Pragya Tiwari

Pragya Tiwari is the Co-Founder and Creative Director of Oijo, a consultancy based in India and operating globally.

In late 2013 I had been a journalist and editor for well over twelve years, and found myself wanting to take a break. I began to look up opportunities at the London School of Economics: my work as a journalist revolved around policy and politics and my educational background was in law, so studying public policy in more detail seemed like a logical step.

I was excited to be returning to learning and academia after a very long time and to discover new perspectives to better understand development policy in particular. The structure of classes and coursework gave me enough flexibility to take this up without disrupting my day job. But despite not being a full-time course it was intensive and comprehensive and without the aid of the masterful teachers we had it might have felt daunting. The experience and commitment of our teachers made the steep learning curve eminently navigable. I can safely say that I learnt more in my time at the EMPA than I could otherwise have in many years.

But it was not all hard work. The beautiful campus and the amenities offered by the LSE enhanced the experience of being an executive student there. Sharing this experience with a cohort of bright minds from across the globe was one the greatest rewards of being there. Every single person in my class was experienced and accomplished and brought wisdom and insight to the debates and discussion we had. The friendships fostered over coffees, drinks and conversations endure to this day. We are all still in touch and update each other on events of global and personal significance routinely.

The EMPA gave me more than I can quantify. The learning and the connections aside, it helped me pivot to a new career after years in journalism. Today I run my own consultancy and we work with corporates and government on policy and communication.

The EMPA broadened my world-view and the global insights gained have helped me work with clients from the Middle East and London. The consultancy I now run combines my experience with journalism, politics and culture, but without the EMPA a crucial piece would have been missing. The intellectual excitement and invigoration I felt in my time at the LSE gave me the impetus to reimagine what my future could hold.

I was recently asked what advice I might have for future EMPA students and the only thing I have to say is that if you are fortunate enough to enroll, cherish every moment of it and take up every experience the course has to offer. You are likely to look back upon your time, as I do – as one of the best times of your life.