Finance Student, Creative Freelancer

How I Can Help You

• Studying in the UK: Get ready with tips on visas and accommodation.
• London Living Guide: Navigate London, manage living costs, know where to stay & avoid.
• School to University: Transition smoothly from government schools to private universities.
• Alumni Connections: Keep strong ties with alumni and achieve your goals.
• World Views: Stay updated on global events affecting finance and business.
• Sports to Academics: Shift your focus from sports to academics and debate
• Extracurriculars in School: Learn how to become an excellent Girl Guide. 
• Time Management: Balance study workloads and group assignments effectively.
• Student Side Hustles: Earn money through part-time jobs and freelancing.
• Upwork Freelancing: Use Upwork wisely and avoid scams.
• Career Adaptation: Adapt to early life work environments and build professionalism.

My Domains

Education Comparison | Higher Education | International Education | International Experience | UK Study Guide | Finance | Student Side Hustles | Freelancing | United Kingdom | Customer Service | Public Speaking

A Bit About Me

I’m Suvarna Shanmugaveil, currently pursuing a degree in Banking & Finance with a deep passion for wealth management. I combine my academic knowledge with hands-on experience, working as a versatile freelancer across various industries.

• My parents emphasised staying informed about world events, fostering my ongoing interest in global situations.
• I attended government schools, primary school at SK Bukit Damansara where I used to be a district level swimmer but had to drop out due to injuries.
• I earned the Queen's Guide award (Pandu Puteri), which is my most rewarding personal achievement. I remain an active member of the alumni network, which helps in bridging connections for work and career opportunities.
• In secondary School at SMK Seri Hartamas I participated in the debate team at the interschool level, finding public speaking natural and an excellent opportunity for networking.

Educational Journey

• Private University: Taylors University
  • I’m studying Finance and Banking, following my father's 40-year legacy with hopes of starting a firm together under his guidance.
  • The course mainly consists of banking modules rather than finance and accounting, including Islamic Banking and practices utilised in Malaysian systems.
  • The finance syllabus covers various aspects such as assets, liabilities, investments, and the calculations necessary for comprehending the working world.
  • Wealth Management is a common elective module beneficial for lifestyle planning.
  • I think it’s awesome that government schools have recently included money management in their syllabus, giving students a preview of the finance field.
• The Environment at Taylor’s University
  • The student community has a balanced social mix of introverts and extroverts, with many peers having parents in diverse enterprise backgrounds.
  • Based on my experience, the study and workload are heavy, and group assignments can sometimes involve freeloaders, adding on to the committed students' workloads.
  • I’d say you’re an ideal candidate to study Finance if you are analytical, responsible, calculated risk-takers, precise, and detailed, with a necessity to stay updated with current world events to understand trading and currency fluctuations. 

Skills and Interests

• Public Speaking and Networking
  • Public speaking comes naturally to me and has provided numerous networking opportunities.
  • Involvement in debates and discussions has honed my skills in communication and networking.
• Preparation for Warwick University, United Kingdom
  • I have conducted extensive research on moving to the United Kingdom (UK) which I'd be happy to share!
  • I’ve grown familiar with the UK from frequent visits and guidance from my mom, who lived in London.
  • I’m also knowledgeable about the public transportation system and food spots reminiscent of Malaysia.
  • It is a campus with the most stunning architecture filled with a vibrant & diverse community.
  • The most notable feature on their campus is the Warwick Arts Centre, which brings performances and events from all around the world .
  • This university is highly coveted for their Business, Economics & Engineering courses.
  • I can offer guidance on the visa application process, accommodation needs, and living costs.
• Standard Living Costs and Security in London
  • London is a very friendly city, but unsafe at night; I wouldn't recommend being alone after dark.
  • Pickpockets and snatch thieves are common; trench coats with internal zipped pockets are advisable.
  • Malaysians in the UK tend to look out for each other, so you never feel too far away from home.
• Misconceptions About the UK
  • It’s important to note that there is no access to student housing after graduation, necessitating rental properties with additional monthly rental taxes.
  • People often underestimate the cost of living and lodging, which is very high.
  • While working abroad can offer higher salaries, it comes with significant tax expenses which could lead to reconsiderations on pursuing a career there. 
  • It’s important to keep in mind that taxes are high, particularly in specific tax brackets (20-50%), so ensure you’re planning your finances effectively.

Professional Experience 

• Earning Multiple Income Streams as a Student
  • Most importantly, a lot of organisations are looking for experienced candidates, but as a fresh grad or undergrad, how do we overcome the  1 year experience requirement? By getting a headstart on gathering experience through freelancing/partiming.
  • I started working immediately after graduating school to get accustomed to the working environment and maintain momentum.
  • This experience has made me mindful of spending and has provided a better understanding of the value of money.
  • I have held eight part-time jobs: five in F&B, a remote job at Huddle (setting up AI cameras for local sports games), a law firm clerk assistant, an investment banking internship at OCBC during semester breaks, and currently working in Influencer Marketing and freelancing on Upwork (copywriting).
• Tips for Using Upwork
  • Upwork is a global freelancing platform that connects clients with freelancers across various industries. It allows freelancers to find work remotely and clients to hire professionals for both short- and long-term projects.
  • I’ve been offering my services on Upwork (A freelancer job portal) as a copywriter and proofreader.
  • If you are planning to make income on Upwork, be realistic about your worth and work value.
  • Connects on Upwork are virtual tokens that freelancers use to submit proposals for job postings. Each job requires a certain number of Connects, and freelancers can purchase more if needed once their free monthly allocation is used up. 
  • Set out clearly on your terms and conditions, use your free connections wisely when you first download the app.
  • While you can make the most of international companies, just make sure you have a direct payment method to avoid scams.
• Lessons from Working in Multiple Fields
  • It made it easier for me to adapt when entering the workforce in terms of coordinating my day and ensuring I get sufficient rest to maintain productivity.
  • I developed a sense of responsibility and independence once I started working as I learned what it means to be a team player.
  • I learned to navigate personality differences and set boundaries in the workplace, emphasising professionalism.
  • I gained confidence to pursue a master's degree at Warwick at the end of next year.

A Community Hero Since: 23 September 2024