in this field?

Yes, it’s true, at UG level the emphasis is generally on creating foundation skills in finance and other allied areas and hence training in general management is provided at this level. The specialization is offered at PG level in most of the Institutes.

I feel institutions like the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), the Institute of Chartered Financial analysts of India University (ICFAI), NSE's Certification in Financial Markets (NCFM) Financial Planning Standards Board India, Financial Planners & Advisory Academy Pvt. Ltd. and International College of Financial Planning are really doing a good job in this regard.

As far as research is concerned, the Investment analysis, risk management, entrepreneurship and venture capital financing are the buzzwords nowadays.

8. What suggestions would you like to give to the budding aspirants for this field ?

Finance is the core function of any business organization and hence it is an extremely challenging and responsible job. The mantra for success in this field is the ability to understand the language of numbers and data in addition to an analytical bent of mind and most importantly, an ability to put mind before heart.

9. Is there any personality you perceive as your role model ?

Besides my mother, the other person who has been a continuous source of inspiration in my life is Prof. Furqan Qamar, Director, Centre for Management Studies, Jamia Millia Islamia. I regard him as my mentor and wish I could emulate some of his skills and personality.

10. Lastly, tell us if finance would not have been your forte, what other field might have attracted you?

If not finance, I surely have wished to become a Doctor so that I could cure the underprivileged and the down-trodden to my level best.

(DOU 28092007)

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(As told to Ahmad Shariq Khan)