Meet Royal Holloway alum Vigneshwar, an international student from India who studied MSc International Business Management at Royal Holloway Business School. After building a career in London’s hospitality sector, he’s returned to India to launch his own international coffee venture.
"The confidence and adaptability I gained during my MSc helped me transition into leadership roles in London and later pursue my entrepreneurial ambitions."
Current role: FounderCurrent organisation: Browntheory |
Tell us about your career path since graduation. How did you end up where you are?
After graduating, I moved to London and began building my career in the hospitality and specialty coffee industry. Working in fast-paced café and bakery environments, I developed a strong interest in coffee operations, customer experience, and business management
As my experience grew, I progressed into leadership roles and was promoted to Assistant Manager at GAIL’s Bakery. This role gave me valuable hands-on experience of managing teams and operations in a commercial business environment.
In January, I moved back to India to focus on entrepreneurial growth putting my knowledge and skills into practice. I am currently working on building a coffee brand focused on sourcing and exporting coffee products to the UK and other international markets.
What was it about your time at Royal Holloway that has most benefitted your career or influenced your path since graduation?
My time at Royal Holloway played an important role in shaping my professional and personal growth. I got strong exposure to international business environments through academic projects, workshops and interacting with the professors and my fellow students. It improved my understanding of business strategy, operations, and markets.
Being part of a diverse student community helped me understand different perspectives and what was happening across industries and global markets. Presentations, group projects, and practical assignments also developed my analytical thinking and management knowledge. The university environment also improved my communication, adaptability, and confidence in professional settings.
The exposure I gained during my MSc helped me transition into leadership roles in London and contributed significantly to my ability to manage teams, coordinate business operations and work effectively in fast-paced commercial businesses.
What would you say to potential students considering studying at Royal Holloway?
I would say that Royal Holloway offers a unique environment that goes far beyond academics.
One of the first things that stood out to me was the atmosphere and campus experience. It was genuinely inspiring and created a strong sense of motivation from the moment I joined the university. The diversity of students, supportive faculty, and collaborative learning environment helped me grow both personally and professionally.
I would strongly encourage students to make the most of the activities and opportunities on offer. Through workshops, group projects and networking opportunities you gain excellent exposure to international business environments, practical learning experiences, and transferable skills that become highly valuable after graduation.
What advice would you give to students thinking about a career in your sector?
My advice would be to focus on developing adaptability, communication, problem-solving, and people management skills alongside your academic study. Real-world exposure, internships, and customer-facing experiences play a major role in career growth.
The combination of academic knowledge and practical exposure at Royal Holloway can create strong foundations for working in global and fast-paced industries.
What did you love most about your time at Royal Holloway?
One of the things I loved most about my time at Royal Holloway was the overall atmosphere and experience of university life, especially during the winter season. I lived off campus so had to travel regularly by train for classes. The journey itself became one of my favourite memories. I still remember the peaceful train rides, the winter mornings, and the walk from the station to the university campus. Walking uphill toward the campus every day felt special and became part of my routine and identity during that period.
The environment, architecture, and energy around the university made the experience unforgettable.
Beyond academics, Royal Holloway gave me exposure to people from different backgrounds, professional discussions, workshops, and collaborative projects that helped shape my confidence and perspective. It was a period where I grew personally, professionally, and culturally, and those experiences still influence me today.
Course: MSc International Business ManagementStudent status: International Student from IndiaGraduation year: 2023 |
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MSc International Business Management
