Vedika joined GIC in 2024 through the GIC Professionals Programme (GPP), a rotational programme designed to provide broad exposure across various departments. This experience has allowed her to engage with different workstreams throughout the organisation, expand her professional network, and gain in-depth industry knowledge.
Currently, Vedika serves as an Analyst in the Balance-Sheet Management team within the Portfolio Execution Group (PEG). In this capacity, she helps manage GIC’s foreign exchange and interest rate risks, ensuring that the organisation’s portfolio transactions are optimally funded to secure both returns and liquidity.
Outside of work, Vedika enjoys reading, trying new cuisines, and staying active through dance and yoga.
What inspired you to join GIC, and how has your experience here compared to your initial expectations?
Before joining GIC, I viewed the finance industry as highly competitive and intense. I was pleasantly surprised to find that GIC fosters a collaborative, friendly, and inclusive culture that truly values diverse perspectives. This environment stood out to me as a place where I could thrive both personally and professionally, striving for excellence at the same time.
My decision to join GIC was further solidified after attending the Women-in-GIC (WING) programme during university. The programme gave me a unique, first-hand look at how different departments work together to advance GIC’s mission. I had the opportunity to connect with women in leadership roles and found mentors who continue to guide me today. The experience left a lasting impression and made me eager to pursue an internship — and ultimately a career — at GIC.
What does a typical workday look like for you?
A typical day begins with catching up on overnight market activity and reviewing updates from our New York team. I connect with banks and traders to gain insights into market flows and key drivers, and I stay informed by reading research on topics like central bank policy and geopolitical developments. Throughout the day, I meet with my teammates to discuss trade ideas, portfolio positioning, and how the market is pricing monetary policy direction. In addition to these daily activities, I also work on projects aimed at enhancing our platform capabilities and supporting more informed investment decision-making.
What aspects of your work do you enjoy the most?
What I appreciate most about working at GIC is the unparalleled access to resources and industry expertise that comes with its reputation. Even as a junior member of the team, I can interact with and learn from leading experts and professionals from across the industry. Whether it’s participating in workshops, attending seminars, or collaborating on projects, these experiences have been instrumental in my professional growth and in contributing to our team’s success.
How would you describe your learning and development at GIC?
My journey at GIC has been both dynamic and enriching. Beginning as a WING mentee, then progressing through an internship, later the GPP rotational programme as a new graduate, and now serving as a Portfolio Manager in the Portfolio Execution Group, I have experienced continuous learning and growth at every stage. Mentorship has played a pivotal role in my development—my WING mentors and rotation managers have been instrumental in helping me see the broader context of my work and encouraging me to explore areas that genuinely interest and challenge me. The support and camaraderie from teammates and fellow GIP and GPP peers have also been invaluable throughout my journey.
Each rotation in the GPP programme was thoughtfully structured to deepen my understanding of the various stakeholders I work with today. My first rotation in a quantitative research team was particularly enriching, as I collaborated with colleagues from diverse backgrounds—including quantum physics and financial engineering—which highlighted the value of bringing different perspectives together to form a well-rounded and effective team. GIC’s culture—one that values mentorship, diversity of thought, and continuous learning. These subsequent rotations allowed me to engage with top-of-the-house teams, providing a bird’s-eye view of key initiatives across the organization. These experiences have not only broadened my technical and professional skills but have also given me a holistic understanding of a supportive and intellectually stimulating environment and has truly shaped my growth and sense of purpose within the organisation.
What skills or knowledge have you developed while working at GIC?
As a fresh graduate at GIC, I have witnessed first-hand the intentionality and thoughtfulness embedded in every aspect of the GPP training and bootcamp experience. One of the most valuable lessons I have carried forward from the programme is the importance of effective communication. Regularly engaging with diverse teams and stakeholders has underscored the need to articulate ideas clearly, actively listen, and foster constructive dialogue. The opportunity to deliver end-of-rotation presentations has been particularly impactful—these experiences have not only honed my public speaking skills but also helped me build confidence in conveying complex concepts to varied audiences.
What are some highlights in your career thus far?
One of the projects I undertook during my time in the GPP programme involved forecasting geopolitical risk and developing strategies for timely portfolio action should those risks materialize. This project challenged me to synthesize macroeconomic, financial, and political factors, requiring a multidisciplinary approach to analysis and decision-making. I was given the opportunity to take ownership of the project, which enabled me to develop expertise in a specialized area within my team—remarkably, just six months into my career. Presenting my findings to colleagues and stakeholders was an immensely rewarding experience, and it played a pivotal role in sharpening my analytical skills and building my confidence as a young professional.
What you should know before joining GIC
Stay curious! GIC values diverse perspectives, so don’t hesitate to share your ideas—a fresh pair of eyes on established processes is always appreciated. Be open to learning from everyone around you, not just your managers but also your peers. Colleagues from different teams often bring unique and valuable insights that can broaden your understanding and enhance your experience.