Akshay Rajeev

Profile

Akshay Rajeev admits that moving to the UK was one of the scariest yet most life-changing decisions he ever made. Leaving his home, family, and friends behind in India to chase his dreams felt daunting.

Heriot-Watt University was Akshay’s first and only choice, and it became a place where he created lifelong friendships, immersed himself into a vibrant culture, and experienced new adventures.

While life at University came with its challenges, Akshay met these head-on with the support of our Careers Service team, who helped him secure a placement at our University, giving him the skills needed for a successful and long-lasting career.

Find out more about Akshay’s story below.

What programme did you study and why did you choose it?

I chose to pursue a Masters in International Business Management with an Industry Placement because of my deep curiosity about the world of business and my desire to understand how it shapes our lives and economies. I wanted the theoretical insights, but also the practical skills to contribute meaningfully to the business sector.

Heriot-Watt stood out as the perfect choice; the program’s robust academic framework, combined with industry collaboration, promised a comprehensive learning experience. The two-year format, with its industry placement component, was especially appealing because it allowed me to gain hands-on experience while I applied the theoretical knowledge I was developing in class.

Did you do a placement during your degree programme? If so, tell us more about this.

I had the opportunity to complete my placement at Heriot-Watt University, working in Assurance and Legal Services at the Edinburgh campus. Initially, I took on responsibilities as an administrative assistant, but with time, my role evolved into managing my own projects. This real-world experience was invaluable; it helped me apply the theories from my coursework and develop practical skills in project management and teamwork. Handling projects from start to finish was empowering and showed me how to turn abstract concepts into tangible results—skills that I know will serve me well in the future.

What were the key differences you found between studying in India and Scotland?

Studying in Scotland brought a shift in how I approached learning. In India, my education had been largely exam-focused, but at Heriot-Watt, I found an environment that encouraged independent thinking and active engagement. The interactive learning approach pushed me to think critically and apply concepts to real-world challenges. As a result, I became a more confident and proactive learner, comfortable in my ability to analyse and find solutions.

What’s your favourite/most memorable moment from your time as a Heriot-Watt student?

Reflecting on my time at Heriot-Watt, I realise it’s hard to pinpoint just one favourite memory—there are so many! From late nights in the library, powering through assignments and projects, to the intense process of working on my dissertation, which was emotionally demanding but so rewarding in the end. One standout moment was when I led a project in Assurance and Legal Services. Presenting it to the University executives was nerve-wracking, but receiving positive feedback from experienced professionals made all the hard work worthwhile. It was a moment that solidified my confidence and reassured me that I had made the right choice by pursuing my passion for business at Heriot-Watt.

Did you get any careers or employability support during your time at Heriot-Watt?

The University’s career services were another significant part of my journey. I attended several workshops that improved my CV writing and interview skills, giving me a competitive edge in the job market. The career advisers were incredibly supportive, helping me to find and apply for relevant placements and introducing me to networks that will be invaluable in my career. I want to give a special shout-out to Mark Gibson, my placement coordinator, who guided me from finding the right placement to supporting me through every stage of the experience.

How has the University aided your professional and personal development?

Overall, Heriot-Watt played a crucial role in my growth, fostering both academic excellence and personal development. I worked on interdisciplinary projects that honed my collaboration skills, while volunteering helped me learn to balance my studies with contributing to the community—an experience that reinforced the value of giving back.

What are you planning to do after you graduate?

Looking ahead, I plan to enter the world of business consultancy, focusing on innovative solutions that can benefit underserved communities in India. The technical knowledge and hands-on experience I gained at Heriot-Watt have prepared me well for this next chapter, and I am excited to bring fresh ideas and approaches to the business sector in my home country.