Vijay
MSc Strategic Marketing
To succeed, I believed having a global perspective and strategic thinking was necessary. I felt that Imperial offered both through its courses, which made it my top choice of university.
After completing his undergraduate degree in BBA Business Analytics in India, Vijay joined a leading digital marketing agency to explore performance marketing, working on campaigns for top brands like HP, Siemens and Tata. He shares why he decided to move from India to the UK, what it’s like being part of Imperial’s international community and how he’s been supported to reach his career goals.
Applying to Imperial
Imperial was highest on my list of universities by a huge margin.
Applying to Imperial was a well-structured, straightforward and exciting process. Every step gave me hope that I was getting closer to studying at my dream university.
When selecting universities, I had two main criteria: the ranking and reputation of the institution and the level of exposure and experience it could offer me – Imperial checked both boxes and was highest on my list by a huge margin.
When I first decided to do a Master’s, the UK was at the top of my list for two reasons – one is the work–life balance that UK companies offer and the other is the global exposure and networking opportunities available here. London, being a hub for business and marketing, provides immense career prospects.
Imperial's MSc Strategic Marketing course
I’ve been interested in marketing and media since childhood. To succeed, I believed having a global perspective and strategic thinking was necessary. I felt that Imperial offered both through its courses, which made it my top choice of university.
Imperial Business School has some of the top-ranked marketing courses in the world, taught by highly experienced industry professors. They offer a comprehensive course module, exciting electives and plenty of opportunities to network and gain real-world insights. The course not only teaches us how marketing works but also provides insights into how marketing decisions are made in the business world to drive success.
Vijay working on an assignment in a classroom at Imperial
Vijay working on an assignment in a classroom at Imperial
Life at Imperial as an international student
My experiences as an international student at Imperial have been exhilarating. The international community here is vast, and one of the main reasons I wanted to study here was its global diversity – just on my course alone, there are more than 58 nationalities! I am always fascinated meeting people from various parts of the world.
Imperial truly excels in fostering community exchange, with networking events, seminars and parties organised by Imperial College Union almost every week, allowing me to interact not only with business school students but also with those from other departments.
I believe that access to such a vibrant community is what makes my experience at Imperial truly memorable and rewarding.
Imperial truly excels in fostering community exchange, with networking events, seminars and parties organised by Imperial College Union.
Living in London
Life as a student in London is extremely fun and exciting. My favourite thing about London has to be how well-connected it is, making travel hassle-free. While living in London can be expensive, I would say it’s worth it – the truly international city offers plenty of opportunities, both professionally and personally.
I personally love going for a jog around the huge council parks, walking along Tower Bridge or the London Eye, and simply sitting and enjoying the stunning views. Another thing I love about London is the diverse food scene – it's a foodie’s paradise – and from street food markets to fine dining, there’s something for everyone.
My advice to future Imperial students would be to explore the city as much as possible, take advantage of networking events and probably most importantly, budget wisely!
London can be overwhelming at first especially if you’ve never lived in a city before, but once you settle in, it becomes one of the most rewarding places to live and study.
My advice to future Imperial students would be to explore the city as much as possible, take advantage of networking events and probably most importantly, budget wisely!
Postgraduate accommodation in London
I live in private student accommodation at Canada Water, and I must say, it’s an amazing location. It offers almost everything one could need, including a large Tesco, a library, a leisure centre, a small shopping complex, great eateries and proximity to the tube station, providing access to both the Jubilee and Overground lines.
The housing situation in London can be a bit challenging to navigate, so I strongly recommend you start looking for and sorting out your accommodation as soon as you receive an offer. Finding the right place early can save you a lot of stress and ensure a more comfortable transition to life in London.
Postgraduate accommodation in London
Find out more about your accommodation options and get support from our Student Accommodation Office.
My future career
Doing my Master’s at Imperial has broadened my perspective and introduced me to even more opportunities in the industry. After graduation, I want to work in the media or fast-moving consumer goods industry, focusing on making brands bigger and better by applying all the skills I have learned over the years, especially through my Master’s course.
Doing my Master’s at Imperial has broadened my perspective and introduced me to even more opportunities in the industry.
Imperial’s Careers Service has been incredibly helpful in guiding me through job applications, networking events and interview preparation. The one-on-one career sessions with industry leaders have given me valuable insights into how the UK job market operates. Additionally, career fairs and employer-led events have provided a clearer understanding of what top companies are looking for. While I haven’t secured a job offer just yet, I’m actively exploring opportunities and building connections within my target industries.
For future Master's students looking to take the next step in their careers, my advice would be to start networking early, make use of all the career resources available and gain as much practical experience as possible.
Careers support from day one
Our Careers Service can help sharpen your competitive edge in a world top 10 city for graduate employment (QS Best Student Cities 2025).
Being an Imperial Master’s student has been an eye-opening, overwhelming but fun experience. The second-best university in the world has a lot to offer, so put your heart and soul into your application and get ready for an amazing journey ahead.
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