Deesha Nagpal

Your time at Imperial College Business School

Why did you choose to study your programme and why specifically at Imperial College Business School?

Through my Bachelor’s degree, I had developed a holistic business understanding but in order to prepare for the professional world, I knew I needed to dig deeper into advanced managerial concepts. Further, the breadth of knowledge and exposure that the MSc Management programme offers really attracted me as it provided a platform to further explore my interests and discover what I truly like.

One of the primary reasons I chose to study at Imperial College Business School was because of the strong reputation it holds not only in the UK but across the globe; I knew it would be one the most worthwhile investments I’d make in myself! Further, having completed my undergraduate degree in my home country, I was looking for a school with a strong international focus, which Imperial offered.

What was the most learning point you took with you from the Business School?

One of the most important lessons I learned at Imperial is how to work in a diverse team setting. A large part of the assessment at Imperial is group-based and because the cohort is so diverse you are likely to end up in a group with teammates from different cultural, academic and professional backgrounds. I learned how to navigate the differences among the team and work together towards a common goal, something that has fared me well professionally.

What advice would you give to a prospective student considering studying the same programme as you?

Be prepared to pull off all-nighters! MSc Management is definitely not an easy degree. It is a rigorous and a challenging programme but definitely a rewarding one. I would suggest the prospective students to have clarity on what they want to gain from the degree, before hand. It’ll help them make the most of their time at Imperial as the resources the School offers are extensive.

What was the most surprising thing about the programme?

The most surprising thing about the programme was the teaching pedagogy. Students were motivated to actively participate in classroom discussions and were in fact even assessed for the same. A great emphasis was placed on creating an interactive and immersive learning environment.

Tell us about your current job

How has your programme contributed to your career success? 

A degree from Imperial definitely opened doors of opportunities for me on the professional front. Towards the end of my degree, I received job offers from London and India. A lot of these employers were Imperial alumni proving the mettle of Imperial’s global alumni network. The start of my career included a brief stint at a corporate tech firm, before I joined my sister’s startup, a garment export house. At my family business, I often employ the managerial skills I honed at Imperial. Peter Leach’s family business elective has especially been useful in understanding the importance of and creating the big-picture view in the business. I also work as an education consultant, advising students on academic programmes and career prospects. The multicultural and communication skills I polished at Imperial have helped me connect with students from all over the world.

How do you plan to use the skills and knowledge you gained during the programme within your career going forward?

With my career moving forward, I am seeking to expand the business to newer markets and diversify the product offerings. The Imperial network around the globe is exceptionally spread out across all industries and markets and has been extremely welcoming. I plan to use my interpersonal skills, to diversify my customer base by penetrating into international markets.

What do you enjoy most about your current work and what are the main challenges that you face?

The thing I enjoy the most in my current role is the opportunity to meet and interact with different clients. Whereas, the main challenge I face is managing client’s expectations.

What is your proudest achievement in the job so far?

My proudest achievement so far has been that within a few months as a business development manager at A and Dee Exports, I was able to secure a sizeable order from a company in the USA for production of a womenswear line. Usually, in this line of business, especially in India, the new clients come through the word-of-mouth or via trading agents. However, I had delved to establish my company’s presence digitally, paving way for this order. It was something very unusual for a business like ours and has definitely been my proudest moment.

Alumni community

In what way is remaining connected to your alumni network important to you?

I greatly value the connections I have made during my time at Imperial and am happy that I continue to stay in touch with my former classmates from across the globe. In fact, I still leverage these connections to gain professional insights. I believe listening to a fresh and different perspective really broadens one’s thinking horizons.