Travelling from India to study her postgraduate degree at Royal Holloway Business School, Deepika stepped out of her comfort zone, developing confidence, professional resilience and a global outlook that helped her secure the career she wanted.
Current role: M&A AnalystCurrent organisation: Accenture |
“Overall, my time at Royal Holloway was not just about earning a degree — it was about discovering my potential, building resilience, and creating lifelong memories in an international environment."
Tell us about your career path since graduation. How did you end up where you are?
During my time at Royal Holloway, I actively started preparing for the professional world, reaching out to companies, networking with professionals and increased my understanding about the international jobs market.
Balancing academics with career preparation and job applications was challenging, but it helped me develop strong time management, adaptability, and communication skills. After graduation I secured an role with Accenture, where I now work in the Merger & Acquisition domain.
Looking back, one of the key factors that helped me reach where I am today was my proactive approach, while staying open to opportunities and continuously learning.
Why did you choose Royal Holloway for your master's?
Coming from an interdisciplinary academic background I had a strong interest in research, communication and understanding how organisations and systems operate. But the opportunity to strengthen my business and management perspective and gain exposure to global working environments was what motivated me to pursue my postgraduate studies in the UK.
What was it about your time at Royal Holloway that has most benefitted your career or influenced your path since graduation?
One of the most valuable aspects of my time at Royal Holloway was the guidance and support I received from my professors and academic mentors.
Studying in such an international and intellectually diverse environment pushed me to think beyond textbooks and develop a more practical and global perspective. My professors played a significant role by encouraging me to participate in discussions, helping to shape my analytical thinking and communication style. Their teaching consistently connected classroom learning with real-world business challenges and global industry perspectives.
The support around career preparation, combined with the mentorship and international outlook, also helped me think more strategically about my career.
"The academic environment at Royal Holloway increased my confidence, teaching me how to approach problems with a solution-oriented mindset, manage responsibilities effectively, and work collaboratively with people from different backgrounds."
Looking back, it’s incredibly rewarding to see the effort I put in during my studies helped lead me to where I am today - someone who combines academic knowledge with practical corporate experience and who is continuously growing in global professional environments.
What did you love most about your time at Royal Holloway?
I loved the overall experience of personal and professional transformation. Moving to a new country and studying in such a diverse international environment pushed me out of my comfort zone, but the experience helped me grow in confidence, independence, and adaptability.
"The university environment felt both academically stimulating and welcoming, which made the year very memorable. My experience at Royal Holloway helped me become more open-minded and professionally confident."
One of my favourite memories is the sense of community I experienced on campus - whether it was collaborating with classmates from different cultural backgrounds, participating in discussions during lectures, or simply spending time in the beautiful campus surroundings.
What would you say to potential students considering studying at Royal Holloway?
I would say that the experience goes far beyond academics. My advice would be to make the most of every opportunity available during your time at the university. Build relationships with professors, participate actively in discussions and projects, network with peers, and start preparing for your career early.
"Royal Holloway is a place that challenges you to grow personally, professionally, and culturally, helping prepare me to transition to life beyond university."
What advice would you give to students thinking about a career in your sector?
I would say that adaptability, communication skills, and consistency are just as important as academic performance. Employers value individuals who can collaborate effectively, think critically, manage responsibilities, and remain open to learning in fast-changing environments. Don’t worry if your career journey is not completely linear, every experience you get contributes to your growth and helps shape your professional perspective.
Subject: Business School / GeographyStudent status: Postgraduate - International Student from IndiaGraduation year: 2025 |
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