“My experiences in competitions, leadership roles taught me how to communicate effectively”

Success is a journey shaped by experiences, challenges, and the right foundation. For Manvi Sharma, an alumna of Apeejay School, Charkhi Dadri (Batch of 2018), her school played a pivotal role in fostering leadership, confidence, and adaptability. Now working as an Authorized Officer at UBS, she blends finance with technology to optimize financial operations globally. In this exclusive conversation, Manvi shares insights into her career, the impact of Apeejay Education on her professional life, and advice for students aspiring to enter the world of finance and technology.

Manvi, could you share a glimpse of your role at UBS?

I work as an Authorized Officer at UBS, focusing on finance and technology. My role involves ensuring seamless financial processes using innovative, technology-driven solutions. A typical day includes collaborating with teams, optimising financial operations, and driving digital transformation. Additionally, I represent India in the GTP Global Forum, contributing to global discussions on leadership and technology in finance.

How do finance and technology intersect in your work?

Finance and technology are deeply connected. My work involves leveraging tech to enhance financial systems, ensuring efficiency and security. One of the most exciting projects I worked on focused on optimizing authentication methods for financial data access, making transactions faster and safer. These innovations are shaping the future of the financial world.

What trends do you find most exciting in finance and technology today?

There are three key trends transforming the industry:

AI in Finance – Automating processes, improving risk management, and detecting fraud.

Blockchain & Digital Assets – Revolutionizing transactions and decentralized finance (DeFi).

Cloud & Cybersecurity – Ensuring secure and scalable financial operations.

These advancements are making finance more efficient, transparent, and future-ready.

How did Apeejay School, Charkhi Dadri shape your personality and career?

Apeejay played a huge role in shaping my confidence, leadership skills, and ambition. As Head Girl and Cultural Prefect, I learned to balance responsibilities while excelling in different areas. Winning the Dr Stya Paul Award and being titled Miss Apeejay on my farewell reinforced my passion for excellence. These experiences continue to inspire me in my professional journey.

What valuable lessons did you carry forward from school into your career?

Some of the most important lessons I learned at the school include:

Discipline & Hard Work – Balancing multiple roles helped me develop strong time management skills.

Adaptability & Leadership – Managing various responsibilities prepared me for corporate challenges.

Confidence & Public Speaking – My experiences in competitions and leadership roles taught me how to communicate effectively.

These values have been the foundation of my career growth.

What challenges did you face while transitioning from academics to the corporate world?

One major challenge was adapting to the fast-paced corporate environment, where learning never stops. I overcame this by:

Being open to feedback and improving continuously.

Taking initiative instead of waiting for instructions.

Building strong professional relationships to learn from experienced colleagues.

Embracing challenges as learning opportunities helped make my transition smoother.

What advice do you have for students dreaming of working in global financial firms like UBS?

Success comes with consistent effort and a willingness to learn. My advice is:

Master the Basics – Build strong foundations in finance, technology, and problem-solving.

Develop Soft Skills – Leadership, communication, and collaboration matter as much as technical knowledge.

Be Proactive & Curious – Always look for opportunities to learn and grow.

Seek Global Exposure – Participate in internships, competitions, and networking events.

What keeps you motivated in your professional journey?

Three things drive me every day:

The Ever-Evolving Nature of Finance & Tech – There’s always something new to learn.

The Impact of My Work – Contributing to solutions that shape the future of finance is fulfilling.

Personal Growth & Financial Independence – I aim to keep advancing in my career while building a strong foundation for my future.