Diya Nidamarthi

Tell us about your degree - why did you choose it? 

Ever since I first came across economics in high school, I knew that it was something I would want to continue learning about and potentially make a career out of. That led to pursuing an undergraduate degree and then looking for a masters course. The MSc Economics & Finance caught my eye as it felt like the perfect mix. I wanted to stay deeply rooted in economics from an academic perspective while also gaining a better understanding of the world of finance and how the two come together in practice. 

That balance was exactly what I was looking for. The course let me build on my knowledge of economics while giving me the opportunity to explore finance in a meaningful way, which also opened up a wider range of career opportunities.

What did you enjoy the most about your course? 

The course itself was definitely one of the highlights. I got to pick up some really interesting modules, and a few of them were not what I expected in the best way. I didn't think I'd end up thinking as deeply about courses like Distributional Economics, Behavioural Economics but they turned out to be some of my favourites. Econometrics is actually something I still find myself referring back to today. 

The biggest highlight for me was definitely my dissertation. From start to finish, it kept me on my toes and it  gave me the chance to work on something I was truly passionate about. 

My professors and supervisor were always happy to provide a sounding board and their guidance encouraged me to look at it from different perspectives while staying true to the core principles of economics. 

What did you enjoy most about your life as a student at the University of Leeds? 

What I enjoyed most about my time at Leeds was everything that happened outside of the classroom. The campus became such an important part of my everyday life, and I like to think I ended up exploring almost every corner of it. From walks between buildings to the random bunnies, heron and ducks we would come across, there were always little things that made the day better. 

I also really enjoyed staying active. I played squash at The Edge and took up Yoga and Pilates classes, which were a great break from coursework and a nice way to reset. I loved exploring Leeds and the surrounding areas through runs, hikes and walks, some of which I went with the societies in the university. Some of my favourite memories were the small, unexpected moments, like meeting miniature ponies and therapy dogs during exam season. 

How did you find adjusting to living and studying in the UK? 

It was a very big move, definitely moving to a new country and starting off with the challenge of adapting to a new academic environment. While adjusting took some time, I never realised when I went from simply adjusting to feeling right at home in Leeds. 

The university was very proactive with the help and support they provided. I remember going on campus tours, having a gym buddy, and taking part in different opportunities to interact with people and make myself feel comfortable in a new place. 

My advice would be to go easy on yourself, give it time, and try to make the most of everything as much as possible, especially the summers. The one year ends up going much faster than you can anticipate. Even now, having moved to another city, Leeds still feels like a place I can call home. 

What professional skills and experience did you gain? 

My coursework had the biggest impact on my professional development. It helped me build skills in critical thinking, research, report writing, managing multiple deadlines and communicating complex ideas clearly. 

The combination of economics and finance also gave me a broader perspective, helping me understand how macroeconomics, financial markets and business decisions all connect. The support from my professors was a huge part of that. They always encouraged me to think beyond the coursework, ask questions and explore ideas from different perspectives. 

How did your time at Leeds prepare you for the future? 

Looking back, I still use a lot of what I learnt at Leeds. The economic research methodology I developed during my degree is something I regularly rely on at work, and it's now an approach my team values as well. Even my dissertation has come full circle, as the topic I researched is now an area I specifically look after within my team. 

One of the things I value most is that the course never made me choose between economics and finance. Today, I get to work in fintech while still applying the economic way of thinking that first drew me to the degree. Leeds as a city also gave me a great launch pad for building up a career and life in the UK. . 

How has your career progressed since leaving the Business School? 

Since graduating, I've joined the Group Enterprise Risk team at Paysafe where I've been able to build on the skills I developed at Leeds. One of the highlights has been representing my firm in conversations with leading experts on topics I had actually researched for my dissertation. It was surreal, but really rewarding, to be discussing something I'd once written about academically in a professional setting, while also learning from economists and industry experts in the field. 

What are your ambitions for the future? 

For now, I'd like to continue exploring the fintech industry while staying connected to economics. I'm looking forward to learning, taking on new challenges and seeing where that takes me. 

In the future, I'd love to explore the possibility of studying further, but I'm equally happy continuing to build a career in fintech. 

What was your biggest highlight of studying at Leeds? 

Definitely the friends I made and the experience of moving to a new place. Exploring Leeds, getting to know the people and discovering a new environment was such a special part of the experience. Leeds itself was an absolute delight, and I think the memories made along the way, both big and small, are what I will remember most. 

Would you recommend Leeds University Business School? 

Absolutely. I would recommend the University of Leeds and Leeds University Business School to anyone looking for a place that offers a great balance of academics, opportunities and student life.