Arjun Ramachandran
My name is Arjun Ramachandran. Before moving to Spain to study at IE University, I lived in Aurora, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. I would describe myself as an adventurer with a creative spirit. I have put this creativity to use not only as a classically-trained musician, but also by launching my own development effort in India. As for my adventurous side, Madrid is the perfect place to study because it’s a city that never sleeps.
“The Master in International Development appealed to me because it’s jointly run with the UNSSC. I wanted to get a strong institutional foundation in development so I can apply it to my own efforts.”
An interdisciplinary approach to international development
Arjun Ramachandra was born and raised in a suburb of Chicago, Illinois, so life in a big city was something he was used to. Looking for more adventure and a way to continue his studies, and drawn by IE University’s interdisciplinary approach to education, Arjun chose to pursue the Master in International Development.
As both a scholar and creative individual, Arjun embodies IE University's unique, hands-on approach to education in his own life. In addition to having studied international relations and politics with a focus on cybersecurity as an undergraduate, Arjun is also a classically trained vocalist and percussionist. He has performed in the United States, India and now Europe. Before coming to IE University, he worked as a press intern on Capitol Hill, a screenwriter for Voice of America, and a constitutional advisor at Carnegie Mellon University.
During the global pandemic, Arjun started his own development effort in India, which focused on providing people with groceries, water and medicine. This effort launched his career in international development, and ultimately led to his decision to study international relations. Arjun is eager to take advantage of the program’s partnership with the United Nations Systems Staff College (UNSCC). He hopes that this partnership will give him a strong institutional foundation in international development that he can apply to his career.
“My experience at IE University has introduced me to new parts of the world, new cultures, languages, and friends that I'll cherish for the rest of my life.”
Arjun was also drawn to the variety of opportunities available to him as an IE University student. A highlight from his IE Experience so far was the chance to attend the World Travel & Tourism Council Global Summit (WTTC) in Saudi Arabia. While there, he met people such as the economist Jeffery Sachs, with whom he is still in touch; the deputy assistant secretary for travel and tourism in the US, Andream Keam; and the former president of Mexico, Felipe Calderón. He says traveling to a part of the world he was not familiar with and meeting some of the world’s leading professionals was an unforgettable experience.
His student journey has been full of challenges, but also incredible learning experiences. Arjun feels that each one of his classes push him to think about topics including development and developmental issues from many different points of view. He notes that, thanks to his time at IE University, he is now equipped with newly acquired knowledge, a set of tools for problem-solving, enhanced analytical techniques and a diverse perspective.
When he is not studying, Arjun enjoys participating in various extracurricular activities. One of his favorite ways to relax between classes is by playing ping-pong in the courtyard at IE Tower. He also appreciates that IE University organizes various talks and lectures available to all students, as they are a great way to learn new things and add to what he learns in class.
Reflecting on his overall experience in Master in International Development, Arjun says that one unexpected benefit of studying at IE University has been the chance to meet incredible people. He is constantly learning not only from his professors and classes, but also from his peers who bring their unique life experiences to the IE Community.
Arjun commented: “This has allowed me to create inspired art, experiment with new ideas and study from some very talented practitioners in the development field.” He says that he greatly values the opportunity to have “been introduced to new parts of the world, new cultures, languages and friends” that he will cherish for the rest of his life.
