Akash Mehta

Akash Mehta (Electrical & Electronic Engineering 2016) is a Global Digital Manager at Parfums Christian Dior in Paris. In February 2019, he made the Forbes 30 under 30 Europe list for Media & Marketing. Although his Electrical & Electronic Engineering degree is quite different to his current role at Dior, Akash feels the lessons he learned at Imperial have led him to his success so far. Hear about Akash's experiences here at Imperial and how his career has been so far.

What did you learn during your time at Imperial, in class or out? 

How to be both a leader and a team player! Imperial taught me invaluable life skills that will stay with me forever. For example, dealing with tight deadlines, working cohesively as a team and embrace new challenges.

Who did you find inspiring at Imperial and why?

I found all the professors very inspiring but even more so the students. All the students had a unique story from a diversity of backgrounds, which allowed me to grow and learn each day!

What is your fondest memory of your time here?

My fondest memory has to be my graduation! Seeing everyone with their families and friends, celebrating their time at Imperial, really has stayed with me till this day! It really validated all our hard work during the degree, an accomplishment I’ll cherish forever.

What is your favourite place at Imperial and why?

My favourite place has to be the Queen’s Lawn, especially in the summer. Although having said that, I do miss the library a little bit!

Tell us a bit about the work you’re doing now...

I’m a Global Digital Manager at Parfums Christian Dior in Paris specialising in influencer marketing, affiliate marketing and social media. Previously, I worked at Estee Lauder Companies and Burberry with all roles being within digital marketing. On the side, I’m a Global Guardian for UNICEF, a PETA ambassador and a social media influencer. You can find me on Instagram here.

How has what you learnt at Imperial helped you in your career so far?

I strongly feel my engineering degree from Imperial has helped me progress quickly within my industry at a young age. For example, I have used my coding knowledge to develop an affiliate program and numerical skills to better understand the ROI of influencer marketing.

What have been your career highlights and lowlights? 

My career highlights have to be making the Forbes 30 Under 30 list at 25 and speaking at several events worldwide from a Vogue Conference to the LVMH Desirability Forum. My lowlights have to be the moments of self-doubt based on age and language barriers in France, however every day I stay motivated and inspired to grow, which keeps me going!

What does a typical day look like for you now?

Honestly, there’s no day the same, which I love! I travel a lot for work which I’m very grateful for as I get to meet our teams in person and also experience different working environments. However, on an average day I would say the early mornings and late evenings is when I’m most productive and the daytime is when I’m most proactive – usually filled with many meetings.

What would be your advice for current students? 

My advice would be to always follow your heart and do what makes you happy in life! You will find success to the fullest if you do this, as success should be mostly measured by your happiness. From a more specific point of view, I would say try to use your degree in your future job as much as you can. Even if you end up working in different industries, there are many life skills you can extrapolate from your current degree that you must keep with you for your life.

What makes you proud to be an Imperial alumnus?

Being part of a group of inspiring, hardworking and talented people from all different walks of life.

What one word or phrase would you use to describe Imperial alumni? 

Game changers!

Do you have a favourite quote or saying?

Always give from your heart without expecting anything in return.

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

Thank you so much to the entire Faculty of Engineering at Imperial College London for believing in me and giving me the life skills to chase my dreams!