Alumvoice: Step by step

Monika Ahluwalia, who heads treasury operations at the World Bank, Chennai, on how her experience at a foreign university shaped her career
After completing my BCom (hons) from the University of Delhi, I worked for more than eight years. But I always wished to go for postgraduate study. While learning and growing in my career, my further study plan went into cold storage -not for too long though.When I decided to change my job after about eight years, I thought that was the right time to return to the classroom. However, I found out that most Bschools in India preferred students with only a few years' work experience. So, it was better to look for institutes overseas.
One of my friends, an alumnus of Missouri State University (MSU), recommended it to me. I researched the option on my own as well. The fact that it was an accredited state university gave me comfort that I would receive quality education at a reasonable cost.
THREE DEGREES
Knowing that my job would entail some accounting, I wanted to take four-five additional courses in this area in addition to my MBA courses (which were generic). I realized that if I pursued eight courses, I could obtain a Master's in accounting. Besides, I won a scholarship from the finance department for the chartered financial analyst (CFA) level 1 exam. Keen to take up the challenge to gain more indepth knowledge in finance, I cleared all three levels in the first attempt. So, I received two PG qualifications -an MBA in finance and a Master's in accounting -plus the CFA charter.
These degrees provided me the break (my first job in the US) in which my profile was completely different from my previous roles. In my first job, I used what I learnt in almost every course in finance, accounting and management at MSU. I was involved in valuation of complex financial products, as well as accounting and analytics. The experience I gained in the position helped me land my current assignment at the World Bank.
GOING FURTHER
I am not the kind to make long-term plans but rather go with the flow. I wish to continue working in this position as long as I am able to add value to the team and organization and then move on to do something more.
I would like to advise youngsters to know their strengths and then find a job which utilizes most of those. When you do something which gives you joy, you will be able to perform at your best and contribute most to the organization, leading to your growth in the long run.