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Business Management alumna rises through the ranks at MasterCard

Business Management alumna rises through the ranks at MasterCard

Published: 28 Aug 2024

Ranu Sharma

Brunel taught me the art of discipline when it comes to managing workload, whilst keeping a balance with all other aspects of life. Prioritising is key.

Ranu, Undergraduate, Alumni

Finance Director , MasterCard

Accounting and Business Management BSc - 2007

From UK

Tell us about your educational and/or career journey since you graduated from Brunel?

I went into a finance job within the Pharmaceutical industry and flourished in more Finance Business Partnering roles thereafter. I have gone into working in various Industries such as Airlines, Hotels, Recruitment and more recently, Fin-Tech.

What does a typical day at work involve for you?

Managing and leading a team of finance professionals, meeting the deliverables for both Corporate Finance and the business division that I’m in charge of.

What’s been the highlight of your career journey so far?

Becoming Finance Director before the age of 40 whilst being pregnant with my second child.

How would you say your Brunel experience has helped you to get where you are today?

Brunel taught me the art of discipline when it comes to managing workload, whilst keeping a balance with all other aspects of life. Prioritising is key.

Why did you choose to study at Brunel and why would you recommend Brunel to others?

I wanted to be smart with my money without depriving myself of obtaining a degree from a great University. With Brunel, location and a great track record of graduates meant I was able to achieve both.

What is your best memory of studying here?

The endless resources that were available to me. The library was a fantastic place to get some much needed time to study and catch up on notes, seminars and dissertation completion.

If you could give one piece of advice to current Brunel students, what would that be?

Always be your own authentic self. Never lie or conceal who you are to get a head start in your career. You want to be chosen for a job because of your capabilities not being someone you’re not.

What would be your top tip or key advice for new graduates as they begin their career journey after leaving Brunel?

Don’t take long breaks. You’re in the mode of work so stick with that. Once you get comfortable, it’s harder to regain the motivation to look for work or proceed your education further.

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