हिंदी में पढ़ने के लिए क्लिक करें
like Maths but if I don’t want to go to IIT then what can I do, it was very interesting to know this from Devina, Chairperson and Managing Director, First Global
Devina Mehra is the founder of First Global, India’s first investing firm, which has been featured in every major stock market publication and magazine in the world. Today, Grihshobha brings you some advice for college-bound students through her interview.
How was your education journey?
When I went to Delhi for my undergraduate studies, I learned that marks in subsidiary subjects don’t count toward honors. After a year, I enrolled at Lucknow University. There, I chose math, English, and statistics, which would later become the foundation of my career. My performance there earned me admission to IIM Ahmedabad.
What has been the most enjoyable and most challenging aspect of your profession?
The joy is that this profession is a continuous learning process because there is something new to see and learn in the market every day. The challenge is that the market has a tendency to be unsettling; markets are uncertain, so risk is always present.
What other skills should students focus on along with academics?
First, work on your communication skills. If you want to move forward in life, advance your career, meet people around the world, and negotiate, your communication skills must be strong. Second, your English should be good. These days, fluency in English is essential everywhere, so learn it. Also, learn more about your stream. Don’t limit yourself to just college. I remember when someone asked my mother which stream was right for children today, she said that the stream isn’t important; what matters is how you pursue it. What matters is that you put your best effort into whatever you take up. Only then will you achieve success and the ability to adapt to change. You don’t get a degree and that’s it; be it education, your career, or the entire world, changes keep happening. So, build your capabilities to be prepared for every challenge. I remember when I graduated from IIM, there wasn’t even a career like security analysis—it only took off in India 7–8 years later. That’s when I learned it. So, keep learning.
What is the scope in the finance and investing sector today?
Today, there is tremendous scope in every sector of finance. Whether it’s banking or the stock market, I would advise students who want to pursue careers in the stock market or investing not to assume that becoming a day trader or crypto trader will make them a fortune. It’s a chasm. So, work on building a proper career and grow. Do what you are passionate about. Trading is all the rage these days, but don’t just chase it. Work hard on your interests.
Does a college play an important role in a career?
Look, a degree helps you until you get your first job. After that, only hard work and learning will take you forward. Secondly, subjects are more important than colleges. You may go to the best college, but if you choose subjects you don’t like, will you perform well? Will they take you forward? So, even if the college is small, if the subjects are to your liking, enroll and study. Give yourself full focus, because studying opens doors.
What advice would you like to give to students in choosing a career?
First of all, there are counseling services available in schools and outside as well, so take help from them. Second, meet professionals in the subject or stream you’re interested in. Spend a day with them. Observe how work is done and what they do all day. For example, if you like law, spend a day with a lawyer. Observe their daily routine and their work so you can see if you’re capable of putting in the same amount of time and effort. Read books. I’m not just talking about books in your major, but about all kinds of books. Whether it’s Hindi, English, or self-help, read anything you like, because reading expands your thinking. Imagination expands. I still read 40 to 60 books a year, not just on finance, but on all kinds of topics. My mother is 90 years old and she continues to read books. So, keep reading and keep learning. When you graduate from college, grab the job that comes your way. Don’t think, “I’ll do it if I get a bigger job.” Take what’s in front of you, because you won’t learn unless you do. Just get started, and the path will open.
What would you like to say to the girl students of today?
My studies and choices were all fine. Yes, one thing I realized later is that when girls express their views, they are often cut off. So I would just say that when you are talking and someone wants to interrupt, stand up for yourself and say, “Let me finish my point first.” Fight for your dreams, rights, and ambitions. Manage your own money. Even today, I see that girls are earning, but their money is being managed by the men in the house—their husband, father, or brother. Even if you start with just 100 rupees, invest a little bit in everything—some in equities, some in fixed deposits, and some in gold. I’ve often seen women take interest only in day trading and PPF, so it’s not a good idea to invest all of it in just those. Invest little by little and manage your money yourself.
– Rajni Prasad