From Engineering to Risk Management at Bank of America – Meet Jatin Gola
Jatin Gola is an engineer-turned-management professional, currently working in the Operational Risk & Control team at Bank of America. Backed by an MBA and over three years of industry experience, he has carved a niche for himself in the risk domain, bringing analytical depth and structured thinking to his role in global banking operations.
His transition into financial risk was driven by a growing interest in the systems that safeguard institutions from uncertainty. This interest, combined with his real-world exposure, led him to pursue the FRM certification—a decision that aligned perfectly with his long-term career goals and allowed him to strengthen his expertise with globally recognized credentials.
What steps did you take early on to build a foundation in finance/risk?
When I joined Bank of America, I was lucky to be placed in a risk-based role right from the start. As part of the Operational Risk & Control team, I was working closely with the frameworks, controls, and governance models that banks rely on to manage risk.
Initially, I wasn’t sure whether I wanted to pursue a certification, but during my early months, my VP noticed my curiosity and involvement in risk-related discussions. One day, in a one-on-one conversation, he asked me if I had ever considered pursuing FRM. He said, “You have the right mindset for risk. If you’re serious about this field, FRM is the next logical step.”
That conversation stuck with me. It gave me the push and external validation I needed. Around the same time, I came across a job posting from Mercedes-Benz Germany, which listed FRM as a requirement. That sealed it for me—if I wanted to grow globally in this domain, FRM had to be part of my journey. That’s when I started researching seriously and eventually found QuintEdge.
What made you choose this QuintEdge?
When I first started exploring coaching options for FRM, I was simply browsing—looking for something structured that wouldn’t waste my time. That’s when I came across QuintEdge, and their platform instantly stood out. The curriculum was organized, the content was easy to navigate, and it felt like everything was built with working professionals in mind.
What impressed me most was the faculty quality. Seeing experts like Yash Sir, Sandesh Sir, and Rohit Sir leading the sessions gave me confidence—these were people who clearly understood risk from both an academic and practical lens. Their teaching wasn’t just about clearing the exam; it was about building deep understanding.
The access to 2,000+ practice questions, topic-wise tests, and full mocks—all in one place—meant I didn’t have to hunt for resources elsewhere. QuintEdge gave me the clarity, structure, and discipline I needed to balance my full-time job with serious FRM prep.
What challenges did you face during your preparation?
Time management was my biggest struggle. As someone who enjoys going to the gym and unwinding with video games, switching into “study mode” after a long day at work wasn’t always easy. There were moments I genuinely questioned if I could stay committed—especially when distractions were just a scroll or console away.
What made the real difference was that QuintEdge didn’t just give me content, they instilled discipline—not by pressure, but by making the process engaging and goal-oriented. Over time, I stopped fighting the schedule and started enjoying the rhythm of daily progress. That mindset shift, more than anything, helped me stay consistent and cross the finish line.
How did QuintEdge support you or make a difference in your journey?
In the beginning, I had serious doubts—not about the exam, but about myself. Whether I could commit enough time, whether I was cut out for something this intense. But from the moment I joined QuintEdge, I felt supported.
Yash Sir, Sandesh Sir, and Rohit Sir weren’t just teachers—they acted more like mentors. They didn’t just clarify academic doubts; they also helped me build a clear, practical prep roadmap that aligned with my routine and strengths.
What stood out the most was how approachable and invested they were in every student’s success. Looking back, I can confidently say that their guidance made the difference between just preparing—and actually clearing the exam.
What outcome did you achieve?
I cleared FRM Level 1 in my first attempt, and the results were immediate. Within a month, I received inbound interest from firms like HSBC, Barclays, and PwC, with roles offering higher responsibility and packages exceeding ₹22 LPA.
Though I haven’t actively explored external opportunities yet, the certification has already elevated my profile. I’m now continuing with FRM Part 2 at QuintEdge, confident that I’m building both credibility and career momentum in the risk domain.
Can you share your preparation strategy with us?
Being a working professional, I had very limited time. So I knew that consistency and structure had to become non-negotiable. Here’s how I approached my FRM Level 1 prep with complete focus:
- Morning routine: I would wake up at 5 AM and study till 9 AM before office hours. These early mornings gave me uninterrupted time to focus on core concepts when my energy was highest.
- Handwritten notes: While studying, I made my own handwritten summaries, which helped me understand and retain better. These notes later became my go-to material for quick revisions closer to the exam.
- Utilizing commute hours: I turned passive time into active learning by listening to lecture recordings during my daily commute. This kept concepts fresh and reinforced what I studied in the mornings.
- Exclusive use of QuintEdge materials: I used only QuintEdge’s books and online portal. I solved every chapter-wise quiz, book-wise test, and mock exam available—multiple times—to ensure complete mastery.
- Performance benchmarking: For every test I attempted on the portal, my personal goal was to score 80% or higher. This kept me motivated and gave me clear metrics on where I stood.
- Weekend deep focus: On weekends, I carved out 8–9 focused hours aside from attending the live classes. This time was used for solving questions, revising difficult topics, and reinforcing weak areas.
- Consistent revision: Since FRM has a vast and technical syllabus, I made sure to revise my handwritten notes regularly—especially in the final month. This helped in retaining key formulas, frameworks, and concepts without having to relearn them.
My entire strategy revolved around disciplined time allocation, smart reinforcement, and complete usage of the tools QuintEdge offered. That made all the difference.
What would you like to tell others who are just starting this journey?
Be consistent from day one. Trust your faculty and the process, and don’t skip chapters thinking they’re unimportant.
At times, it will get tough—you’ll have to give up things you love, like scrolling reels or gaming. But trust me, it’s worth it. Once the results come in, all those sacrifices will feel small.
