Meet Nikita

A collaborative place to learn

My fondest memory of Newcastle University is the collaborative spirit that existed throughout the course. Whether in lectures, seminars or group projects, there was a genuine culture of students helping one another succeed. People were always willing to share ideas, explain difficult concepts and support each other when preparing for assignments or exams.

What stood out most was how diverse the student body was, bringing together different perspectives and experiences. This created engaging discussions in seminars and made learning far more enriching than simply absorbing information from textbooks.

Rather than being overly competitive, the atmosphere encouraged teamwork and mutual growth, which helped build both confidence and lasting friendships.

An international experience

One of my favourite aspects of my course at Newcastle University was the opportunity to combine academic learning with international experience.

A defining moment was the support I received to undertake a placement year at Pompeu Fabra University in Barcelona. The experience not only enhanced my academic knowledge but also strengthened my independence, cultural awareness and confidence in working with people from diverse backgrounds.

Newcastle's encouragement of international opportunities helped me see first-hand how business and economics are viewed in different contexts, which later proved extremely valuable in my professional roles.

The placement year also opened doors to further opportunities, including participation in an internship programme that allowed me to gain practical experience and apply what I had learned in a real-world setting.

Looking back, the combination of excellent teaching, a supportive university environment and access to international and professional experiences was what made my time at Newcastle so impactful.

Skills for my future

My time at Newcastle University played a significant role in shaping both my professional skills and personal development. The University provided a challenging academic environment that encouraged critical thinking, problem-solving and the confidence to approach complex business challenges from multiple perspectives.

Beyond the classroom, Newcastle offered opportunities to collaborate with people from diverse backgrounds, helping me develop the communication and relationship-building skills that are essential in my current role.

The University's strong international outlook and emphasis on practical application helped me connect academic theory with real-world business situations.

Perhaps most importantly, Newcastle reinforced the value of curiosity and lifelong learning. Those qualities have been central throughout my career, whether working in venture capital, financial services or technology consulting.

Where I am now

I currently work at Infosys, where I manage strategic client relationships across the UK and international markets, helping organisations navigate digital transformation and innovation initiatives.

One of the most rewarding aspects of my journey has been working at the intersection of business, technology and innovation. From supporting early-stage companies and investment activities earlier in my career to leading complex client engagements today, I have had the opportunity to work with talented teams and global organisations.

Looking ahead, I am excited to continue helping businesses embrace emerging technologies and transform the way they operate, while mentoring others who are starting their own professional journeys.