Arpan Ganguli, MSc Media and Communications, 2015.
- Programme Studied: MSc Media and Communications
- Year of graduation: 2015
How was your experience of studying at LSE?
Studying at the LSE has been one of the best times of my life. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it. Most importantly, studying at the LSE provided me with a fresh perspective to view the world, and to examine everything critically – something that I still find useful despite not working in the field that I studied. Moreover, I made friends for life, met my wife, got the job that I wanted – overall, nothing could have been better.
Tell us about your career journey after graduating.
I started at the UK Civil Service through their Fast Stream programme and worked there for 5 years from 2015-2020. During that time, I had the privilege to work in myriad policy areas such as education funding, sustainable infrastructure finance (in Latin America and SE Asia), trade policy and helping our Covid response.
I currently work in risk management and portfolio pricing within Lloyds Bank.
What’s the best piece of career advice you have received?
Sincerity trumps intelligence.
What’s the greatest challenge you had to overcome?
Adapting to the British way of life and work. Coming from India, which has a vastly different way of life and culture, it took me a long time to understand and get used to the way things worked here. In that, I have been extremely lucky to have people – from all nationalities and walks of life – support me during the entire journey. And I am truly grateful for that.
What is your greatest achievement?
Being part of the team that worked on the Customs Union trade agreement UK-EU as part of the larger FTA.
What is your fondest memory of your time at LSE?
Studying in the library! For me, the LSE library is second home and I try and visit it whenever possible – just to read some academic book.