Nandini Shivakumar

Country of origin: India

Why did you choose to study at LUMS?

I chose LUMS because of the variety of modules offered on my course, allowing me to discover different areas but also gain clarity and later, to tailor my program to suit my interests.

What was the best thing about your course?

The experiences I shared with my friends and course mates, either through many study sessions or the casual society/course meetups we had throughout the course duration.

Who inspired you most at LUMS and why?

I would say my friends inspired me. Through all the good and tough times, we all encouraged each other and helped each other to do the best we could, which ensured we were all getting the most out of LUMS.

Did you do a project, placement or study abroad? What did this involve and what did you gain?

I completed a 13-month placement at Johnson & Johnson. I was a part of the Regional EMEA MedTech team, where I was in charge of various sales reports and dashboards. I was also part of a smaller team, which involved interacting with various representatives across EMEA regarding the hospitals using company products and technology. I built and developed a lot of soft skills and enhanced my Excel skills as well, which has definitely made making tables and graphs a lot more fun!

Describe your time at LUMS in three words.

Defining, fun, enriching.

What are your best memories of your time at Lancaster?

I took advantage of everything LU had to offer, from being the Lead Rep to joining various societies, having my first part time job working at Cartmel Bar, and being a LUMS student ambassador for almost three years. Each experience had its own importance and allowed me to meet and interact with people outside my course and the management school. All these experiences allowed me to grow as a person and step out of my comfort zone in various aspects of my life after Lancaster.

What are the best things about living in the Lancaster area?

The vibe of the area. Everything from the ducks to the surrounding nature makes up Lancaster and gives it a charm that is extremely welcoming and comforting. The festivals/events that happen in the town centre are also a lovely addition to the atmosphere, and a great excuse to try out new spots you didn't get a chance to before.

Which parts of your Lancaster experience were the best preparation for your job?

The soft skills I learnt helped me build upon my communication, presentation and time management skills. I believe these skills will always be of help in the work place, regardless of the industry.

What impact has your Lancaster experience had on your career?

It helped provide clarity in terms of what I'd like in a workplace, in terms of the industry/field and the kind of role I believe I'll thrive in.

Is there anything else about your LUMS experience that you'd like to share with us?

Make the most of the various societies, and student-led experiences the university offers. Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone, that's how I made the best memories at Lancaster University and LUMS.