Jyoti Chopra on Building a Career in Finance and Thriving in the UAE

Jyoti Chopra is an Investment Analyst at Daher Investments, based in Dubai. She holds a Master’s degree in Management from HEC Paris and a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee . Leap spoke with Jyoti about her journey from Roorkee to Paris and then to Dubai, where she opens up about why she chose the UAE over Europe and why it is exciting to work as an Investment Analyst.

Q. Tell us about your background.

I’m originally from Rajasthan. I went to a boarding school at quite a young age in Haryana. After boarding school, I decided I wanted to take on something truly challenging. That’s when I heard about the IIT-JEE. I cracked the JEE and joined IIT Roorkee for my undergraduate degree in Chemical Engineering. Until then, I’d lived in a cocoon with boarding school, intense exam prep, and no movies except one (“Mission Impossible”). During my undergrad, I built networks, made friends, and explored different interests, all while keeping an eye on my career.

I worked for a while and then decided to explore the world beyond India and meet more people, travel, and find work that truly resonated with me. That's when I decided to apply for a master’s abroad.

Q. Why did you choose HEC Paris?

When looking at master’s programs, I had three main options: ISB in India, HEC Paris, and Duke University’s MMS program. I got into all three. HEC Paris stood out for two main reasons:  First, it is one of the best business schools in Europe, with a strong global reputation and a more affordable tuition compared to most U.S. programs. Second, I wanted to explore Europe, travel more, and build connections internationally.

The decision was made easier when I received the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship, one of the most prestigious scholarships offered by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs. Its generous monthly stipend covered my living expenses comfortably and made HEC Paris an even more attractive choice. At HEC, my first year exposed me to various subjects, and I quickly discovered that finance was where I felt most engaged.

Q. How did you end up in Dubai after Paris?

After my internship in Paris, I had to return to India for personal reasons. I started my job search there and found my role at Goldman Sachs through LinkedIn. After two years, I wanted a change, roles closer to the front-end, with more growth.

Being family-oriented, I narrowed my options to Dubai and Singapore. Dubai won because it felt more “desi” and like home. Again, LinkedIn helped me land my current job at Daher Investments, where I love the spontaneity and fast pace of being close to the financial markets. No two days are the same, and it’s been a great ride.

Q. Can you tell us more about working in Dubai?

To begin with, my work is global in scope rather than Dubai-focused. I’m part of the public equities division, so the markets I track are in the US, Europe, and China. That said, Dubai plays a big role in the quality of my overall life. The work culture here supports a sustainable work-life balance. I love my job and the projects I work on, and outside of work, I have easy access to everything, great food, fast services, reliable transport, and a strong social circle.

Another major advantage is that Dubai is a tax haven. The fact that my income is tax-free is a huge plus, especially compared to the high tax rates in India, Europe, or the US.

Q. If someone wanted to move to Dubai for work, what sectors and skills should they focus on?

From my experience, consulting has historically been a big draw in Dubai, with most major firms hiring for projects across the Middle East. While demand has matured recently, there are fewer new projects than before, it’s still a viable entry point for professionals in the region.

Another booming area is real estate. With continuous new supply and developments, there’s strong demand for people who can connect buyers, sellers, and tenants. While it might not align with everyone’s long-term goals, especially for those with an MBA, the earning potential can be substantial.

Oil and gas remain a cornerstone of the Middle East economy. Professionals with a strong background in exploration, production, or oilfield services can find compelling opportunities here.

Finally, the finance sector is rapidly expanding. Abu Dhabi and Dubai have seen a surge in asset management firms opening offices, driven in part by the appeal of tax-free income. This is creating growing opportunities in investment management and related financial services.

Q. What advice would you give to fresh graduates looking to pursue a master’s in France or break into the finance industry?

For me, the key is to identify your industry while you’re still pursuing your master’s. At HEC, for example, you get the option of a gap year where you can do two six-month internships. That’s invaluable. Use that time to explore whether you’re drawn to consulting, marketing, finance, or something else.

By the end of your degree, try to have clarity on where your interests truly lie. Switching industries after graduation isn’t impossible, but it’s harder. My advice is: don’t just follow the crowd or chase the highest initial salary.

If you’re passionate about finance, start with internships in the field, build your skills, and stick with it, even if some other opportunity might pay more at the start. Over time, if you perform well, the financial rewards will follow. The goal is to work in an industry you genuinely enjoy, because that’s where you’ll thrive in the long run.