Q: Hi Avinash, tell us about yourself!
Hi, I’m Avinash, a final year Accountancy student also specializing in Finance! Before NUS, I studied at Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) followed by Anglo-Chinese Junior College. I think of myself as an enthusiastic and outgoing guy, who enjoys the company of people. For that reason, NUS Business School has been a great place for me to engage in a wide range of activities involving lots of people!
Q: What made you choose Accountancy and how would you explain what ‘Accountancy’ is to your juniors?
I’ll be honest – I didn’t really know much about Accountancy when I was choosing my university course, but I was drawn to courses that revolved around numbers and also relevant to the business world. I soon discovered that Accountancy is literally the “language of business” and how businesses convey key information to their stakeholders. This affirmed my choice to pursue accountancy.
Q: What drew you to NUS Business School?
The NUS Open House made a huge difference in my decision-making process – all the seniors and staff present were so friendly and welcoming! Another big reason was the flexibility and options NUS provides to its students, allowing us to customise our curriculum. For example, one of my general electives was the “Life, the Universe, and Everything”, an interesting module that serves as an introduction to the world of philosophy. Compared to the other universities, I felt that NUS catered to the students the most in letting us decide how we want to complete our degree.
Q: Share one thing you achieved during your time here you never thought you would.
I never dreamed of raising over $200,000 with my Flag fundraising committee back in 2018, earning us the award of “Highest Amount Ever Raised” by any NUS Flag faculty. It was an amazing and rewarding experience working with our beneficiary, Metta Welfare Association throughout the year. Shout out to the entire Flag Committee of 2017/2018!
Avinash (back row, second from right) with his Flag committee members supporting their Flag beneficiary organisation.
Q: What were some interesting NUS Business School experiences you had that helped you discover and develop yourself through the years?
Wow, so many – from freshman orientation, to working with an external client for my Field Service Project. In particular, my two overseas experiences, Bizad Abroad to Japan in 2019, and my Student Exchange Programme (SEP) to the US made significant impact. It was a great opportunity for me to represent the school and country. I also learnt to be more independent and adaptable.
Avinash on overseas exchange
Q: Share with us one challenge you experienced during your internship and how did your time in NUS Business School help you overcome it?
During my internship with Ernst & Young LLP, I was on the engagement team to audit an asset management company. We were tasked to unravel large volumes of data stored in hundreds of Excel sheets, requiring the extensive use of Excel functions to process. Thankfully, the primer modules took in freshman year laid a solid foundation in Microsoft Excel. The “Introduction to Data Analytics” module also equipped me sufficiently.
Avinash (right on foreground) and his project group mates in coordinated outfits for their presentation.
Q: What possible career pathways are you considering after you graduate?
I’m still in the midst of considering my career pathways but ideally it will be within the finance or accounting industry, ideally in a client-facing role.
Always be on the lookout for growth experiences, and find ways to have fun with whatever you do.
Q: Looking at your time in NUSBIZ, if you had one word to share with the juniors on what to be, what would it be and why?
Be AGILE, Be ACTIVE!
I would recommend all my juniors to be active and always on the lookout for different experiences that would be sure to help them grow. There are so many clubs and interest groups to choose from, and the school goes out of its ways to organise networking and enrichment events. Make full use of these! I wish for all my juniors to enjoy a full and holistic experience at NUS Business School.
Q: Any final words of advice for your juniors?
My final advice would be to find ways to have fun with whatever it is you’re doing! Be it schoolwork, co-curricular activities or starting a new career, always enjoy what you do.
Avinash (top row extreme right) and his freshman orientation buddies posing for a fun shot.
