6 minute read
By the end of his third semester at the ANU College of Business and Economics (CBE), alumnus Shubham Singh believes his experiences through the College, including the networking events, have made him workforce-ready.
Since graduating, he’s now widely recognised for his strong real-estate data analytical skills and is currently the Global Revenue Manager at GuestReady Group, a property-management specialist.
In an interview, Shubham sheds light on his academic and professional growth in Australia and tips for university students.
Can you tell us about your career path and what led you to the role you're in today?
I joined CBE after receiving the College’s International Graduate Scholarship. I have a Bachelor of Science in Statistics, Mathematics and Economics and thus, pursuing a Master of Economics then appeared to be a linear move. Having this trajectory on my CV, coupled with many rich interactions with industry experts, either through networking events or LinkedIn, I got an opportunity to pave my way into the world of investment-property business. Though this transition was initially overwhelming for me, the learning curve provided me with a perfect opportunity to professionally reinvent myself by my third semester at CBE.
As an experienced data analyst, can you please tell us what kind of experience you look for in a recent graduate? And the value one would gain from your field?
Aside from experience with different kinds of tools and applications, I think the most important quality that I look for in my interns or fellow team members is the ability to adapt, a crucial trait in the ever-changing world. This is something that would be addressed in the interview round.
The life of a data analyst might vary depending on the kind of industry and company they work for. As long as you are able to express your project – its purpose, your contribution, the final result – you will be able to connect with the larger conscience of the employer. I strongly recommend you study the role you are applying for. Most employers strategically use particular adjectives to describe an ideal candidate and ask for specific skill sets in the job description.
Always remember, your skills are as important to employers as having a job is for you.
With the impact COVID-19 is having on the world, how do you think the field of data analytics will change, particularly in regards to shaping the world’s approach to coping with future pandemics?
I think the biggest change will come from utilising existing data for a bigger purpose. All industries have access to a tremendous amount of data, and they will use it to their benefit to identify returns, costs and other qualitative analysis.
The ongoing pandemic has taught us to account for unprecedented events, which is currently not taken into consideration while designing any algorithm to predict or analyse company actuals. Data analytics will move a step ahead to incorporate ‘resilience’, as each industry reassess their existing financial models and incorporate another variable that would account for this.
After graduating as an international student, you’ve successfully navigated your career in Australia. Any tips that you can share for our current international students or recent graduates?
Australia is a country that values skillsets. In my experience, I have come across people who look for particular skillsets, so as long as you can sell yourself as the missing piece to their puzzle, your transition should be relatively simple. Always remember, your skills are as important to employers as having a job is for you. Be confident in your abilities and do tremendous research before you apply for any job.
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