Suparna Ray

Current Employer/Organisation Name

Amrita School of Business

Can you give us an overview of what you have done since you completed your research degree?

I am currently an Assistant Professor of Finance at Amrita School of Business, Amravati campus.

My previous stints were at SOIL School of Business Design, Manesar, Gurgaon; Xavier Institute of Management & Entrepreneurship, Bangalore; XIM University, Bhubaneswar and Bennett University, NCR, respectively, in India after returning from the UK, after my PhD in Finance from the University of Exeter Business School.

How did you become interested in the area you work in?

I had more than a decade of corporate exposure by virtue of her Company Secretaryship qualification at various corporate houses in Calcutta, West Bengal, india. In my various roles, I was engaged in planning and formulating policy-issues concerning investments, working capital, borrowings, etc. reflecting business outlook in senior management positions, as part of Core Committee of management – these exposure ignited my interest to pursue doctoral studies in Finance, starting with an MBA from Baruch College, CUNY, USA.

How did you find opportunities in the area you work in and how did the recruitment process work?

All my academic employment at various educational institutions was based on faculty recruitment seminars, followed by personal interviews – opportunities were based on recruitment advertisements.

What does your current role involve?

Research and teaching.

What skills are involved in your work and how did your research degree help develop them?

Both research & teaching skills were developed from my educational degrees and GTA exposures in the USA & UK.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

Shaping students’ careers.

What are the challenges in your role?

Challenges are there for all professional roles.

What has surprised you about your role?

Corruption & dishonesty.

Did you engage in any additional activities or roles (i.e. organising conferences, entering PGR showcase, being a PGR Rep etc.) during your research degree, and how did these help prepare you for a career beyond academia?

I engaged in the PGR Showcase at the University of Exeter Business School & have been a PGR rep at the Lancaster University Management School.

What skills and experiences have been most useful for your career?

My research skills as a PhD scholar and my GTA experiences.

What advice would you give to a current student who wishes to pursue your career?

Have perseverance, grit & hard work.

What are your plans for the future?

Progressing to senior academic roles.