We were delighted to host Mr. Butun Mohapatra, a 2004 alumnus of DoMS, IIT Madras, for a thought-provoking session in our "Beyond These Halls: Alumni Reflection" series. This series, aimed at connecting current students and alums with successful professionals, provides a platform for sharing experiences and insights.

Mr. Mohapatra, currently the Managing Director and Asia Pacific Head of Risk Analytics at HSBC, shared his extensive experience in the finance industry, offering practical insights on navigating diverse career paths. He explained the key finance specializations, such as investment banking, risk management, lending, and wealth management. Emphasizing the importance of aligning personal skills and interests with specific roles. His perspective on the critical role of risk management in ensuring financial stability during crises was particularly insightful, highlighting the need for domain expertise and early exposure through relevant roles and electives. Learning how emerging trends like AI, blockchain, and Fintech reshape the finance landscape while core principles like valuation and portfolio management remain foundational was fascinating. His thoughtful guidance on adapting to industry trends, building credibility through certifications for niche roles, and exploring growing domains like ESG finance provided invaluable inspiration for shaping successful careers in finance.
A big thank you to Mr. Mohapatra for such an engaging and enriching session, providing valuable guidance on succeeding in the dynamic world of finance.