Sidharth Menon

Why I chose Loughborough University London

As technology continued to reshape finance at pace, I realised that staying relevant required deepening my expertise at the intersection of finance and technology. While exploring options in the UK, Loughborough’s MSc Digital Finance stood out as the only Top 10 UK programme that aligned perfectly with my transition timeline. Beyond the academics, its dedicated postgraduate campus in London made the decision even more compelling. After half a decade of corporate experience in Dubai, I was intentional about repositioning my career within London’s financial ecosystem as a natural next step. Lastly, I was also excited to immerse myself in London’s unparalleled diversity and be part of a truly global and vibrant culture.

My overall academic experience

It was an incredibly rewarding experience, as from the very beginning I made a conscious effort to engage in every opportunity available and make the most of my postgraduate life in London. Beyond the excellent faculty and wide array of strong modules, the Future Space team played a pivotal role in shaping our university experience and preparing us to be career-ready for the London market as we completed our programmes. I was also fortunate to meet some brilliant peers from all over the globe who enriched my learning experience and added immense intangible value that I continue to appreciate in hindsight.

Aspects of my course I enjoyed

The course offered a unique blend of practical and theoretical learning, giving me a clear understanding of the world of fintech and how different players, technologies, and strategies fit together. Through hands-on projects, case studies, and collaboration with peers from diverse tech and finance backgrounds, I was able to apply concepts in real-world scenarios, enhance my analytical and strategic thinking skills, and gain the confidence to navigate the fintech landscape effectively.

Academic and careers support

The academic and careers support team was pivotal in helping me refine my CV and understand how to bridge the gap between academic experience and what the London market expects from fresh graduates, particularly international students. Nadine and Kadeza were always approachable and willing to discuss industry expectations, offering guidance on how to position myself effectively and navigate the professional landscape with confidence.

Highlights of my time at Loughborough University London

As cliché as it may sound, it was honestly the people I met and the friendships I built that were the true highlight of my experience. From learning to cook proper meals together to travelling across the country, they made every moment fun and meaningful. Needless to say, the UK’s incredible railway network definitely played its part as well in helping us turn our spontaneous ideas into impromptu adventures.

Campus facilities and resources

Given that Loughborough London sits at the heart of the city’s cultural district, I believe there is an opportunity to further enhance the overall student experience. For a world-leading sports university, it was slightly underwhelming to see limited on-site facilities that could better support students in balancing academic life with exciting extra-curricular activities integral to the overall student experience. That said, I particularly enjoyed the regular hackathons organised by the Future Space team, which created valuable opportunities to collaborate, innovate, and engage beyond the classroom.

How Loughborough University London has prepared me for my future career

My time at Loughborough London was instrumental in shaping both my skills and mindset for my current role. Having been exposed to the high-octane work culture in the Middle East, the programme went beyond strengthening my technical knowledge in digital finance and fintech, encouraging me to approach problems with curiosity and confidence, embrace challenges, and collaborate empathetically with people from diverse backgrounds. It helped me become more adaptable, strategic, and proactive, while also developing leadership and interpersonal skills that have been invaluable in stepping into a dynamic, innovative, and multicultural environment at Genesis Global, allowing me to make a meaningful impact from day one.