Graduate of CPS: Kashish Patel
Master of Science in Project Management ’24
Where are you from or where do you consider home?
Mumbai, India
Three words that encapsulate your Northeastern University experience:
Global, Growth, Resilience
What has your journey at Northeastern University revealed to you about yourself?
My journey at Northeastern University has been more than just academic; it’s been a journey of self-discovery. I’ve realized that I thrive in environments that challenge me to grow beyond my comfort zone. Whether it was getting exposure to working with global teams during my co-op, managing studies, or mentoring international students, I discovered a strong sense of resilience, adaptability, and empathy within myself. I’ve also learned that I’m not just passionate about management and marketing; I’m driven by purpose. I want to create impact, connect people, and bring clarity to complexity. Most importantly, I’ve learned to trust my instincts, embrace uncertainty, and keep showing up; because that’s where transformation truly happens.
What motivated you to continue through challenging times in obtaining your degree?
What kept me going through the toughest times was a deep-rooted belief in why I started this journey in the first place; to grow, to make my family proud, and to create opportunities not just for myself but for others like me who’ve had to build everything from scratch. There were moments of doubt, isolation, and exhaustion, especially being far from home, but I reminded myself that every late night, every challenge, was shaping me into someone stronger and more capable. I also leaned into the power of community; the support from mentors, friends, and even strangers who believed in me. That mix of purpose, perseverance, and positive people around me is what kept me moving forward.
Experiential learning is a core component of a Northeastern education. Describe some of the highlights for you.
Experiential learning honestly changed the game for me at Northeastern. One of the biggest highlights was working as a Project Manager with Alexion, AstraZeneca in their Global Marketing and Market Access team; it wasn’t just an internship; it felt like a real job with real impact. I received exposure to GenAI Projects, got to support cross-functional product launch and communication projects, work with international teams, and handled vendor onboarding to process optimization. It taught me how to navigate complexity and communicate with leadership. Another highlight was mentoring international students through the Office of Global Services as a Global Student Mentor. It made me realize how much I enjoy guiding others and building community; something I never expected to love so much. These experiences didn’t just help me grow professionally; they helped me discover what kind of leader I want to be.
Where do you imagine yourself five years from now?
Five years from now, I see myself as a Chief Marketing Officer, leading with creativity, strategy, and purpose. I also envision running my own advertising agency; a space where ideas come to life, stories connect people, and brands are built with heart. Alongside that, I want to grow as a content creator and influencer, building a platform that inspires, educates, and uplifts others. I want to blend marketing, storytelling, management, and impact in everything I do.
Is there anything else you wanted to say that we didn’t cover?
Just that I’m really grateful for the journey; the highs, the lows, and everything in between. Northeastern gave me more than a degree; it gave me clarity about who I am and what I want to build. I’m leaving with skills, yes; but also with stories, friendships, and a mindset that I know will carry me far. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that we’re all still figuring it out; and that’s okay. I’m just excited for what’s next.
