An Exclusive Interview with Sonal Kapoor, Chief Commercial Officer at Prodigy Finance
Prodigy Finance’s innovative education loans are revolutionizing the way students prepare for the future job market. In this exclusive interview, Sonal Kapoor, Chief Commercial Officer at Prodigy Finance, delves into the company’s unique approach and its impact on students worldwide.
Q. Can you elaborate on how Prodigy Finance’s education loans are tailored to address the future needs of the job market, especially in light of the Fourth Industrial Revolution?
A. The Fourth Industrial Revolution is bringing new technologies and skills to the forefront of the job market, which is changing at an unprecedented pace. At Prodigy Finance, our education loans are not only designed to help students get a degree but to prepare for the careers of tomorrow.
We keep our focus on funding programs that are aligned with future industry needs. This includes degrees in technology, data science, artificial intelligence, and other fields that are at the forefront of innovation. We work closely with many top universities across the globe to provide education loans for the courses that equip students with the skills most in demand.
At Prodigy Finance, we understand that the career paths of today and tomorrow are more dynamic. To accommodate the needs of the evolving job market, our loans include several features like flexible repayment terms and grace period.
We provide more than just financial support. Aspiring students can get in touch with our mentors to seek guidance from where to study to potential career trajectories in a changing job landscape.
Q. What impact have you observed in terms of cross-cultural understanding and collaboration among international students financed by Prodigy? Can you share some specific success stories?
A. I’ve observed that when students from diverse backgrounds come together, they’re naturally curious about each other’s cultures. They share dorm life, tackle group projects, and even celebrate holidays together. This often forms tight-knit communities on campus that support each other academically and socially. The exchange of knowledge and formation of lifelong friendships are invaluable outcomes that go beyond the financial aspect of our loans. Many Prodigy alumni continue to collaborate professionally after graduation.
94% of our graduates from emerging markets believe that they were able to create stronger professional networks while studying abroad. They find that their experience studying in close circuits with students from other nations has made them culturally more sensitive in team settings.
Q. Prodigy Finance uses a unique model that bases loan approvals on future earning potential. Can you explain how this model works and how it differentiates Prodigy Finance from traditional loan providers?
A. Over the years, we’ve developed a unique credit model. Our model is all about looking forward rather than backward. Traditional lenders often sanction loans based on credit history and collateral, which many international students are unable to fulfil. We focus on future earning potential instead.
Here’s how it works: when a student applies for a loan, we assess their application based on the salary they can earn after graduation. We look at the university they’ll attend, the program they’ll study and historical salary data for graduates in similar fields. This forward-looking approach allows us to evaluate the return on investment for the student’s education.
By using this model, we can lend to students who may not have a strong credit history or collateral but have the drive and potential to succeed in their chosen careers. This makes our funding more accessible to more students from different backgrounds.
What sets us apart is that we believe in the students’ future success. We’re not just providing a loan – we’re investing in their potential.
Q. With World Youth Skills Day in mind, how does Prodigy Finance plan to expand its support for youth education and skill development in the coming years?
A. World Youth Skills Day is a great reminder to invest in our youth’s education and skill development. Quality education can bridge the gap between industry demand and talent supply, creating a workforce that meets the currently evolving needs of the job market. By studying in high-growth areas like science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), students can be part of a future-focused workforce that drives innovation and progress.
At Prodigy Finance, we are committed to providing financial solutions that enable students to access top education in these critical fields. Our model, which is based on future earning potential, opens doors for talented individuals from diverse backgrounds to study abroad and achieve their career goals.
Going forward, we will continue to support youth education and skill development by increasing our university partnerships, initiating scholarship programs and providing additional resources like mentorship. By equipping the next generation with the education and skills they need, we want to create a world where innovation and progress are driven by a diverse and skilled workforce.
Q. What are the key challenges international students face in securing education financing, and how does Prodigy Finance address these issues?
A. International students face many challenges when it comes to financing their education. Many struggle to find loans that cover the full cost of attendance, tuition and living expenses. Even when loans are available, they often come with high interest rates, collateral requirements or restrictions on transferring funds out of the country.
At Prodigy Finance, we remove these barriers by offering loans that cover the full cost of attendance, with competitive interest rates and without the need for collateral or a co-signer. Our unique credit assessment model looks at each student’s future earning potential, not just their current financial situation. This means we can support students from all backgrounds who may not qualify for traditional loans.
We also know flexibility is important, which is why our loans have no prepayment penalties and no payments required during the 6 months grace period after classes end. By tackling these key challenges, we hope to enable more international students to pursue their academic dreams and contribute to a more diverse and talented global workforce.
