Rithik Sidharth

Current Employer/Organisation Name

Pennon Group

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

I’m working towards becoming a Project Manager, and my role as Project Coordinator is a great learning opportunity that’s helping me build the skills and experience I need to get there.

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

What I enjoyed most about my Master’s programme at the University of Exeter was the balance between academic depth and practical application. The curriculum was not only intellectually stimulating but also designed to reflect real-world challenges, especially in areas like project planning, stakeholder management, and strategic decision-making. I particularly appreciated the collaborative group projects, where I worked with peers from diverse backgrounds. It gave me a global perspective and strengthened my communication and teamwork skills.

The biggest highlight for me was my Summer school in Frankfurt Business School Germany, It allowed me to deep-dive into an area I’m passionate about, while also sharpening my corporate finance, research, critical thinking, and project execution skills. That experience was a turning point in confirming my ambition to become a Project Manager, and it gave me the confidence to start actively pursuing that career path.

What did you most enjoy about studying here?

What I enjoyed most about studying at the University of Exeter was the overall atmosphere, the beautiful campus, the supportive environment, and the sense of purpose it instilled in me. The ambience itself is uplifting, and combined with a world-class curriculum and exceptional academic staff, it created a space where I could truly focus on developing my skills.

The University offers outstanding support, whether it’s academic guidance, career services, or personal well-being, which means you never feel like you’re doing it alone. That allowed me to concentrate fully on learning and growing, knowing that I had everything I needed to succeed.

It was a genuinely motivating environment. Every day, I felt excited to go to university because I knew I was building something meaningful for my future, surrounded by people who were equally driven and supportive. It gave real purpose to my studies, and that made all the difference.

Why did you choose to study at Exeter?

I chose to study at the University of Exeter because of its outstanding academic reputation and the global recognition of its programmes. In particular, the course I pursued is ranked among the top 100 management programmes in the world by the Financial Times, which assured me of the quality, relevance, and international standing of the education I would receive.

Another major factor was the environment, both within the university and the city itself. Exeter is a beautiful, historic city with a strong sense of community, and that atmosphere translated directly into my university experience. The peaceful yet vibrant setting created the perfect backdrop for focused learning and personal growth. It offered the ideal balance: calm enough to concentrate, but active and engaging enough to feel connected and inspired.

The culture of Exeter, its blend of tradition, innovation, and accessibility, really influenced how I approached my studies. It’s a place that encourages reflection, ambition, and curiosity. That, combined with the university’s world-class teaching, exceptional academic and career support, and a diverse student body, gave me an experience that was not only academically enriching but personally transformative.

Exeter quickly felt like more than just a university, it felt like a place where I truly belonged and could envision my future.

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

The most valuable skills for my career so far have been Future trends, Organisational management, and the ability to adapt quickly in dynamic environments. My time at university, particularly through group projects, presentations, and time-bound assignments, helped me develop strong organisational and time management skills, which are essential in any project-based role.

One of the most useful experiences was leading and contributing to a project in Exe Consulting. It taught me how to navigate different working styles, manage expectations, and keep the team aligned towards common goals. These real-world simulations at university mirrored what I now encounter in professional project environments.

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

If you’re aiming for a career in any field, my biggest advice is to start building your practical experience early, even if it’s through university assignments, volunteering, or internships. Take the lead on group work, manage timelines, and practice communicating clearly with others, these are the core skills you’ll use every day in a work environment.

Secondly, develop your curiosity. Learn about work-related tools/software/certifications and get comfortable using platforms like Excel, Planner, or Microsoft Project. This will make you stand out.

Lastly, don’t underestimate the importance of relationship-building and communication. Being approachable, reliable, and a good listener goes a long way in gaining trust and keeping teams aligned.

Stay open, be proactive, and don’t wait for the perfect opportunity, make the most of every experience to sharpen the skills that matter.