Breaking into a new domain is tough. Breaking in after a decade-long career break? That’s a whole different challenge.
From navigating a career that didn’t go as planned to pulling all-nighters on data science projects while caring for her sick son, Vaid Sonali’s journey has been anything but linear. But if there’s one thing she’s learned–it’s that upskilling isn’t just an option; it’s essential.
An Unexpected Career Pivot
Sonali didn’t imagine her career would unfold like this. She started with IT engineering, went on to pursue an MBA in finance, and even cleared CFA Level 1–all with the goal of securing a solid finance role. But the real world had different plans.
“The hardest part wasn’t learning finance–it was proving I was experienced enough to be hired in it. It felt like a never-ending loop: No experience, no job. No job, no experience.”
Private equity, an industry known for its exclusivity, made things even harder. The job openings were scarce, and competition was relentless. And then came another hurdle; a decade-long career break.
As a Permanent Resident in Singapore, returning to the workforce after ten years felt like stepping into a different world. Finance wasn’t the same. Data had become a central force, and the industry expected professionals to adapt fast.
That’s when she made a bold decision. Instead of knocking on doors that wouldn’t open, she decided to build new ones.
Late Nights, Algorithms, and a Toddler in Tow
Enrolling in Great Learning’s Data Science and Business Analytics program was a leap of faith. Could she really learn data science from scratch and apply it to finance? There was only one way to find out.
But learning while balancing a family is a different kind of endurance test.
“I remember working on a major project while my son was unwell. There I was, on almost no sleep, juggling between calming him down and debugging code. It wasn’t just about completing the assignment; it was about proving to myself that I could do this.”
And she did.
The project-based approach of the program didn’t just teach her data science–it reshaped her thinking. Suddenly, finance wasn’t just about numbers; it was about patterns, predictions, and insights hidden in data.
When she finally landed a role in private equity, it wasn’t just her finance background that got her there; it was her ability to approach problems differently, thanks to her data science training.
The People Who Changed the Game
Sonali’s journey was full of ups and downs and through it all, one name stood out: Antara, a fellow alumna from the program.
“Antara was more than a mentor–she was proof that career breaks don’t define you. Seeing her go from taking time off for family to working in a German bank was exactly the motivation I needed.”
Beyond Antara, the Great Learning community played a crucial role. Whether it was brainstorming project solutions or just knowing that others were navigating similar struggles, it made the process feel less lonely.
Why Women in Finance Must Keep Learning
Sonali is clear about one thing: upskilling is non-negotiable.
“In finance, women often have to prove themselves twice as much to be taken seriously. Learning new skills isn’t just about career growth–it’s about ensuring that we never become dispensable.”
Her advice? Don’t wait.
“Start before you feel ready. Because by the time you think you’re ready, the world has already moved ahead.”
What’s Next? Paying It Forward
Sonali didn’t just land a job–she found a new way of thinking, solving problems, and seeing opportunities where none existed before.
And now? She wants to help others do the same.
“This journey wasn’t just about getting hired. It was about taking control of my career after years of feeling stuck. If my story can help even one person realize that it’s possible, then every sleepless night was worth it.”
