From recruiting students in India to becoming one at RGU

International student Twinkle quit her job in student recruitment in India and moved to Aberdeen to study a master’s in Digital Marketing. She shares how her role recruiting students inspired her to go back to university and her experience adapting to life in Scotland.

Life has an uncanny way of coming full circle. My journey from recruiting students in India to becoming a student myself has been one of the most profound and humbling experiences of my life. It’s a story of transitions, challenges, and the incredible growth that comes when you step out of your comfort zone. In this blog, I’ll take you through the highs and lows of this transformation, share real-time facts from my experiences, and reflect on what this journey has taught me.

My passion for education and guiding students started early in my career. As someone who has always believed in the power of education to transform lives, I found immense joy in helping students navigate their academic paths. I always had good communication and convincing skills, which I made the best use of in counselling and continuously upgrading my skills. For years, I worked as a Senior Admissions Counsellor, engaging with students and parents, addressing their concerns, and matching them with the right opportunities.

I helped countless students shape their futures, and the satisfaction of seeing them succeed was deeply fulfilling. However, along the way, I realized that I, too, longed for growth and new experiences. I wanted to step into the very world I had been advocating for—to become a student once again and gain a fresh perspective on higher education.

The beginning: My career path and recruiting students in India

My career began with a strong foundation in education. I completed my Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA) in 2018, followed by an MBA in 2020. Soon after, I stepped into the professional world as a Senior Admissions Counsellor, recruiting students and guiding them through their educational journeys. This role demanded a deep understanding of young minds, the ability to empathize with their aspirations, and the skills to guide them toward their dreams. Each day, I worked with students and families navigating the maze of educational opportunities. It was both fulfilling and challenging.

I vividly remember the pride in a student’s eyes when they received an offer from their dream university, and the relief in parents’ faces when their child’s future felt secure. But it wasn’t always smooth sailing. Convincing students to step out of their comfort zones and helping families overcome financial and emotional hurdles were significant challenges. Still, the work was meaningful, and I loved being a part of their journey.

The turning point: Becoming a student

Despite the rewarding nature of my work, there was always a part of me that longed for personal growth—to experience the very journey I was advocating for. This inner calling led me to take a bold step: I decided to pursue higher studies myself.

Making this decision was not easy. Questions plagued me: Was I too late to go back to being a student? Could I adapt to the academic pressures and cultural shifts of studying abroad? Would I regret leaving a stable career? Ultimately, the desire to grow and learn won out over fear, and I embarked on this life-altering path.

Throughout this journey, I was fortunate to have the unwavering support of my parents, my boss and my managers. They not only motivated me but also stood by my decision, ensuring I never doubted myself. Their encouragement helped me choose MSc Digital Marketing—a flagship course in today’s digital-first world. Their belief in my potential played a pivotal role in helping me take this leap of faith.

Choosing MSc Digital Marketing as my career path felt natural. I have always been passionate about creating content, whether it was making social media posts, crafting engaging reels, or coming up with creative ideas. This interest in digital creativity made Digital Marketing an ideal subject for me, and I’m thrilled to have taken this step.

Why I chose RGU

Choosing Robert Gordon University (RGU) as my priority university felt personal from day one. The connection between RGU and my organization was always very strong, which made me choose RGU without any second thought. After spending three years recruiting students to RGU for their bachelor’s and master’s programmes, I had an in-depth understanding of the University’s values and offerings.

RGU consistently stands out for its high student satisfaction and excellent employment rates. I also received glowing feedback from previously recruited students who spoke highly of their experience at RGU. These factors, combined with my familiarity and trust in the institution, solidified my decision to join. It felt like a natural continuation of my journey.

Adding to this, I was also chosen to be a Student Ambassador for RGU, which gave me a wider space to be a part of the University and truly immerse myself in its culture. This was an incredibly prideful moment for me, as it allowed me to represent the University and help new students navigate their own journeys.

Living in Aberdeen: A dream come true

Aberdeen is a city where culture and sophistication meet, making it a truly unique place to live. Every day, I wake up to a beautiful new view of the city, and each day feels like a dream come true. The city’s charm lies in its blend of history, modernity, and stunning landscapes.

Aberdeen has its own distinct vibe—one that is warm and welcoming. The people here are incredibly kind and supportive, which has made my transition so much smoother. Walking through the quaint streets, exploring the coastline, and experiencing the vibrant student community have all made me feel at home. I am immensely grateful for choosing Aberdeen as the city to live in, as it has enriched my journey in ways I never imagined.

Back in India, I never thought I would experience my life’s first snowfall in the UK, and trust me, it was all worth it. My beautiful city was covered in snow, and every walk was mesmerizing. It felt like a dream to see Aberdeen draped in white, making my experience here even more magical.

Struggles and challenges faced

Transitioning from a recruiter to a student was humbling, to say the least. Suddenly, I was on the other side, grappling with the very uncertainties I had once helped others navigate.

Cultural Adjustments: Moving to a new country meant adapting to different customs, teaching styles, and social norms. It was both exciting and overwhelming.

Academic Pressure: The rigor of coursework, coupled with the need to excel, was a sharp contrast to my professional routine. Time management became a daily battle.

Emotional Hurdles: From missing home to questioning my decision during tough times, the emotional weight was significant. I often found myself reflecting on the students I had guided and gaining a newfound respect for their resilience.

Financial Management: Balancing tuition fees, living expenses, and part-time work added another layer of complexity to the journey.

Lessons learned along the way

Despite the struggles, this experience has been incredibly enriching. Here are some of the key lessons I’ve learned:

Empathy Deepened: Experiencing the challenges of being a student first-hand has made me more empathetic. I now understand, on a visceral level, the courage it takes to leave behind familiarity in pursuit of education.

Perspective Gained: Being a student again reminded me that learning is a continuous journey. It’s not just about acquiring knowledge but about personal growth and adaptability.

Humility and Resilience: The setbacks I faced taught me to stay grounded and persistent. Each obstacle became an opportunity to grow stronger.

Moments of joy

For all the challenges, there were countless moments of joy that made the journey worthwhile:

Building Friendships: I formed bonds with classmates from around the world, learning from their diverse experiences and perspectives.

Achieving Milestones: From acing difficult exams to completing projects, each accomplishment felt like a personal victory.

Personal Growth: The confidence I’ve gained through this journey is immeasurable. I’ve discovered strengths I didn’t know I had.

Reflections on the journey

Looking back, I’m filled with gratitude for the path I chose. Transitioning from a recruiter to a student has given me a unique dual perspective. I now see the education system through two lenses—as someone who once guided students and as someone who’s experienced their struggles firsthand.

If I could offer advice to anyone considering a similar path, it would be this: Embrace change. Growth happens when you challenge yourself, even when it’s uncomfortable. The courage to step out of your comfort zone can lead to some of the most rewarding experiences of your life.

Conclusion: The dual perspective

My journey has come full circle, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Being both a recruiter and a student has given me insights I could never have gained otherwise. As I look toward the future, I’m excited to blend these experiences—to guide others with empathy and to continue learning with an open heart.

To anyone reading this: “Conquer your dreams” Keep chasing them, and don’t be afraid to reinvent yourself along the way. Life has a way of surprising you, often in the best ways possible.

Here’s signing off…

Twinkle

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