Arshween Kaur

Imperial Business School

“Left-brained by training, right-brained by passion – a part-qualified actuary, entrepreneur-cum-artist, and leader ready to take on the world!”

Hometown: Delhi, India

Fun fact about yourself: A former child model who struck poses in Women’s Era magazine and sang Bollywood hits on reality TV as a kid – now I just make numbers sing!

Undergraduate School and Degree: Hansraj College, University of Delhi; Bachelor of Commerce (Honours)

Where was the last place you worked before enrolling in business school? Willis Towers Watson, Associate – Retirement Consulting

Where did you intern during the summer of 2024? Last summer was a mix of adventure and preparation – I went on a siblings’ trip across New York, New Jersey, and Chicago – making unforgettable memories. While in Chicago, I attended the Forté MBA Women’s Leadership Conference 2024 as a Forté Fellow, representing Imperial. In between all the travel, I was also gearing up for my big move to London to start my Full-Time MBA at Imperial.

Where will you be working after graduation? After my MBA, I am aiming to build my career in the finance industry, focusing on asset and wealth management or financial consulting / advisory. I am interested in roles where I can leverage my experience, financial acumen, and problem-solving skills to help my clients.

Community Work and Leadership Roles in Business School: My MBA journey has been shaped by three roles that have given me the opportunity to lead, give back and be part of something bigger.

First, I was awarded the Forté Fellowship by Imperial College Business School and the Forté Foundation. To me, Forté is more than just a scholarship – it is a sisterhood. Growing up, I watched my mother and her sisters support each other through personal and professional challenges. I always admired the strength that comes from having that kind of support system, and Forté has given me my version of it. It is a space where women empower one another, where leadership is nurtured, and where I now have the opportunity to give back and empower other women.

Secondly, I was selected as the Vice President of the IB Finance Careers Club, where I help connect students with industry leaders, organise events, and create opportunities for those looking to build careers in finance. Having previously led the Investment & Finance Cell during my undergraduate studies, stepping into this role has felt like coming full circle – only this time, with a global network and greater responsibilities.

Finally, I am an MBA Student Ambassador, mentoring prospective students, chairing panels, and speaking at recruitment events. I remember how valuable it was to receive guidance from current students when I was applying, and now I have the opportunity to pay it forward by helping others navigate their own MBA journey. Imperial has given me a platform to lead, contribute, and build a community, and I am committed to making the most of it.

Which academic or extracurricular achievement are you most proud of during business school? I am most proud of launching two new finance publications as Vice President of the IB Finance Careers Club, alongside the President. This was the first time such an initiative was introduced within the club, and it was aimed at providing students with insights to support their career aspirations in finance.

The first publication, The IB Finance Chronicle, is a bi-weekly newsletter that covers regional market updates, financial news, and interview preparation tips. The second, The Equity Research Snapshot, offers an in-depth analysis of a company’s business segments, investment rationale, risk factors, and valuation insights.

The response from students has been overwhelmingly positive, with many finding these resources invaluable for their finance job applications and interviews. Knowing that our efforts have helped others feel more prepared and confident in securing their dream roles has been incredibly fulfilling.

What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career? One of my proudest achievements has been turning a childhood passion into a thriving creative business. As a child, I was captivated by the intricate lettering of the Hukamnama at our nearest Gurudwara (Sikh Temple), which inspired my love for calligraphy. In 2020, amidst the pandemic, I revisited this passion and launched She Creates Magic, an Instagram page dedicated to my art.

What started as a creative outlet soon gained traction, leading me to create a website (shecreatesmagic.in), expand my portfolio, and experiment with new mediums like engraving on glass and metal. A session with Barbara Calzolari, Europe’s premier master penman, refined my skills further.

Since then, I have fulfilled 90+ global client orders, generating revenue, and transforming my hobby into a successful boutique business. Beyond financial success, She Creates Magic has given me the confidence to take risks, embrace my entrepreneurial spirit, and blend creativity with business strategy – proving that passions, when nurtured, can evolve into something truly impactful.

Why did you choose this business school? When choosing a business school, I wanted more than just a degree – I wanted an experience that would challenge, inspire, and open doors to new opportunities. I chose Imperial College Business School for its unique combination of academic excellence, London location, and alignment with my professional aspirations.

Being a STEM-focused Business School, Imperial’s Full-Time MBA was the perfect fit to complement my actuarial and financial background, helping me bridge my technical expertise with broader business education. Its strong emphasis on data-driven decision-making and innovation aligned perfectly with me aiming to work in the top companies in the finance industry in future.

Its prestige and ranking were also key factors – ranked 2nd in the world as per the QS World University Rankings 2025, Imperial’s reputation for academic rigour and industry connections made it stand out. Being at the heart of London, one of the world’s leading financial hubs, meant unparalleled access to finance professionals, networking opportunities and global firms.

Another major attraction was the exchange opportunities available at Imperial. In June 2025, I will be heading to HEC Paris for an exchange programme in Luxury Artistry and Crafts, an experience I plan to apply to my boutique calligraphy startup, She Creates Magic.

Who was your favorite MBA professor? My favourite MBA professor has undoubtedly been Dr. Danielle Lyssimachou, who taught one of our earliest core modules – Financial and Management Accounting. What truly set her apart was how she turned accounting into an art of storytelling rather than just numbers on a spreadsheet.

She made financial statements come alive, explaining that the balance sheet is the engine of the company – the mother of all financial statements. She broke it down so simply –how the engine is put to work (funds deployed), how that work generates output (operations), and how the results flow into performance each year (profit or loss).

Her goal was never just to teach us Accounting 101, but to equip us with the ability to demystify any company’s financial statements with just a quick glance at the numbers. She made an often dry subject incredibly engaging, creating an environment where everyone felt encouraged to ask questions and truly understand the story behind the figures.

Beyond her expertise, she taught with humility and respect, making even complex concepts feel accessible. I will carry these insights with me throughout my career.

What was your favorite course as an MBA? Negotiation is more than just winning – it is about understanding, strategising, and creating value for all parties.

My favourite MBA course has been Managing Negotiations, taught by Dr. Jonathan Pinto. What made it stand out was its highly interactive nature: every session involved live negotiation exercises, role plays, and case studies that turned theory into practice.

A key takeaway was the importance of setting your BATNA and understanding your fallback option before entering a negotiation to avoid making poor deals. He also encouraged us to maximise the overall pie rather than just claiming value for ourselves.

It reinforced that negotiation is not just about persuasion but about creating mutual value and trust and making ethical decisions. These lessons will stay with me far beyond the classroom.

Looking back over your MBA experience, what is the one thing you’d do differently and why? Looking back, I realise that networking is not just about meeting people, it is about building genuine, lasting relationships. I would have made a more conscious effort right from the start to connect with classmates beyond group projects, engage with MBA students from other cohorts, and tap into the alumni network more proactively.

The MBA goes by so fast. While I have built some incredible relationships, I now see the value of being even more intentional – whether it is learning from someone’s experience, collaborating on ideas, or simply having a strong support system beyond the programme.

What is the biggest myth about your school? One of the biggest myths about Imperial is that it is ‘just a STEM school’ and not as strong in business education. My experience has completely shattered that misconception.

While Imperial is renowned for its expertise in science, technology, and engineering, its Business School is just as rigorous and forward-thinking. The calibre of professors is exceptional. Here are two examples of two world-class experts teaching here: Professor Franklin Allen, a former Wharton faculty member and co-author of our core reading book Principles of Corporate Finance, and Professor Jonathan Haskel, an external member of the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee.

Beyond faculty, Imperial’s curriculum is cutting-edge and constantly evolving. The school stays ahead of industry trends by offering modules on emerging topics such as artificial intelligence in business, preparing students for the future.

Imperial’s strength lies in its ability to combine technical depth with strategic business thinking, making it the perfect place for those who want to bridge finance, technology, and innovation.

What did you love most about your business school’s town? One moment, you are in a high-rise networking with finance professionals; the next, you are strolling through a street market with flavours from every corner of the world. That is London for you.

What I love most about London is its perfect blend of global finance and cultural diversity – it is a city that never stops evolving. As a global finance hub, being here has opened doors to networking events, top-tier company visits, and access to industry leaders. Whether it is a panel discussion with investment professionals, guest lectures from top consulting firms, or coffee chats with alumni working at major financial institutions, opportunities are everywhere.

But beyond finance, London is a melting pot of cultures. You can hear a dozen languages in a single tube ride, try authentic food from any part of the world, and be surrounded by history and innovation in equal measure. It is this dynamic mix of professional opportunities and cultural richness that makes London an incredible place to live, study, and grow.

What movie or television show best reflects the realities of business and what did you learn from it?

Suits is one of the best shows that capture the realities of business, especially in consulting and finance. It goes beyond legal battles and focuses on negotiation, problem-solving, and handling high-stakes situations, all of which I have experienced firsthand.

The biggest lesson? Success is not just about technical skills – it is about how you communicate, build trust, and stay calm under pressure. Like Harvey and his team, I have had to think on my feet when dealing with unexpected challenges, from regulatory changes in retirement benefits during my time at Willis Towers Watson to financial uncertainty because of the pandemic.

More than anything, Suits shows that integrity and reputation matter more than quick wins. In finance, trust is everything, and business is about playing the long game.

What is one way that your business school has integrated AI into your programming? What insights did you gain from using AI? AI is not just a topic at Imperial – it is woven into the MBA experience from day one!

During our induction, we participated in a Virtual Reality (VR) pilot study on ‘Values Day’, which was an eye-opening experience, showing how concepts like ethics and microaggressions can be explored through VR, making learning engaging and memorable.

One of the most impactful ways AI is integrated into the programme is through the AI Ventures module, where my team is developing an AI-driven memory assist tool for early to mid-stage Alzheimer’s and dementia patients. This project has given me insight into AI’s real-world applications, ethical challenges, and commercialisation strategies.

Other modules, like Data Analytics & Visualisation for Business, teach us how to leverage generative AI for data storytelling, while Digital Transformation & Fintech, which I will study in Brazil during Global Experience Week, explores AI’s role in financial innovation.

These experiences have given me a practical understanding of AI beyond the buzzwords in terms of how it is transforming industries and how businesses can harness its power responsibly.

Which MBA classmate do you most admire? One of the best parts of my MBA journey has been meeting incredible people in my cohort, and Joseph (Joe) Sandham is someone who stands out. 

Joe is one of the few classmates from the UK and previously studied at the University of Cambridge. He comes from a legal background and is incredibly sharp – his questions in class always challenge perspectives and make you pause and think. He also leads the IB Responsible Business and Social Impact Club, bringing a strong sense of purpose to everything he does.

He was awarded the Imperial Excellence Scholarship, which speaks to his achievements. I recently worked with him on our macroeconomics group project, and his ability to break down complex issues with clarity made working together a great experience.

Beyond his intelligence, Joe is thoughtful, articulate, and always up for a good discussion, making him a great classmate to learn from and collaborate with.

What are the top two items on your professional bucket list?

1. Make it to the Fortune 40 Under 40 list as a proud woman of Indian nationality and inspire more women to break barriers in leadership.

2. Help individuals and businesses make smarter financial decisions – whether through financial consulting, strategic planning, or increasing financial literacy, I want to make finance more accessible and empower people to build secure futures. Because financial confidence should not be a privilege – it should be the norm.

What made Arshween such an invaluable addition to the Class of 2025?

“Arshween Kaur has shown exceptional initiative as Vice President of the IB Finance Careers Club, launching two finance publications that have provided invaluable resources to her peers. Her role as an MBA Student Ambassador highlights her dedication to mentoring and fostering a strong Business School community here at Imperial. This is further exemplified by her Forté Fellowship, highlighting her commitment to empowering women in leadership. Beyond academics, Arshween’s entrepreneurial success with ‘She Creates Magic’ showcases creativity and business acumen. Her ability to balance leadership, innovation and service sets Arshween apart.”

Professor James Barlow
Academic Director

DON’T MISS: MBAS TO WATCH: CLASS OF 2025

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