As the HSC results came out and gave wings to students’ forays into higher education, it was interesting to speak to a fresh young graduate Gaurav Harnaum, who recently stepped into the world of work with a 3-month internship at MINDEX.
We speak to him to find out what his key lessons were from his first brush at the workplace, which happened to be set in the exciting context of Africa’s first digital custodian, helmed by one of Mauritius’ leading FinTech entrepreneurs, Jessica T Naga.
Edited excerpts from an exclusive interview:
1. How was your experience of working with Jessica?
As I conclude my 3-month internship, I find myself reflecting on the invaluable experience of working alongside Jessica, the CEO of Mindex. From day one, her leadership style set the tone for a dynamic and enriching work environment. She explained each task very well and gave me the full trust and confidence to complete them to the best of my ability. Constructive feedback was consistently provided, shaping not only my skills but also my understanding of professional growth.
What stood out the most was the encouragement to take ownership of projects and explore new avenues. As a Finance student, I realised that finance in a great work environment at MINDEX was more than just theory and application. Everyday I was able to learn and acquire valuable experience through the different projects I had the opportunity to work on. Working in Africa’ s first Digital Custodian firm, I felt part of a great team ready to revolutionise the Fintech and investment space.
Jessica always supported me and her positive approach to challenges became a source of inspiration. As I move forward in my career, I carry with me not only enhanced skills but also a deep appreciation for the transformative impact of effective leadership.
2. How was the experience of working with the wider team at MINDEX?
I am deeply grateful for the unwavering support of all team members, particularly Faiz Ragoo, the Head of Digital Surveillance, with whom I collaborated closely during my time at MINDEX. Working alongside such dedicated professionals allowed me to gain insights from various areas, ranging from compliance to accounting and finance. Each project became a stepping stone in my transformative journey of learning and personal growth.
I extend my heartfelt appreciation to the entire MINDEX team for their unwavering support throughout this enriching 3-month internship. The collective encouragement and collaborative spirit have made this experience truly exceptional, setting a benchmark for professional growth and development.
3. How did the journey start – from recruitment to induction?
I remember attending a panel event where the topic was “How to Invest?”. Jessica was one of the expert panelists. I was very impressed by her profound knowledge and strong passion for Blockchain and Asset Tokenization and as a Finance student eager to explore this dynamic field, I expressed my gratitude to her for the valuable insights she shared during the event. Upon sharing my professional details and expressing my strong passion for Fintech, Jessica graciously offered me the chance to join MINDEX as an intern. I was very excited to embark on this journey with the company.
On the very first day, Jessica gave me the opportunity to be part of a project and this is from where my journey started. Feeling both honoured and enthusiastic, I acquainted myself with the team members, each of whom contributed to a welcoming and collaborative atmosphere. The sense of confidence instilled in me by Jessica’s trust and the eagerness of my colleagues to foster a positive learning environment, motivated me to approach the upcoming three months with a commitment to absorb as much knowledge as possible and contribute wholeheartedly to the team’s objectives.
4. Could you please provide a day to day work perspective?
Every day begins with a meticulous review and response to emails, ensuring a prompt and organised start. At 8:30, we convene for our daily team call, a crucial juncture where each member provides progress updates, outlines tasks for the day, and extends support if someone faces challenges. This collaborative approach significantly enhances our collective efficiency and fosters a sense of teamwork, propelling us toward shared goals.
Following this insightful meeting, I immerse myself in focused blocks of time, dedicated to addressing a spectrum of tasks and projects. These can span from compliance checks and bank reconciliations to conducting client risk assessments inter alia. Additionally, I get the opportunity to work on the great projects undertaken by MINDEX, ensuring a dynamic work environment where each day brings forth new challenges and opportunities.
Should I need assistance, the team is readily available to help. When the day draws to a close, I take a moment to reflect on the accomplishments achieved and plan for the following day.
