“A hardworking and persistent individual who admires and loves the way businesses operate, specifically those who develop innovative solutions for a better world”. This is how Camila Medrano describes herself. Camila is from Bolivia and is a recent graduated of the Master in FinTech & Business Analytics. She holds a bachelor degree in Business Administration with a specialization in Finance, and has experience in different industries such as operations, digital and finance consulting. We talked to her about her experience at EADA and her future career plans.
What made you decide to pursue the EADA-ISDI Master in FinTech & Business Analytics?
I have always been interested in the Fintech sector because I have witnessed the impact it has on different parts of the world, from emerging economies to more developed markets. I was interested in becoming part of this movement because by enhancing the already existing technologies and combining them with innovative business models, we would be able to contribute to a better world, by bringing new solutions that simplify the lives of thousands. EADA was one of the few schools that I was able to find that had a strong focus on Fintech. The Business analytics portion was a nice plus for me as it brings more value to the business models the Fintech sector works with.
What aspects of applied learning would you highlight? What is the most valuable takeaway from the master’s so far for your future career?
Learning about the different technologies and techniques to do data analysis was great. It opened up my scope of performing regular analysis with tools that everyone knows. It gave me insights on better ways to perform more accurate and exact analysis in order to take data-driven decisions within a business.
The most valuable takeaway so far is being able to understand businesses from two different perspectives, the finance portion and the tech. Also, considering the use of data as a major asset within the business, and being able to take initiatives on how to leverage it to take advantage of it and increase the business’ growth and competitiveness.
Many of the professors are practicing industry professionals. How valuable have their insights been? Can you give some examples?
Some of the teachers have been able to provide direct insights from how they applied what they show us in class in their jobs. For example, for cloud computing, our teacher was able to show us the same steps he takes in his job when analyzing a company that is in need of incorporating themselves into the cloud. Another teacher showed us the techniques he utilizes at work to evaluate the different types of clients his business works with, in order to have a complete understanding of the needs of each one of them.
How do you think the Leadership Development Programme prepares you to be a future leader in the FinTech industry?
It has allowed me to shape my professional confidence in different ways, especially since the Fintech sector is composed mostly of startups, it has encouraged many of us to create something of our own in the future. We have learned that being able to portray strong presentation and communication skills is key as you constantly need to put yourself out there to achieve funding and growth.
How would you describe the mix of finance and technology in this programme?
From the finance aspect, we have learned the key metrics, techniques and methodologies of investing and funding, which is key within the fintech sector. We have realized that even though, in the fintech sector, the product might be purely technology, we still need a strong financial understanding of how the capital structure of a company is in this sector, as well as how to properly fund and sustain it financially. On the other hand, we have learned that utilizing technology to create analysis allows us to get specific metrics that show the reality of the business, but we must know how to interpret those results in order to translate them into business decisions, which are mostly related to the strategic and finance part of the business
Young professionals focusing on this area are key because it is not only about obtaining insights, but how you can transform those metrics into strategies that push the business further. Being able to have these skills is more valuable than ever as the business environment becomes more competitive and digital. "
Why do you think that a mix of FinTech and business analytics is powerful in today’s job market?
Nowadays, lots of businesses miss tremendous opportunities and are unable to address important issues due to the lack of understanding and scope of the business problem and clients’ needs. Most of the time, a proper diagnosis of data ends up revealing the answers to many of these issues. Being able to take data-driven decisions puts the business in another direction, which ends up bringing the most value in today’s business worlds. Young professionals focusing on this area are key because it is not only about obtaining insights, but how you can transform those metrics into strategies that push the business further. Being able to have these skills is more valuable than ever as the business environment becomes more competitive and digital.
What are your future career plans?
I recently started working at a FX risk management fintech company based in Barcelona. I’m truly excited to be able to collaborate in the field that I studied for and bring in value by leveraging what has been learned.
What would you say to candidates who are considering applying to the master?
I would tell new candidates to come to EADA to leverage their ideas and take advantage of the professors who currently work in this field and get their doubts answered as these teachers could be potential advisors for their own projects in the future. I would also tell them to come with an open mind to connect and build a strong network as your classmates could be your potential clients.
