Alumni Profile - Shalini Kurukulasuriya

DUBS alumna Shalini Kurukulasuriya talks about life at Durham and as Vice President for Projects and Transitions at AMBA Research Lanka (Private) Limited.  

Shalini spent over seven years in Durham, firstly as an Economics Undergraduate and then as a postgraduate studying MSc Corporate & International Finance. She then went on to become a member of the Economics faculty where she spent two and a half years before returning to Sri Lanka after receiving an irresistible job offer. Nowadays Shalini is responsible for financial analysis and research into target companies for AMBA’s clients. She is enjoying life in Colombo, but has fond memories of Durham and hopes to visit again soon.

1. How do you feel your Durham degree prepared you for your current role?

In addition to completing my undergraduate and postgraduate studies at Durham, I subsequently had the privilege of teaching at the Department of Economics and Finance for over 2 years. Apart from the obvious academic benefits, the collective experience profoundly shaped the open and respectful manner in which I approach my interpersonal interactions. This is especially valuable in my current role as VP-Projects and Transitions at Amba Research, where I’m responsible for coaching multicultural teams on developing investment analysis skills. Conveying negative feedback tactfully is a critical aspect of their ongoing improvement.

2. If you had one piece of advice for Durham graduates starting out what would it be?

Don’t be afraid to take the path less travelled when embarking on a career.  Finding your true calling/passion is sometimes a process of trial and error. So it is important not to let the fear of failure prevent you from taking the plunge and exploring different paths, although it may not seem like the most obvious or popular choice.

3. What are your fondest memories of Durham?

Cooking “Kiribath”-traditional Sri Lankan dish- for 200+ people at the International Students Banquet for three consecutive years holds many fond and comical memories.  Others include (this is by no means an exhaustive list) my first glimpse of the magnificent Cathedral and Castle, meeting up with friends for afternoon tea  at Vennels café and those contemplative walks along the River Wear.

4. What would you say has been the most satisfying aspect of your career so far?

Leading multicultural teams across a variety of equity research projects and using my expertise to hone their skills and help them shine in their respective roles.

5. Where do you envisage your career taking you in the future?

I’m very hopeful about Sri Lanka’s prospects as a high end investment research outsourcing hub. So I see myself continuing to build my career in Sri Lanka, with short secondments overseas. Since the industry is at still at a nascent stage with many moving parts I hope to work on developing a nimble skillset which will enable me to seize challenging opportunities as they present themselves.

6. What do you do to unwind?

I usually swim and find it incredibly therapeutic and relaxing.  I’m also working on improving my game of tennis. More recently, I’ve taken up the piano and have almost completed the beginner’s level!

7. What would you describe as your main strengths and how have these led you to where you are today?

A passion for lifelong learning, a commitment to excellence, and patience.  I firmly believe these strengths have helped me persevere in my chosen path and become more resilient to withstand the inevitable bumps along the road to building a fulfilling career and living a well rounded life in general.

8. Do you keep in contact with many people you met at Durham?

Absolutely; although we are separated by geography, some of my closest friends are still those I met during freshers’ week back in October 1995.