Alumni profile - Rodas Wendemu
(BSc Business Management, 2022; MSc Investment and Finance (CFA Pathway), 2023)
Can you tell us a bit about your life before university?
As long as I can remember, I have always had an entrepreneurial spirit from a young age, driven by curiosity about how things worked and tackling complex problems. At school, I would throw myself into little projects and ventures - most of which failed, but I enjoyed the challenge of figuring out what went wrong and how to make them better. Born to immigrant parents and as the first in my immediate family to attend university, stepping into Queen Mary felt like more than just an academic choice; it was a chance to turn that curiosity and drive into something bigger.
What attracted you to study as an undergraduate at Queen Mary, and why did you choose to study business management?
I knew studying at a Russell Group university would be paramount if I wanted to challenge myself academically and open doors to future opportunities. Queen Mary offered both a strong reputation for research and teaching, and a location in the heart of London that reflected the diversity and culture I wanted to be part of. From the very beginning, it felt like a place where I would belong. I chose Business Management because it offered both breadth and flexibility, giving me the chance to explore different areas of business before deciding where to focus.
What did you enjoy about the course, and was there anything that surprised you in your studies?
I loved how the course gave me not just a wealth of knowledge, but also the chance to think critically. We were constantly encouraged to challenge theories, not just accept them. What surprised me most was how many of these theories applied beyond business - to life, society, and the way we think. That made the course even more enriching.
What attracted you to continue your studies at Queen Mary as a postgraduate student, and why did you choose to study on the Investment and Finance MSc?
I vividly remember late evenings studying in the economics building, overlooking the Canary Wharf skyline. Those views of skyscrapers became symbolic to me as my passion to work in finance grew - they represented ambition and possibility. Queen Mary felt like the place where dreams could come true, so continuing there for my MSc in Investment and Finance was a natural step
What did you enjoy about your postgraduate studies?
The MSc was intense, but in the best possible way. The rigour pushed me to narrow my focus and develop a deep passion for finance. That intensity also prepared me for the realities of the working world, teaching me discipline, resilience, and the ability to thrive under pressure. Of course, the icing on the cake was the friendships I made with classmates from all walks of life. From Dubai to Hong Kong, those connections have become both personal friendships and a global network that I continue to draw on today
Was the student life that you experienced as an undergraduate different to life as a postgraduate? In what ways?
Yes, it was very different. Postgraduate life meant immersing myself in far more networking, both on campus and beyond. During my undergraduate years, I enjoyed making friends and connections with people from a range of disciplines, including future doctors, lawyers and creatives. But at the postgraduate level, I began to narrow my focus to finance, making the most of the events and societies hosted by the economics and finance faculty. What made this stage so memorable was the shared passion in the room, conversations went deeper, ideas were richer, and the overall experience felt much more fruitful.
What did you enjoy most about studying at QM and what are some of your fondest moments?
Beyond the obligatory nod to the many sports nights in Drapers…one of my fondest experiences at Queen Mary was being part of the Social Venture Fund. It gave me the chance to work closely with driven entrepreneurs, helping them raise capital and scale their businesses. That exposure to innovative founders was incredibly inspiring and gave me a real sense of purpose. At the same time, I was able to build lasting personal connections, friendships and a network of like-minded individuals who have continued to support and inspire me beyond university. Striking that balance between professional growth and personal relationships is something I still value today.
Can you tell us about your journey since graduation, what you're doing and what you enjoy most about your current role?
After completing my MSc, I joined PwC’s M&A practice, where I have built my career and where I still work today as a Senior Associate. My role focuses on advising corporates and private equity funds on special situation transactions, often involving complex and high-stakes decision-making. What I enjoy most about my role is the variety and challenge - no two deals are ever the same, and each client brings a new set of problems to solve. I also find it rewarding to work on transactions that can be transformative for businesses, knowing that the advice I contribute has a real impact. Being part of fast-paced, high-stakes situations keeps me constantly learning and developing.
How did your time and study at Queen Mary help prepare you for your career, and are there any skills you gained through your degree that you use in your job, in life in general, now?
Studying at Queen Mary gave me the tools to apply and test my knowledge in a way that now helps me support large, well-known companies as they navigate complex challenges. More than just technical expertise, the world-class education gave me the confidence to hold my own - to feel that I deserve to be in the room with senior leaders and contribute meaningfully. That mix of knowledge and self-belief has been a foundation for my career, and it continues to guide the way I approach new challenges today.