Why did you chose to study at Queen's Business School?

I began my journey at Queen's Business School with an MSc Finance. I enrolled in this programme due to the School's multidisciplinary research approach, which aligns with my interest in the intersection of law and financial stability. I then extended my studies after being encouraged by faculty to a PhD in Finance, securing a studentship for my doctoral studies. 

 

What has your career path been since graduation? 

After completing my PhD, I secured the role of Senior Economist at the Financial Stability Department of the Central Bank of Malta. I work within the Stress team where I actively participate in the formulation and execution of stress tests which are aimed at evaluating the strength of the Maltese banking sector.  

 

How did your degree prepare you for your current job role? 

I wrote my thesis on EU banking regulation and the application of empirical techniques to estimate systemic risk within the EU financials sector. The knowledge that I gained from this research directly aligns with the demands of my current job role, as I work in the Financial Stability Department.

I also had the opportunity during my degree to participate in professional banking training courses, which were sponsored by Queen's Business School, allowing me to gain first-hand experience and improve my practical comprehension of the field. 

 

What were your favourite courses, modules or educational takeaways from your time at Queen's and why were they impactful? 

I was given the opportunity during my PhD to lecture and tutor students in the Finance and Economics departments. In this role I engaged with students, facilitated discussions, delivered lectures and took on administrative and mentoring responsibilities. This opportunity allowed me to enrich my communication, organisation and leadership skills.  

 

Did you do any extra-curricular activities whilst at Queen’s? How did this help you to advance personally and professionally? 

As a PhD candidate at Queen’s Business School, I created illustrations and data visualisations to effectively convey complex concepts. These concepts bridged Law, Finance, and Econometrics in presentations at QBS PhD colloquiums and other QUB seminars. These visuals were awarded prizes at academic presentations and garnered global attention through social media as they make it easier for people to understand research.

As a result of this recognition, I collaborated with researchers across various disciplines, creating PhDcartoon. With PhDcartoon I still contribute illustrations and graphics to academic books, projects, reports, and conferences to make research findings more accessible and understandable through visual storytelling. 

 

What advice do you have for someone considering studying at Queen’s Business School?  

Prospective students considering Queen’s Business School should explore the diverse academic programmes and engage with faculty members to gain insights into the learning environment.

Connect with current students or alumni to gather first-hand experiences and perspectives on the different programmes and extracurricular activities offered at Queen’s Business School. You should also consider attending the School's informative events to get a feel for the campus culture and community. 

 

What career advice would you give someone looking to go down a similar career path as you? 

I recommend building a strong foundation in quantitative analysis and regulatory knowledge for those aspiring to pursue a similar career to mine. Keep up to date with the financial sectors evolving economic trends and regulatory developments and refer to academic literature to further your knowledge.

Actively seek opportunities for hands-on experience, whether through internships or research projects and cultivate a network within the field. Additionally, focus on honing effective communication skills such as data visualization to help convey complex financial and regulatory concepts.

Considering advanced degrees can further deepen your expertise and enhance your career prospects. 

 

What has been your career highlight so far?  

A standout achievement during my first year at the Central Bank has been making a substantial contribution to the Financial Stability Report of Malta 2022. Specifically, I was heavily involved in the Stress Test chapter, where I helped develop a credit module in line with IFRS9 regulatory standards.

This framework aimed to quantify banks' expected credit losses under hypothetical inflationary pressures and interest rate increases. I also designed icon graphics for the report and website, which helped ensure a clear communication of our key findings to the public. 

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