Spotlight on higher education | Supta Das, EY
Supta Das
Assistant Director-Vendor Manager Lead
EY
Our Spotlight on Higher Education blog series aims to showcase people in our sector who have studied at Scotland’s universities and explore what they took from the experience as well as how it prepared them for a career in financial services.
Tell us a bit about your degree and why you chose it
My degree in IT Management for Business (ITBM) was a way of obtaining a degree through a combination of academic study and work-based learning. I chose this degree as it gave me industry-recognized qualifications in the IT sector without leaving my job. The course benefitted me in long-term objectives for my career path including the improvement of leadership skills and leading a team with resilience and trust. The apprenticeship has helped me gain confidence and focus on my career objectives with a result-oriented approach.
What has been your career path so far/how did you get into financial services?
I’ve always had a clear career goal, but I knew that I needed support to develop both my personal and technical skills further to achieve these goals. The GA program on ITBM is designed to gain industry-relevant knowledge develop a unique skillset through this course and exploit opportunities in financial areas.
What tools did the course equip you with that has helped you most to navigate the world of work?
My graduate apprenticeship has been a rewarding experience, which has enabled me to build a valuable network and learn from the experiences and best practices of effective coaching, mentoring, and training. The apprenticeship has helped me gain confidence and focus on my long-term career objectives with a result-oriented approach. The learning outcome from the ITBM course included a broad background of business operations, procedures, and culture applicable to a career in IT in a business environment.
Tell us about your role now with your current employer and what you enjoy most about it?
Currently, I work with EY as an IT supply Chain Lead. where adaptable capability is essential to address changes in processes, tools, or clients. My day-to-day job includes the management of supply chain services and demands the resolution of contractual conflicts, working in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.
What would your advice be to someone now who is looking towards higher education in Scotland?
There is no age limit to learning and unlocking your true potential. You can learn and earn at the same time through the GA program and continue to unfold new opportunities.
Find out more about Graduate Apprenticeships at Herriot-Watt below: