Vignesh Kumar

Profile

Choosing to study Economics, Finance and Banking at Heriot-Watt marked the beginning of a transformative chapter in Vignesh’s life, one shaped by academic challenge, global perspectives, and personal growth. Drawn to the programme’s integration of economics and finance and inspired by the University’s strong industry connections and vibrant Edinburgh setting, Vignesh found an environment that pushed him to think differently and aim higher.

From taking part in the Research Commercialisation Accelerator to being nominated PGT Representative of the Year, Vignesh adapted to a new academic culture that introduced him to a supportive community of faculty members, mentors, and lifelong friends.

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

I studied MSc Economics, Finance and Banking as it integrates finance and economics into one cohesive programme. That integration is rare, and for me it was instantly compelling. Heriot-Watt's reputation for strong industry connections and its Edinburgh campus, nestled in the heart of one of Europe's most dynamic financial centres, made it the natural and exciting choice. The faculty brought the whole experience to life, being inspiring, approachable, and deeply committed to their students, they had a gift for connecting complex theory to the pulse of real-world markets in ways that sparked genuine curiosity. I came looking for a programme that would challenge and prepare me for a career in global finance. What I found was something that went further, it motivated me and gave me the confidence to aim higher than I ever had before.

What were the key differences you found between studying in your home country of India and Scotland?

The contrasts were striking but rewarding. Back home in India, academic culture tends to be more structured and note-driven, relying heavily on prescribed materials, with the focus largely on absorbing and reproducing content in exams. The teaching style, exam patterns, and even the way you were expected to write answers were quite different. At Heriot-Watt, it was a shift towards genuine self-study and independent thinking. You're expected to go beyond the lecture, explore widely, form your own arguments, and express them in a style that values critical analysis over rote recall. That transition was challenging at first but ultimately one of the most valuable things about studying here.

Living in Edinburgh was a different experience too, swapping the warmth and energy of home for grey skies and a quieter pace of life took some adjusting! But what surprised me most was how quickly Scotland felt welcoming. The people, the campus community, and the city itself have a warmth of their own that isn't immediately obvious but reveals itself over time.

Can you tell us more about the support you received as a student?

The support network at Heriot-Watt genuinely exceeded my expectations. Academically, my lecturers were always accessible and generous with their time, willing to engage beyond the classroom on research ideas and career questions. One thing that stood out was the support I received from my faculty in preparing for the CFA. Having academics who understood the rigour of that qualification and actively helped me navigate it alongside my studies made a real difference to my confidence and performance.

I also had the opportunity to take part in the Research Commercialisation Accelerator through Heriot-Watt GRID, which was a transformative six-week experience covering everything from IP strategy to investment readiness and the mentors were outstanding. The Student Union also played a huge role in my experience, giving me a platform to serve the student community as a Postgraduate Representative, which shaped both my confidence and my sense of purpose during my time at Heriot-Watt.

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

Honestly, it's impossible to pick just one, but my first day as a student captured everything that made this journey special. Arriving on campus, not knowing anyone, and within hours meeting people from across the world who would become close friends. From there, everything snowballed in the best way, joining clubs, playing sports, attending events, spending long hours in the library, running in the Student Union elections, and diving into research that genuinely excited me.

Through it all, the support from my Programme Director and the wider academic team made a real difference, giving me the confidence to push further than I thought I could. Looking back, it's the sum of all those moments, big and small, that made my time at Heriot-Watt truly unforgettable.

Can you tell us more about why you were nominated for Representative of the Year and what this recognition meant to you?

Being nominated for PGT Representative of the Year at the Student Union Volunteer Awards was one of those moments that stops you in your tracks. As a Postgraduate Representative, I tried to be a genuine voice for my peers, raising concerns, improving communication between students and the department, and making sure postgraduate students felt visible and valued in a university community that can sometimes feel dominated by undergraduates.

To have that work recognised meant a great deal, not because of the nomination itself, but because it confirmed that showing up consistently and caring about your community does make a difference.

What advice do you have for current students?

Say yes to more than your degree. The qualification matters, but the person you become matters just as much. Get involved in student societies, research programmes, volunteering, competitions, anything that stretches you. Build relationships with your lecturers and peers because those connections will outlast your time here. And if you're an international student feeling uncertain or out of place, that discomfort is temporary, but the growth it produces is permanent. Heriot-Watt is a genuinely global community, so lean into it.

What are you planning to do after you graduate?

I'm actively pursuing a career in finance, with a particular focus on economics and derivatives, with an eye on international markets where demand for finance professionals is growing rapidly. Alongside that, I have a strong interest in continuing my academic journey through a PhD in Economics. My time at Heriot-Watt has genuinely deepened my passion for research, and I'd love to explore that further at a higher level. I'm also continuing work on a psychological thriller novel I've written, ‘Root of Evil’, and exploring publishing options. The plan is to build a career at the intersection of economics, derivatives, and research, while keeping the creative side of my life very much alive.