Laveena Qurashi

Current Employer/Organisation Name

Severn Trent Plc

What have you been doing since leaving Exeter, and what are you doing now?

Well, just after leaving the University, I got busy with childcare as I was pregnant whilst I was on the course, which was a rare case I guess 🙂 But at the same time, I was applying for different jobs and few months later I was offered a position of Assistant Manager at The Watches of Switzerland in Plymouth. I worked with them for 10 months before I finally got my dream job of working for Severn Trent (Top FTSE companies) on Graduate Leadership Program.

Why did you choose this career? And what do you enjoy most about your work?

I chose this career because I have always enjoyed working in leadership and management roles. Also, I’ve studied MBA from India and then MSc. Management from University of Exeter, so it made more sense to me to be able to finally put my skills in practise. Most importantly, I am happy and proud to work for a water company which is the basic need and would never go out of fashion 🙂

What did you enjoy most about your programme and what was the biggest highlight?

The highlight of this programme was my programme lead Mrs. Claire Dinan who unfortunately is not amongst us anymore. But she was the most lovely and kind person I have met during my studies. So it was really hard for all of us to process the news of her demise 🙁

What did you enjoy most about studying here?

I enjoyed the in-depth study of different modules and the opportunity of working or rather leading a crucial project of reducing waiting period for cancer patients with the Breast care division of Derriford Hospital for 3 months.

Why did you choose to study at Exeter?

I chose to study here because of the fact that this is one of the most renowned and prestigious universities of UK. So, I was proud to associate myself with the University of Exeter/ Russell group universities. Hence by studying here, I made my dream come true that too with Global Excellence Scholarship which was a lot for an international applicant during pandemic.

What skills and experiences have been most useful for your career?

I’d say the best skill that anybody can or should possess is just being patient, adaptive and fast learner. As these skills would immensely help you in your professional as well as personal aspects of your life regardless the subject you are studying or the profession you want to excel in.

What advice would you give to a current student who wishes to pursue your career?

The best advice I can give to current student is to just believe in yourself. Be passionate and dedicated towards your goal. If you’d do good today in your assignments, in your projects or whatever you working on at the moment, it would definitely pay you off in the near future. So just be fearless and go for it 🙂

What are your plans for the future?

I want to see myself in a Senior Leadership Role in the next 5 years in th e same company that I am working in the moment which is Severn Trent.I truly believe that with the hard work and firm belief in myself, I would be able to achieve that.