Sara Mehboobi

Profile

Crossing continents as a master's student from a totally different educational background was challenging for Sara, but during her time at Heriot-Watt, she has achieved remarkable success.

From creating her own start-up in photography to opening a restaurant, Sara’s University journey was more than she could have imagined.

Discover more about Sara’s story below.

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

I pursued an MSc in Business Psychology with Coaching because my extensive background in clinical psychology sparked a curiosity about the dynamics of the business world. Heriot-Watt University provided the perfect platform for me to explore this fascinating intersection. With my empathetic nature and genuine passion for business, I was driven to choose this program as a way to blend my skills and interests, with the aim of enhancing organizational effectiveness and employee wellbeing.

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

The most striking difference I've observed is the reliance on rote learning in India. During my 16 years of education there, I was primarily trained to memorize theories without ever translating that knowledge into real-world applications. In stark contrast, from the very first day at Heriot-Watt, I was challenged to not only understand the concepts but also to apply what I learned in practical situations. This transformative approach has greatly enriched my educational journey.

Can you tell us more about some of the key events you took part in?

Throughout my journey in India, I have engaged in various events, so when I discovered that a Model United Nations (MUN) would take place at Heriot-Watt, I eagerly reached out to the president of the Debate Society to offer my photography services. At the MUN, I had the privilege of serving as both a photographer and a core team member.

At TEDxHWU, we brought together seven inspiring speakers to tackle pressing topics like sustainability and the future of Gen Z in 2025. As a core team member, I was pivotal in coordinating tasks for volunteers and leveraging my creative skills as a photographer and production lead. The most rewarding aspect of this experience was the incredible teamwork - the way diverse cultures, roles, and perspectives harmonized to transform our vision into reality. I didn’t just contribute to organizing these impactful events; I forged friendships that will last a lifetime.

How have you found balancing your studies with creating a start-up in photography? I discovered YORS (Your Only Rare Shot) during a quiet moment at my kitchen table, scrolling through the photos I had taken. In that instant, it became clear to me: why not embark on a journey that’s entirely my own? In my first semester, I proactively reached out to a variety of models and bands to collaborate with them, and since then, I have kept myself on a relentless path of growth and creativity.

Balancing my studies with my passion was no easy feat - yet who wants the easy route? I committed to my master’s program with unwavering dedication, never missing a class, not even on my birthday. Amidst the rigor, I carved out time for my photography. I would attend day classes, devote evenings to shoots, then return home to prepare dinner for myself before immersing myself in my studies for the next day. It was a demanding schedule, but I recognized the importance of this effort for my future self.

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

My time at Heriot-Watt was truly unforgettable, especially during the TEDx event. I wholeheartedly committed myself to its success, and the friendships I forged along the way made the experience even more rewarding. I also found immense value in my Coaching Psychology classes; Dr. Joann Griffith's engaging approach left a lasting impression on all of us. Lastly, the chaplaincy trips were the highlight of my journey at Heriot-Watt. If I had the opportunity, I would jump at the chance to travel with them again.

What are you planning to do after you graduate?

I have successfully launched a restaurant in my hometown, and I’m excited to share that my photography start-up has achieved remarkable results, reaching an impressive 74% engagement across social media platforms in just six months. In addition, I serve as the Chief Strategy Officer at a dynamic start-up, Potli, where my strategic initiatives have driven substantial growth, projecting a potential increase of 62% within only four months. Looking ahead, I plan to enhance my skills by exploring photo coaching therapy in Mauritius, alongside taking on photoshoots and expanding my restaurant venture.