Alumni Spotlight: Aishwarya Jain
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Aishwarya grew up in India, but she always knew she wanted to study abroad for university.
I think the main thing for me was that, as an international student, I was very interested in student experience and was surprised to see that a modern university was ranked so high in this aspect. I decided on the Business Studies and Entrepreneurship course at the Claude Littner Business School. Being in London itself was an experience; the busyness, the museums, the diversity and the theatre scene were all things I was excited to immerse myself in.”
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Starting at UWL, Aishwarya found herself pleasantly surprised with all the wonderful activities she was able get involved in with her course which she believes enhanced her overall experience.
From acting as a course rep, to becoming a student ambassador, to working for the University’s Office of Development and Alumni Relations, there was plenty of opportunities to gain valuable experience that prepared her for future careers.
My time at UWL helped me build strong foundations for my professional life, I have learnt so much from having studied and worked here, all things that I have been able to take forward in my career.”
At the same time, Aishwarya was benefitting from The Atul Pathak Scholarship and the International Ambassadors Scholarship which not only afforded her financial help but opened a number of networking opportunities and experiences.
The finance was one aspect, but it opened so many doors for professional development that you don’t necessarily think about. There was access to events, being able to connect with donors and learn how to reach out and network.”
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In 2020, Aishwarya’s course came to an end, and she secured herself a job in the Office of Development and Alumni Relations as a Donor Relations Officer, helping keep those who donated scholarships at the University connected to the students they funded.
The next natural step was to move on to a Stewardship manager position. She secured a role at the British Academy, the UK’s national academy for the humanities and social sciences.
But, still keen to stay connected to the University, Aishwarya has recently taken up a position on the Alumni Board.
It is a privilege to being able to serve on the Board and for using my experience to offer advice to the University on matters from recent graduates perspectives, also it is a way for me give back to UWL for all that I have been able to achieve having studied here.”
When it comes to the future, Aishwarya is happy to just follow the opportunities that present themselves, whatever they might be.
I guess for me, I’m taking everything as an experience. I honestly never thought I would have come to the UK to study, for instance. You need to open yourself up to opportunities, taking as many that come your way. I’m not one for planning, as much as I would love to be, I’m just going to keep reaching out to people, taking chances, and asking as many questions as I can.”
If you are interested in finding out more about scholarships or the Alumni Board, please contact us at alumni@uwl.ac.uk
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