Devanshi Shah

About you 

What work experience/internships did you have before beginning with Imperial College Business School? 

Before embarking on my journey at Imperial College Business School, I worked as a Product Management and Partnerships Strategy intern at a ridesharing and fleet logistics startup, Gomo (Hailify) in New York. I was in charge of structuring deals and partnerships with food delivery and fleet logistics companies. Prior to that I worked as a Summer Analyst at DSP BlackRock Mutual Fund (Mumbai), where I assisted a fund manager in securities selection for ESG investing, a phenomenon that was relatively new in India. Earlier still, I interned at GAVS Technology, where I participated in a task force to improve the information systems management and working capital of Anchor Health and Beauty Care using a systems application and product enterprise solution.  

Why did you decide to study MSc Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Management at Imperial College Business School?  

I come from a family of entrepreneurs - my grandfather and father promoted Anchor Electrics that soon ranked amongst the global leaders in electric switch manufacturing and were the first to introduce piano switches in India - a legacy I am committed to uphold. I believed that an MSc Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Management at Imperial College Business School would train me to be an innovative business leader, competent enough to use digital technology and strategically expand my family business, Anchor Health and Beauty Care, one of Asia’s leading fast-moving consumer good companies, to the global arena. I also saw this Master’s as a great opportunity to meet like-minded people and expand my understanding of various industries, maybe even be inspired to embark on a new entrepreneurial adventure myself. 

Programme 

Which has been your favourite module so far and why? 

My favourite module was Organisational Behaviour and Human Resource Management, especially because of Professor Sankalp Chaturvedi. It was a truly insightful class that combined knowledge from readings, the professor’s own research and numerous engaging in-class activities and simulations which allowed us to connect class concepts to practical applications.

What has been the most rewarding part of the programme? 

The people - from professors, to other faculty, but most importantly my classmates. I truly enjoyed getting to know each and everyone of them and learning something new every day. Additionally, the Personal Innovation Development module was highly rewarding for me, because these were crucial skills that would help me in all my future career endeavours. This programme has enabled me to assess my strengths and work on my weaknesses,  especially the observing and questioning aspect which constantly sparked new venture ideas.  

How have you benefited from the Business School’s connection to the Imperial College London community?  

The Business School’s connection to the London community has really benefited me and allowed me to meet renowned individuals and alumni with varied expertise in every field. This vast network has enabled me to broaden my horizon on job roles and provided mentors for founding my own startup. At the School, in cosmopolitan London, I am at the global crossroads of culture, education and business. Both Imperial College Business School and the city are dynamic and vibrant-a perfect match for my energy, enthusiasm, and innovative drive.  

"The Business School’s connection to the London community has really benefited me and allowed me to meet renowned individuals and alumni with varied expertise in every field."

Did you get involved in any initiatives hosted by the Imperial Enterprise Lab? 

I was involved in the Idea Challenge and participated in a few ideation sessions along with the School’s wide range of workshops which have fostered my business acumen. Not only is the Pitch N’ Mix event a fantastic opportunity to work on your pitching skills and garner feedback but also a great way to meet students from outside your own programme.  

Career 

What are your future career goals?  

Imperial College Business School, given its hands-on approach to learning business has primed me for the real-world. Using the skills I have learned to carefully examine the effectiveness of marketing strategies in varying economies, while identifying the challenges of globalisation and cross-cultural relationships. This will allow me to work on my aim to strategically expand my family business in the global arena. Automating the firm’s supply chain management, creating a shift in the company’s marketing and sales from B2B and B2C, as well as expanding the consumer base exponentially, number among my goals. 

Tips 

What advice would you give someone who is thinking about applying for the programme?  

I would recommend applying once you are confident about your application, but do not delay the process significantly because there are many advantages of attending any events or receiving scholarships if you apply ahead of the deadline.