From computer science to finance: my academic journey

Devansh Gupta is an alumnus of the University of London’s BSc Computer Science (Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence) programme at the Singapore Institute of Management (SIM).

He was awarded the SIM EDGE Award, a prestigious certificate developed in partnership with employers to recognise students’ cumulative achievements, and is currently studying a master’s in quantitative finance.

Here, Devansh reflects on his academic journey to date and shares his advice for current and prospective students.

Devansh Gupta at the SIM-EDGE Award Ceremony

A lifelong passion

Ever since I was a kid, I found myself drawn to computer science. There's something incredibly satisfying about writing a piece of code and seeing it work perfectly. This passion drove me to pursue a bachelor's degree in computer science at the University of London. My dad, who is a chartered accountant by education, an IT project manager by profession, and a trader by passion, would often have long debates with me about finance and world economics. These discussions were not just enlightening; they fuelled my interest in finance and nudged me to steer my university projects towards financial applications.

Although I had the technical skills to build amazing products, I didn't know what to create. That's when I decided to pursue a master's in quantitative finance at the Singapore Management University (SMU). This programme seemed like the perfect way to blend my two passions – computer science and finance – and find my true calling.

Academic journey

My academic journey has been a rollercoaster ride. During my bachelor's degree, the world was hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, and everything moved online. It was tough without any physical lectures and social interaction with my peers, but every dark cloud has a silver lining. The lockdown gave me a lot of time to dive deep into finance, learn from my dad’s interests, and focus on my studies without distractions, which was perfect for an introvert like me.

Being part of the pioneer batch of my degree was a unique experience. Our professors were incredibly supportive, helping us navigate through the new curriculum and providing valuable guidance for our projects. These projects, which I proudly discuss in every job interview, laid the foundation for my current master’s programme.

Transitioning to my master’s degree at SMU was another challenge. Coming from a computer science background, diving into finance felt like jumping into the deep end of the pool. The learning curve was steep and there were times I seriously considered dropping out, as early as two weeks into the programme. But I realised that while I might struggle with some parts of the programme, I excelled in others, especially those involving coding. This blend of finance and computer science has been my unique strength, helping me stand out in a class where only one other person shares a similar background. Our shared struggles motivated us to soldier on and complete the academic journey we had embarked on.

Achievements and support

This tenacity and resilience culminated in receiving the SIM EDGE Award. This prestigious award was a significant milestone in my academic journey. I remember saying during a   student interview, "If I removed everything else from my resume and just had the EDGE Award, it would still be a thorough testament to my achievements and work ethic." It symbolises my relentless pursuit of opportunities and my commitment to improving myself and the community around me.

Integral to this achievement was the support from the SIM Career Connect office, which provided invaluable advice during the interview process. The SIM Student Development also supported my schoolmates and I in pioneering the Computer Science Student Council. My professors were amazing, assisted me to set-up and judge the SIM x UiPath Hackathon, the first student-organised hackathon at SIM. This event was a significant learning experience, pushing me out of my comfort zone and helping me grow both personally and professionally.

Future goals and aspirations

Looking ahead, I aspire to become a quantitative developer, focusing on financial services and products. My goal is to leverage artificial intelligence to develop better infrastructure and quantitative trading strategies for financial institutions. As more people recognise the importance of investments for personal wealth growth, there is a need for significant research and development in existing infrastructure. I aim to help people understand the importance of investments and provide them with tools for a secure investment journey, safeguarding their hard-earned wealth. Once I build enough knowledge in the banking world, I intend to start my own business one day, having found a like-minded partner with impactful skills different from my own.

Advice and reflections

Reflecting on my journey at SIM-UoL, I realise how profoundly it has shaped my personal and professional growth. The academic challenges, coupled with opportunities for leadership and community involvement, have moulded me into a resilient and resourceful individual. These experiences have not only enhanced my technical skills but also honed my ability to navigate complex financial landscapes.

To all current and prospective SIM-UoL students, my advice is simple: Embrace the flow of your journey. Make the most of your time as a student because this phase of life is unique and full of energy. Personally, I never planned to start a club, organise a hackathon, or win the EDGE Award. These opportunities just came my way, and I seized them.

Internships are essential, but they’re not the only path to success. I personally did not do any internships as it just wasn’t the right thing for me at the time. Similarly, attaining achievements or joining events may not be everyone’s path either. The key is to find what works for you and fill your time with productive activities, both academically and socially. Stepping out of your comfort zone is one thing, but choosing what’s right for you and your growth is another.

Stay open to opportunities, build a supportive network, and continuously strive for personal and professional growth. Remember, every experience adds value, so embrace them all and make the most of your student life.

Devansh Gupta