Vidit Vaywala, Financial Analyst
Introducing financial analyst Vidit Vaywala, who has been with the Department of Geographical Sciences for nearly two years.
Originally from Ahmedabad, India, Vidit received a Master of Science in Information Systems from the University of Maryland. Starting at GEOG as a graduate assistant in December 2022, he transitioned to a full-time role in December 2023.
With a keen eye for detail and a passion for financial administration, Vidit thrives on the challenges that come with managing a large research portfolio. In this interview, he shares insights about his role, work philosophy and future aspirations, including leveraging his hobby of watching the stock market for a business endeavor.
What do you like most about your role?
The most exciting part of my role is navigating the daily challenges in research administration. It's like solving a puzzle, ensuring all the pieces come together to effectively manage a million-dollar portfolio. For me, project management is the most rewarding aspect of the job.
How would you explain your role in one sentence?
We are like financial puzzle solvers, piecing together data and strategy to ensure everything fits perfectly and keeps the big picture on track.
What’s a pet peeve you have at work?
A pet peeve of mine is manual tasks that could be automated. I find it challenging when repetitive work slows down efficiency. I’m always looking for ways to streamline processes and introduce automations.
What do you do to help you recharge?
To recharge, I love listening to finance podcasts to explore the latest in geopolitics and global events. I also enjoy quick coffee breaks.
Anything else you would like people to know about you?
I love diving into conversations about anything and everything, always curious about stuff, especially stocks! I plan to start my own business someday, and investing in companies provides invaluable insights into opportunities, challenges and navigating turbulent environments. It’s engaging to predict which companies will rise above the competition and deliver consistent growth and returns.
I also have a dream of becoming a pilot—for hobby purposes—one day!
Photo courtesy of Vidit Vaywala
