Akshat
Singh

Akshat is now the Director of Shri Rajendra Singh International School in India.

Tell us why you chose to study at NTU.

“NTU offered the best course and curriculum designed to my needs and the resources were available on hand to enhance my skills. Also, the city of Nottingham played a big part in making this decision as it is a very student friendly city which is neither too big nor too small, especially for an international student. I loved it so much that after doing my undergrad from NTU I went on to do my Masters at NTU as well.”

What did you enjoy most about your course?

“Almost everything! It had the perfect balance between theory and practical. MA Media and Globalisation gave me enough knowledge to broaden my horizons and think about everything from a different perspective. It forced me to think outside of the box, get out of my comfort zone and embrace new media and technologies. The assignments given were also very comprehensive and diverse.”

What did you think about the course staff – include technical staff, administrators, lecturers and tutors. How did they support your learning and university experience?

“They were absolutely fantastic and I miss attending their lectures so much. I remember all of the great staff who taught me and helped me to be where I am today. The staff in the School of Arts and Humanities were brilliant. They were kind, knowledgeable and very experienced. They helped me out and supported me wherever possible. Some even went out of their way to guide me and help me out. Special mention to Olga Bailey, Cuneyt Cakirlar, Matthew Kerry, James Walker. They were all absolutely wonderful.”

Would you recommend NTU and your course to someone looking to study in that area? If so, why?

“Without a doubt! NTU is the best thing ever happened to me. It gave me so much exposure and enhanced my skills, which made me ready for my career. It is also a very multicultural university, which is good for an international student looking to study overseas. I will definitely recommend NTU to anyone who is seeking quality education and wants to study in a friendly city and environment.”

How has your career developed since leaving NTU?

“My career took an unexpected turn after leaving NTU. I came back to India and started working in the education sector. I helped my father run a private college and applied what I had learned at NTU to this college, which helped us grow. After working for a couple of years, I decided to open up my own private school. I opened up a school called Shri Rajendra Singh International School. I overlooked the construction, design, curriculum, marketing and everything related to the project. This school took one and a half years to be made and was inaugurated on 10^th January 2019. It is our first session and I am very delighted to be able to start something as big as this at such a young age. It is because of the exposure and knowledge I gathered at NTU that has enabled me to take this step.”

What are your favourite aspects / greatest challenges of your current role?

“The biggest challenge is to make the school recognisable as a truly global school in the city. Managing such a big institution is a task in itself, including overlooking day-to-day operations and strategizing for further growth. I always get motivated by looking at the happy faces of children who have decided to join us in our first year. I feel privileged to be working with young children, which will shape our community in the future.”

How have your studies contributed to your career?

“Media and Globalisation helped me in understanding the right kind of audience for the school and how to target them. I am able to market the school without outsourcing it to an external agency. I have set up an internal team that helps with branding and marketing the institution. The course allowed me to critique everything and get the right amount of research done before taking any decision.”

Do you have any advice to share with new graduates or other alumni?

“Just go with the flow! I never thought or over analysed too much and grasped every opportunity that came my way. No opportunity is too big or too small, they all teach you something for the future. Also, failure is a part of the process so please do not be afraid of failing or embarrassing yourself. University time is made for making mistakes and it is the best time in your life to make them before you start your career.”