I sat down with Tanishq Marwaha, an engineer-turned-finance professional whose story blends curiosity, perseverance, and disciplined ambition. From leading teams at university to working in startups and now in global finance, his journey reflects how adaptability and focus can shape a meaningful career.
📍Q: You’ve moved from engineering to investment banking. What first sparked your interest in finance, and how did you know this was the right path for you?
Tanishq: “Most engineers don’t end up doing what they study because the field is so versatile. I explored everything; coding, events, managing teams, and that made me realise I wanted to move into management. In my first year, I discovered entrepreneurship, followed by startups and finance. It felt new and exciting. I looked for opportunities that combined finance with engineering, like consulting and analytics. After many rejections, I got my first break at a startup, where I saw how financial concepts work in real business scenarios. My current role came through perseverance, research, and patience.”
📍Q: You’ve worked in fast-paced environments like Zepto and now in global finance. How do you compare working in a high-growth startup versus a multinational organisation?
Tanishq: “In large organisations, everything is structured with multiple layers. I support global offices in an analyst role, it’s still front-facing and full of learning, but every position is specialised. In startups, the gap between leadership and employees is small. I directly worked with VPs and CEOs and handled several responsibilities at once. Startups push you to move fast and make impact, while bigger organisations teach structure and process. In startups, your work can influence business decisions immediately; in corporations, you learn to refine your skills and think long-term.”
đź“ŤQ: How do you handle the intensity and long hours that come with both startup and finance roles while keeping yourself grounded?
Tanishq: “Fitness changed everything for me. I started focusing on my physical health to manage long hours, and soon noticed my mental health improving too. When you take care of your body, your mind follows. It helps you deal with high-pressure environments and adds structure to your day. Discipline is the key, whether it’s fitness, nutrition, or reading. Pick one habit, stay consistent, and it will change your life.”
đź“ŤQ: One message for the world
Tanishq: “Prepare for the worst and hope for the best.”
✨Key Takeaway:
Tanishq’s story is a reflection of resilience, the kind built through structure, self-awareness, and hard work. His path from engineering to finance shows that careers don’t have to be linear. By staying disciplined, curious, and grounded, he proves that progress is less about speed and more about balance.
