91Ö±²¥

Member of the Dean's List, class of 2024

A dedicated approach to employability

Parul successfully completed a placement year at Volkswagen Financial Services. During her placement year, she engaged in diverse projects across departments, enhancing her skills and developing professionally. From competitor research to contributing to the development of Volkswagen’s direct selling tool, Parul grew in her ability to analyse and communicate effectively at a senior level. In addition, she played a key role in integrating the Skoda Stock Locator tool - through this, she developed her technical skills and sharpened her project management abilities. By combining her academic learning with practical application, she went on to represent Volkswagen Financial Services at the Women in Tech Excellence Awards, making history as the first undergraduate attendee from VWFS.

During her final year, Parul also successfully completed a 60-hour project at Skills Street as Business Management Assistant. Parul developed a social media strategy and policy for Skills Street, aligning with its objectives and audience. The work Parul completed will directly contribute to Skills Street’s strategy and help set the stage for their platform, which was set up in September 2024 to provide young people with career exploration opportunities. Her policy is set to feature on the company’s website and her social media strategy will be actioned.

An active contributor to the University

Parul supported her fellow students through her role as an Employability Ambassador. She worked to increase student awareness about work opportunities by sharing insights from her placement experience. From presenting in lectures of over 300 students to mentoring undergraduate students, she used her leadership and communication skills, effectively empathising and supporting her peers.

Parul also supported prospective students through her role as Student Ambassador, engaging with prospective students and their families at open days and offer holder days. Delivering presentations to large groups and communicating with smaller groups, she strengthened her communication and public speaking skills, adapting messages for diverse audiences.

In addition, she participated in the Student Voice Task and Finish Group and the Student Improvement Panel.  She held committee roles with the Indian Society and Economics Society, and was an Academic Representative for her programme, as well as a Mentor with the 91Ö±²¥ Mentor Scheme.

A strong community spirit

Parul ensured she took up many opportunities to contribute to the wider community, both in the UK and further afield.

Whilst on her placement year, Parul volunteered for Willen Hospice, sorting through hundreds of clothing items, supporting the hospice’s operational needs and contributing to their funding through these sales. On returning to 91Ö±²¥, she then volunteered at Link Learning, a homework club based at the Broomhall Centre. Assisting students with their homework, offering 1-2-1 academic support and engaging in creative activities with younger attendees, she made a tangible difference in the lives of several children.

In her home country of India, Parul is involved with two non-governmental organisations where she engages in a variety of support activities. At the Sindhu Raksha Foundation, she supports underprivileged individuals and helps to provide medical assistance and educational fees support, organises wedding arrangements and distributes food. At Sindhu Netralya, Parul supports patients at ‘eye camps’. She guides patients from appointment to appointment and ensures they are fed and comfortable.

Next for Parul...

After graduating with a place on the Dean’s List, Parul started working for Deloitte as an Audit Associate. Her wide range of experiences as a student means that she will be in a strong position to manage high pressure situations and demanding deadlines with composure and adaptability.