May 28, 2025
Meet Sydney Business School, UOW Alumni, Elmedina Latifi
Alumni Spotlight: Elmedina Latifi
Meet Elmedina Latifi, a proud UOW alumna now working at the Commonwealth Bank of Australia as part of the risk management team. Her role involves data-driven credit decisioning, policy development, and risk strategy across corporate portfolios. Alongside her banking career, she also tutors postgraduate students in the Business Analytics program at UOW, guiding them in applying tools like data mining, predictive analytics, and machine learning to solve real-world business problems.
Transformative journey at UOW
Reflecting on her time at UOW, Elmedina describes it as transformative—academically and personally. “It gave me more than technical knowledge; it sparked my passion for solving complex problems and being driven by data,” she shares. Initially shy, the supportive environment helped her grow in confidence and curiosity. “I was gently pushed out of my comfort zone,” she says. While she consistently ranked among the top students, it was learning to believe in herself and show up with purpose that shaped her the most.
Skills that shaped her career
Elmedina completed a double Master’s degree in Business Analytics and Financial Management at UOW. The skills she developed have proven essential in her career: “I learned how to interpret complex data thoughtfully, identify risks, and turn insights into strategies.” She credits the program for combining technical depth with strategic thinking and communication—critical skills in her work in risk management today. Teamwork and clear communication, she adds, are just as important as analytical acumen.
Biggest challenge: learning through a pandemic
One of the most defining challenges she faced during her studies was navigating university life during the COVID-19 pandemic. “The sudden shift to remote learning, isolation, and managing a heavy workload created a lot of pressure,” she says. But rather than letting it hold her back, she adapted and used the moment to grow stronger. “It became a turning point. I learned resilience and how to keep going despite uncertainty—skills that I carry with me in everything I do.”
Advice to future graduates
Elmedina’s advice to students and recent graduates is clear: stay curious and be open to lifelong learning. “The world is constantly evolving. The willingness to adapt, to take on challenges, and to push through discomfort is what sets you apart,” she says. She also highlights the importance of collaboration and clear communication, noting that success often depends not just on what you know, but how well you can work with others and share your ideas. “Be patient, stay persistent, and keep showing up for yourself.”
Most memorable UOW experience
Elmedina’s favourite memory from UOW isn’t tied to a single moment—it’s the experience of living on campus. “It wasn’t just a place to live—it became a space of connection,” she says. Surrounded by students from all over the world, she found herself immersed in conversations, cultures, and friendships that shaped her worldview. “Those shared moments—laughter, stories, even struggles—taught me empathy, kindness, and the beauty of our shared humanity.”
Looking ahead: the future of finance and risk
With the finance and risk management industry evolving rapidly due to AI, big data, and automation, Elmedina believes the future belongs to those who can combine technical capabilities with strategic insight. “Data science, programming, and machine learning are essential,” she says, “but so is the ability to interpret that data in context and communicate it effectively.” She encourages future graduates to build a toolkit that balances technical knowledge with problem-solving and adaptability.
Final thoughts for current UOW students
“To all current UOW students—remember that university is more than just lectures and assignments,” Elmedina says. “It’s a journey of self-discovery, passion, and learning how to make an impact.” Her closing advice is both practical and heartfelt: “Success isn’t a straight line—there will be setbacks. But it’s your mindset, your ability to learn, and your willingness to keep going that will shape your path.”
And of course, she adds with a smile, “Even the most complex financial models rely on assumptions—and sometimes a little luck. So, keep learning, keep hustling, and don’t forget to hedge your risks... especially when betting on yourself.”