Name: Varun Senthilraja
Course: MSc Management
Undergraduate Degree: BA in Communication Studies from Loyola Marymount University
Hometown: Bangalore, India and Seattle and Los Angeles, United States
Learning and Career Goals
Why did you choose City St George’s and your specific programme for postgraduate study?
I chose Bayes Business School at City St George’s as I loved the practical approach the MSc Management program took. I love theory but being able to utilise it within a real-life context was exactly what I was looking for. Bayes also being in the heart of central London was the cherry on top!
What are your current plans or hopes for your career?
My current plans are to either secure a role in a boutique consulting firm or at an executive search firm. This is where I hope to build the foundations of my professional life. However, I eventually want to revisit the startup space and help support a founder.
Bayes and the MSc management course has helped me in two very distinct ways. Firstly, the career services have genuinely helped me navigate the complex process of finding a job. Secondly, the course has begun to equip me with the tools to actually understand how I can build my foundation once I do get a job.
What were you doing before starting your PG course?
I just ended my time working for a start-up in Los Angeles and decided to travel around India. Since I left when I was young, it was the first time I got to experience India from a grown-up perspective. From visiting tiger reserves to exploring the city I was born in, the experience helped me gain a deep appreciation to my roots.
What professional opportunities have been most valuable to you so far?
I think the London environment as a catalyst for networking has been a big deal for me. Networking can be frustrating but having a location that allows you to increase your chances at meeting people face to face has been super helpful.
Bayes’ career events have also been of great help in networking as you get this unique and privileged opportunity to meet professionals, who are there to actually teach you and connect with you.
Campus, Community, and the City
What societies or student organisations do you enjoy at City St George’s?
I’m currently a Student Representative for my course and an Events and Marketing ambassador for City St George's. I’m also a part of the Bayes Consulting club and Women in Business club.
I attended the Women in Business event last year and it was quite interesting to learn about contexts from another perspective. I think it really started to open my mind more about the entire cultural system of the business world.
How has living in London shaped your experience as a postgraduate student?
Diversity has been the biggest factor. I’ve never been in a position that has exposed me to so many people from different backgrounds and parts of the world. It’s helped me gain new perspectives on how to approach problems.
Tips for New Postgraduates
How do you balance studies with your personal life, and what helps you maintain that balance?
Staying physical is the big thing for me. I try to stay consistent in the gym and play a sport on a weekly basis. I also try to plan out my studies so that I can space them out. Postgraduate life can be chaotic, so maintaining balance is non-negotiable.
What is one piece of advice you would give your past self before starting postgraduate study?
Think less and do more. Sometimes you simply have to get the ball rolling, and the answers will come to you. Overthinking whether you deserve to be somewhere or not brings no real value.
Varun is on theOffer Holder Community!
Join our Postgraduate Offer Holder Community on Unibuddy to chat with Varun about Bayes Business School and meet fellow offer holders on your course.