"Careers aren't built overnight. Success is the result of continuous learning, meaningful relationships, and showing up consistently every day."
For Parth Shah, success has never been about chasing shortcuts.
Today, as a Private Banker at Julius Baer, he works alongside senior investment advisors serving ultra-high net worth individuals and family offices across global markets. But behind that achievement lie disciplined effort, quiet resilience, and a belief that has guided him through every stage of his journey:
Consistency beats intensity.
Choosing Growth Over Comfort
When Parth was exploring master's programmes, he wasn't simply looking for another qualification. He wanted a programme that would prepare him for the realities of modern finance.
"I've always believed that finance is a profession where learning never stops," he says.
SMU's MSc in Applied Finance stood out because of its strong industry connections, practical curriculum, and location in one of Asia's leading financial hubs. While he considered other programmes, SMU offered something he valued more than prestige alone. It offered a learning environment that would challenge him, expose him to industry, and accelerate his career.
Like many prospective students, however, he had his doubts.
Was the investment worthwhile? Would he be able to keep up with classmates from different academic and professional backgrounds?
Instead of letting uncertainty hold him back, Parth chose to embrace the discomfort.
"The programme wasn't just another degree. It was an opportunity to learn from exceptional professors, collaborate with talented classmates, and position myself for a long-term career in finance."
The Semester That Tested Everything
If there was one period that defined Parth's resilience, it was his final semester at SMU.
By day, he interned full time at InCred Global Wealth. Evenings were spent attending classes. In between, he prepared and passed the CFA Level I examination, managed group projects, attended networking events, and searched for full time opportunities.
"It definitely felt overwhelming at times," he recalls.
Rather than trying to do everything perfectly, he focused on making progress every single day. Even if that meant squeezing in just one hour of study after class or using short breaks between meetings productively.
The experience reinforced a lesson that continues to shape both his career and personal life.
"Long term success is built through small, consistent efforts repeated over time."
Learning Beyond the Classroom
Some of Parth's most valuable lessons didn't come from lectures alone.
When the MAF programme introduced students to the CFA Institute Research Challenge, Parth saw it as an opportunity to step outside the classroom and learn alongside like-minded peers. Teaming up with classmates from India, Singapore, Spain and Mauritius, his team progressed through two internal selection rounds to earn the chance to represent SMU at the national competition.
Representing SMU in the CFA Institute Research Challenge became one of the defining experiences of his postgraduate journey. Working closely with exceptionally talented teammates, he researched listed companies, built valuation models, defended investment recommendations, and presented before experienced industry professionals.
The team eventually finished as Second Runner Up in Singapore's National Round, but for Parth, the real reward was the confidence he gained.
The competition sharpened his analytical thinking, strengthened his presentation skills, and showed him how powerful collaboration can be when solving complex investment problems.
Beyond competitions, Parth embraced opportunities to lead. Having held leadership roles throughout his school years, he was eager to continue contributing at SMU and was elected Class Leader during orientation. His commitment to the community continued even after graduation, when he returned as Alumni Class Leader, helping to strengthen connections among his cohort.
Those experiences taught him that leadership isn't about being the loudest voice in the room.
"It's about creating an environment where others can succeed."
Balancing leadership with internships, competitions and academics also strengthened skills that have become invaluable in private banking: prioritisation, communication, dependability, and the ability to build trust.
From Classroom to Client Conversations
One of the biggest advantages of the MAF programme, Parth says, was the opportunity to immediately apply classroom learning in the workplace.
During his internship at InCred Global Wealth, concepts from investment management and portfolio construction suddenly became real client conversations rather than textbook theories.
After graduation, he joined the firm full-time as a Junior Relationship Manager before making the move to Julius Baer earlier this year.
Today, he collaborates with senior advisors serving UHNW individuals and family offices across the Global NRI and Emerging Markets business.
While he's humbled to be one of the youngest private bankers in his business, he doesn't see it as the finish line.
"I see that not as a destination, but as a reminder that there's still so much to learn."
He credits the MAF programme not only for building a strong foundation in investments, but also for developing the analytical mindset, confidence, and interpersonal skills that have been instrumental in his transition from the classroom to a client-facing role in private banking.
Trust Is Built One Conversation at a Time
Parth's philosophy extends far beyond exams and career milestones.
In private banking, relationships aren't built through one impressive meeting or one successful transaction.
They're built through consistency.
"Trust develops by consistently delivering on commitments, paying attention to detail, being responsive, and always putting the client's interests first."
It's a mindset that mirrors his own career. Steady progress over dramatic leaps.
Looking back, he believes the greatest transformation wasn't simply becoming a finance professional.
It was becoming someone who could remain composed under pressure, embrace uncertainty, and continue learning regardless of where his career takes him.
Advice for Future MAF Students
For anyone wondering whether they're capable of succeeding in the programme, Parth offers reassuring advice.
Almost everyone experiences self-doubt in the beginning.
Instead of worrying about having everything figured out, he encourages students to embrace every opportunity that comes their way, whether it's joining competitions, taking on leadership roles, networking with professors and industry professionals, or simply learning from classmates.
"Don't compare your journey with anyone else's," he says. "Focus on becoming a little better every day, and trust that the results will follow."
For Parth, that's exactly what the MAF experience delivered.
Not just a career in private banking, but a mindset that continues to shape how he learns, leads and grows, one consistent step at a time.
Looking back, Parth believes the opportunities he pursued outside the classroom internships, competitions, leadership roles and professional qualifications were just as valuable as the SMU MAF programme in shaping the banker he is today.
