Jack Madden is a double alumnus of CFTE, as he not only completed the Fintech 360 course, but also was a part of the Global Fintech Internship Programme during which he worked on a blockchain case study. Originally in the legal profession with a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) and a Legal Practice Course (LPC), he has now decided to pursue a more tech-focused career as a Data Analyst, AI/Machine Learning Engineer or Computer Programmer.
“When applying for jobs, I have felt more confident because of the experience and knowledge gained through the internship and subsequently the Fintech 360 course.”
Jack Madden CFTE Global Fintech Intern interested in a career in Machine Learning Engineer, Data Analysis and Computer Programming
CFTE: What motivated you to learn about Fintech? How does it help you to your future career from your previous?
Jack: I was really interested in Fintech because it combined finance and technology together. I have always been interested in technology, from having the latest iPhone, to gaming, and being intellectually curious about how things work. It wasn’t until the first lockdown started that I seriously considered a career in either technology or finance. As a result, I started to read A Level Mathematics and Computer Science student books, as well as learning to code and reading about finance through the Financial Times and completing courses.
Firstly, learning about Fintech would help me pursue a career as a Data Analyst, AI/Machine Learning Engineer, or Computer Programmer, because all three roles require quantitative skills which the financial side of Fintech enabled me to develop. Secondly, understanding AI and its financial applications, from the tech side of Fintech, would also benefit my career prospects because it is directly applicable to becoming an AI/Machine Learning Engineer, and is being considered or applied across the tech sector. Finally, due to my interest in finance in general, the Fintech knowledge I obtained would enable me to work for a financial company in one of my chosen roles.
Furthermore, when I recently applied for jobs, I have felt more confident that I would be successful in any interviews for those roles because of the experience and knowledge gained through the internship and subsequent Fintech 360 course.
CFTE: What did you enjoy the most about the Fintech 360 course and what are the key takeaways for you?
Jack: The things I enjoyed most about the Fintech 360 course were the bitesize videos, which meant that I could accumulate at least 15 minutes a day of information about various financial or tech topics, as well as the quizzes and handbooks to test my knowledge. The inspirational speakers and interesting knowledge covered were also something that provided me every day with new opportunities to go above the minimum of 15 minutes learning.
The key takeaways from the course were a greater appreciation for the intricacies of banking infrastructure and revenue models, AI, platforms, and RegTech. The knowledge that I have obtained from the course will assist me in my future career, provide me with a greater understanding of the financial and tech industries, as well as giving me a knowledge base to draw upon if I wanted to conduct further research into Fintech in the future.
CFTE: Finally, if you had to describe yourself in 3 words or less, what would they be?
Jack: The three words would be tenacious, adventurous, philomath.
