Vritee

Imperial College London attracted me with its global reputation for excellence in STEM education and research. As an international student from India, I was particularly drawn to the university’s cutting-edge research and its commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive community. The opportunity to be surrounded by cutting-edge research and innovative thinking is incredibly inspiring, and I knew that being part of this dynamic environment would push me to grow both academically and personally.

Studying at Imperial 

Addressing real-world challenges in Biological Sciences  

I chose to study biology because of its profound impact on understanding and solving critical global challenges. From developing new pharmaceuticals to treat complex diseases or addressing environmental issues like climate change, biology is at the forefront of finding solutions. This cross-disciplinary nature of biology motivated me to explore the field further, as I am passionate about understanding these challenges and how science can be harnessed to overcome them. 

Hands-on learning and thriving research environment

The hands-on learning experience in a thriving research environment has been a highlight for me. Imperial offers exceptional lab and field work opportunities where you can perform experiments and develop essential skills in data analysis and experimental design.

International student community

From the start, the diverse student community made me feel welcome, and I quickly realised I wasn’t alone as an international student in a new country. The Imperial halls and freshers' events were fantastic in helping me make friends and find my tribe. 

One of the most memorable aspects of my time at Imperial has been celebrating Indian festivals like Holi and Diwali with the Hindu Society. These events created a comforting sense of home away from home, allowing me to stay connected to my culture even while being miles away from my family. 

Participating in the East Meets West (EMW) cultural showcase, organized by the Indian Society, was another highlight. EMW is a vibrant celebration of music, drama, and dance that showcases the diverse talents at Imperial.

Studying in London  

I was drawn to London for its vibrant, diverse environment and the opportunity to interact with people from various backgrounds. The city’s iconic attractions, like the London Eye, Tower Bridge, and Trafalgar Square, captivated me, and there’s never been a dull moment exploring these landmarks with my friends. I especially enjoy the winter season in London, with its festive Winter Wonderland and dazzling city lights. 

At Imperial, I’ve found a community of ambitious and like-minded individuals who inspire me to strive for my best. The combination of London’s dynamic atmosphere and the supportive, driven environment at Imperial has made my experience here truly enriching. 

Preparing for a career in the pharmaceutical industry

After graduating, I plan to enter the pharmaceutical industry, focusing on the intersection between science and research. My fascination in the business side of science was highlighted during my Managerial Economics module as part of the I-Explore program, which provided a fresh perspective in contrast to my biology coursework. This module was a fantastic opportunity to explore a new field and significantly influenced my career aspirations. 

Imperial’s Careers Service has been instrumental in shaping my career goals. For instance, through the Spring Work Shadowing program, I had the opportunity to interview a research manager at the Institute for Molecular Science and Engineering (IMSE). This interview emphasised the crucial intersection between science and business, particularly in areas such as stakeholder engagement, networking, and project management.  

The Careers Service also helped me refine my CV, which I believe was key to securing a 9-week internship in Mumbai this past summer. Attending their online sessions taught me how to craft an effective CV by using key terms to stand out to employers. 

My internship at Ipca Laboratories Limited, specifically in the Analytical Development Lab of the Advanced Biotech Lab, was highly valuable experience. It offered profound insights into scientific research and enhancing my skills in laboratory techniques and data analysis.  

As I enter my final year at Imperial, I am eager to apply the insights and expertise gained from this internship to my future endeavours in the pharmaceutical industry and beyond.