Career Advice from a Banker Mum

from WIN Times July 2021

From the Principal’s Desk

Ambreen Zaraz, Parent of Mikaeyl Zaraz, Year 9, & Myssah Zaraz, Year 4

Mrs. Ambreen Zaraz is a certified wealth manager who has called UAE home since 2007. The dynamic “Banker Mum” loves to travel, cook and spend time with her children, Mikaeyl and Myssah. In this article, Mrs. Ambreen runs you through the basics of banking and managing personal finance.

THE FINANCIAL SECTOR

The financial sector is a part of the economy made up of firms and institutions that provide financial services to commercial and retail customers. This sector includes banks, credit card companies, investment funds, stock brokerages, insurance companies, real estate firms etc.

BANKS

A bank is a financial institution where customers can save or borrow money. Banks also invest money to build up their reserve of money. Banks may give loans to customers, provide credit card facilities, provide wealth management services, etc.

HOW TO PREPARE YOURSELF FOR A BANKING CAREER

• Qualifications: MBA/CFA/Master’s in

Finance, Economics or Accounting/ CA/

ACCA. • Gain early experience by doing internships. • And most importantly, practice a little bit of financial planning. Yes, from NOW! Create and understand budgets, keep a record of them, analyse your needs over your wants and learn how to deal with money management.

Financial planning is an extremely crucial skill, and it is important you train yourself to make sensible fiscal decisions.

So, if banking fascinates you, go and give it a shot! Do what you are really passionate about, and remember, only you can take yourself to the next level. Be the best version of yourself, and always know that there is no failure – you either succeed, or learn.