Khushi Jain

Profile

When Khushi first received her offer from Heriot-Watt, she was all set to begin in January 2024, but life had other plans, with a sudden medical emergency forcing Khushi to defer to September, which turned out to be one of the most transformative decisions of her life. From battling her own health problems to navigating a rigorous course in Business Psychology, Khushi faced one challenge after another. Her journey at Heriot-Watt has been one filled with celebrations, from being nominated for the SEAforALL summit for Climate Action, to being one of the top 50 candidates selected to represent both the UK and Pacific Region for the Global Innovation Summit, to founding our University’s Debate Society. Khushi’s story is one full of heart, impact, and resilience, as she strives hard to continue to bring about the change she wants to see in the world.

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

I studied MSc Business Psychology with HRM because I’ve always been fascinated by how people think, behave, and connect in different work environments. Coming from a background in media, I wanted to understand how psychology shapes the way organization’s function - especially in industries that are constantly evolving with the economy. I was curious to see how workplace dynamics, motivation, and satisfaction differ from the traditional home or clinical settings where psychology is often studied. This programme gave me the chance to see the human side of business, including what truly drives people and teams to perform their best.

Can you tell us about the prize you received and how it feels to be a prize-winning student?

Receiving a £2,000 scholarship at the start of my programme was such an encouraging moment. It felt like recognition of the effort and intention I had put into pursuing my degree. Since then, I’ve been grateful to receive a few other honours that have meant a lot to me. Some highlights include being one of the top 50 candidates to represent the UK and Pacific Region for the Global Innovation Summit 2025 in Tokyo. The selection process was quite rigorous, with multiple interview rounds and detailed questionnaires focused on innovation in human resources and psychology, two areas I’m deeply passionate about.

I was also recognised by the Barbados SEAforALL summit for Climate Action for my ideas on how innovation can support sustainable development. In 2022, I had the privilege of being selected as one of the top 5 students from India to represent the country at the Asia Ethnography Meet in Indonesia. Each of these experiences has been incredibly meaningful, helping me grow and connect with global perspectives, and continue building on the causes I care most about.

Call you tell us more about your achievements?

One of the achievements closest to my heart during my time in the UK was founding the Debate Society. Starting it from scratch and leading it as President was such a rewarding experience. Within just three months, our small idea grew into a community of over 60 active volunteers who are passionate, curious, and eager to engage in meaningful discussions.

At first, I was nervous, as being in a new country with so much to manage can be overwhelming. But I told myself, “If not now, then never — to bring change, you have to become the change.” That mindset pushed me to go for it. With support from the Student Union, I launched the society, and it’s now been running successfully for two years with an amazing team. It’s become a safe and empowering space for students to express their opinions, build confidence, and learn from one another.

Another proud moment was organizing TEDx at Heriot-Watt after a 10-year gap. It took nearly six months of planning, coordination, and teamwork to bring it to life, and seeing around 100 audience members engage with the talks that day felt truly magical. It was a lesson in leadership, event management, and collaboration across different cultures, ideas, and perspectives.

I’ve also had the honour of serving as a National Officer for NISAU (National Indian Students and Alumni Union UK), representing Scotland, where I worked on initiatives that strengthened student communities and cross-university collaboration. One highlight was participating in Meadows Marathon, a yearly charity event where I had the chance to work with students from different universities, a real example of community spirit in action.

Each of these experiences taught me so much, not just about leadership and organisation, but about perseverance, cultural understanding, and the power of teamwork.

What volunteering activities have you gotten involved with?

I’ve been deeply involved in volunteering, which I see as one of the most meaningful things a person can do. For me, true volunteering comes from believing in a cause and I’m very passionate about psychology, gender equality, and quality education. To connect my interests in media and communication, I volunteered at Meadows Marathon, collaborating with different universities to raise awareness and support local initiatives.

Currently, I’m an active volunteer with the NHS, which has been both humbling and transformative. Having grown up with a strong medical history, hospitals used to make me anxious, so volunteering there was also a way to face that fear and turn it into strength. These experiences have taught me that learning doesn’t just happen in classrooms; it happens when you step out, serve, and challenge yourself in the real world.

Can you tell us about any support you received as a student?

I’ve received an incredible amount of support during my time here, and I honestly don’t think I could have made it this far without it. From Student Wellbeing, I reached out for help when things felt overwhelming. One of the therapists guided me through that period, and as someone studying psychology, I realised that the first step to growth is understanding that asking for help is not a weakness. That experience reminded me that even helpers need help sometimes.

The Careers Service also played a huge role in shaping my journey. They helped me refine my CV, explore different career paths, and even gave me the opportunity to work part-time as a student helper. That one month was so fulfilling - not only did I learn how to navigate my own career, but I also got to assist other students, answer their questions, and help with major employability events like the university’s biggest career fair. It felt amazing to give back.

And then there’s the academic staff - my professors and my programme director, who’ve been supportive in every sense. Their guidance has gone beyond academics; they’ve often noticed when I wasn’t feeling okay and checked in on me. Those small moments of care - listening, encouraging, or simply noticing - made me feel seen, valued, and at home.

It wasn’t just about academic success; it was about being part of a community that genuinely cared about my wellbeing and growth, both personally and professionally.

What advice do you have for current students?

The only advice I’d give to current students is to take the chance and take the risk. It’s not always negative; there’s so much growth hidden in the risks you take. Trust the timing of your life, as when your passion and purpose align, everything falls into place.

Find your motivation in the everyday moments and celebrate your small wins. If you finally folded that pile of laundry that’s been sitting there for three days, celebrate it! You deserve it. Because when you start appreciating those small victories, you begin to truly enjoy the journey instead of rushing toward the destination.

During my time at University, I celebrated everything, from getting approval to start a new society to graduating. Those little celebrations remind me how far I’ve come. So my advice is simple: stay passionate, stay kind to yourself, and never underestimate the power of small wins as they’re what make your University life truly special.

What are you planning to do after you graduate?

After graduation, I plan to continue exploring the world of business psychology and work with companies, while also building my career as a freelance soft skills coach. I’m passionate about understanding people, such as what motivates them, how they grow, and how workplaces can bring out the best in individuals. Alongside that, I want to reconnect with my roots in media, because that’s where my creativity truly thrives. It’s the space that keeps me inspired and fuels my motivation for everything I do.

I’m also excited to apply my research ideas that combine AI and psychology within corporate and startup environments. My goal is to see how technology and human behaviour can intersect to create more meaningful, people-centred innovations and maybe even build something from scratch one day.

Right now, I’m simply taking that chance and trusting the process, because every new beginning starts with a bit of courage and a lot of curiosity.