Shriya’s story
Shriya Parab arrived at Sussex from Mumbai ready to build a new career in strategic marketing. Alongside developing her academic expertise, she found a community that recognised her potential and helped her to realise her ambition.
When you arrive at Sussex, say yes. Say yes to the opportunities, people and experiences that come your way. You never know how they might grow, or who you might become. Sussex gave me the confidence to believe I can do anything I set my mind to.” Shriya Parab
Strategic Marketing MSc
“My first degree is in Filmmaking and Mass Communication, but graduating during Covid meant I had to pivot pretty quickly. I began exploring digital marketing and became curious about how you build a brand into something that serves society.
After visiting an IDP Education Fair, I fell in love with Sussex as a place, a culture and an opportunity. I especially liked the Strategic Marketing MSc, which offered the curriculum I was looking for. I loved the idea of living on campus and knew I’d feel safe between the South Downs and the sea. I remember thinking: ‘This is what I want to do, and where I need to be’.
Studying at Sussex is less about memorising facts and more about connecting concepts to real-world scenarios. Throughout my Masters, my tutors were warm, friendly and genuinely interested in helping me succeed. And even though I grew up thinking I hated science and maths, they somehow managed to totally win me around to analytics – and now I work for a deep tech start-up!
Guest lecturers, alumni and industry figures introduced me to different career paths, while one alumna even recommended me for an internship at Chanel. I also gained practical experience through paid campus roles as a digital media creator, student rep and international ambassador, which gave me opportunities to shine.
From the moment I arrived in the UK, the Careers and Entrepreneurship team gave me the advice I needed to secure my first internship. Alongside CV, portfolio and interview guidance, they’ve also hosted careers fairs, where I’ve connected with employers including McLaren and KPMG.
One of my professors connected me to my current role after I’d mentioned I was hoping to work on campus. Within a week, she’d recommended me for an opportunity with one of the University’s spinout companies, Metasonixx. It meant so much that she saw my potential, and we’re a good match: Metasonixx specialises in developing acoustic metamaterials for quieter, more peaceful environments, and I’m particularly sensitive to sound! I’m currently their Marketing Specialist, but my role has already expanded into operations, project management and R&D, and I’m excited to continue growing with the company.
Moving halfway across the world also changed me on a personal level. I’ve become more responsible and independent, and my parents tell me I’ve grown so much. I’m no longer the little girl they sent overseas, but an adult who can take care of herself. I think Sussex has empowered me to become a more ambitious, business-minded person who feels ready to build something of her own. My dream is to have my own fashion label someday and feature on the cover of Forbes (which is certainly on my vision board).
So, when you arrive at Sussex, say yes. Say yes to the opportunities, people and experiences that come your way. You never know how they might grow, or who you might become.”
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