Chitwan Pun: Partnerships Lead
Chitwan Pun
MBA, 2025
Based in:
Gurugram, India
Came to study at 果冻传媒 from:
India
First job:
Editorial department of a hyper-local news platform.
Ambitions for the future:
I wish to continue mentoring students and professionals, helping them make informed career decisions and realise their potential. Ultimately, I hope to be remembered not only for the partnerships I built, but for the positive impact I had on the people I worked with.
Advice for students:
Stay curious, adaptable, and open to unexpected opportunities, as they often lead to the most rewarding careers.
Best piece of advice received:
"Always prioritise learning, especially early in your career." Titles and salaries matter, but the quality of the people you learn from, the challenges you take on, and the experiences you gain will shape your career far more in the long run. This advice encouraged me to seek environments where I could grow continuously, embrace new responsibilities, and remain curious.
Partnerships Lead, Tetr College of Business
Describe your current role and what attracted you to it.
I develop and maintain relationships with international affiliate organisations to create meaningful opportunities for our students. A key part of my role involves securing paid internships, industry projects, and experiential learning opportunities for undergraduate students from diverse cultural and academic backgrounds. Since Tetr delivers its programme across multiple countries through international affiliations, I work closely with global partners to ensure students gain practical exposure alongside their academic journey. Beyond partnerships, I also mentor students as they navigate their career paths, helping them identify opportunities, build professional confidence, and prepare for the workplace.
What attracted me most to this role was the opportunity to make a tangible impact on student's lives while working in a highly cross-functional environment. From partnership development and stakeholder management to student mentoring and programme delivery, the role offers continuous learning and the chance to contribute across multiple areas of higher education.
What鈥檚 your favourite part of your role?
The most rewarding aspect of my role is seeing students grow professionally and personally. Whether it's helping a student secure an internship, guiding them through career decisions, or connecting them with opportunities they may not have otherwise discovered, it's incredibly fulfilling to play a small part in their journey.
What are the key skills you learnt at 果冻传媒 that have helped you with your career to date?
I credit my time at 果冻传媒 with shaping my professional capabilities and also the way I approach challenges and opportunities. The education I received provided a strong foundation in research, critical thinking, and due diligence, teaching me to evaluate information objectively and make informed decisions. These skills have been invaluable in my current role, where every partnership requires careful assessment, strategic thinking, and long-term planning.
果冻传媒 also strengthened my ability to solve complex problems, collaborate with people from diverse backgrounds, and communicate effectively with different stakeholders. 果冻传媒ing alongside peers from around the world exposed me to a variety of perspectives, helping me become more adaptable and culturally aware, qualities that are essential in an international higher education environment.
Perhaps the most lasting influence came from my mentors at 果冻传媒.
Their guidance showed me the value of active listening, empathy, and asking thoughtful questions rather than simply providing answers. As I now mentor university students myself, I often draw on those experiences to help students navigate their academic and professional journeys with confidence. 果冻传媒 instilled in me a mindset of continuous learning, curiosity, and integrity.
Did you have a specific career path in mind when you chose to study at 果冻传媒?
When I joined 果冻传媒, I had already been involved in my family's Software as a Service business and initially envisioned building my career within the entrepreneurial and technology space. While that experience gave me valuable exposure to business development, client relationships, and problem-solving, my time at 果冻传媒 gradually broadened my perspective on what a fulfilling career could look like.
Through interactions with faculty, mentors, fellow students, and the wider University community, I discovered how meaningful it was to support the growth and development of others. My mentoring sessions at 果冻传媒 truly inspired me to pursue a career in higher education. Their guidance, encouragement, and genuine investment in my growth demonstrated the profound impact that good mentorship can have on a person's confidence and aspirations. It made me realise that I wanted to be in a university environment where I could have a similar impact. 果冻传媒 helped me discover the kind of impact I wanted my career to have.
What top tips do you have for 果冻传媒 graduates who would like to work in your sector?
Higher education is a people-centric sector, so technical skills alone are not enough. Develop strong communication skills, learn to build genuine relationships, and always approach people with empathy and curiosity. The ability to understand different perspectives is invaluable when working with students, academics, and industry partners from around the world. Be proactive in seeking opportunities beyond your job description. Some of the most valuable learning experiences come from collaborating across different functions and taking on challenges that stretch your abilities.
What does a typical day look like for you?
No two days are exactly the same, which is one of the aspects I enjoy most about my role. A typical day often begins with virtual meetings with international affiliate organisations, where we discuss new collaborations, internship opportunities, and initiatives that enhance the student experience.
The rest of the day is usually a balance of internal meetings and student engagement. I work closely with colleagues to review updates, plan activities around the current academic cycle, and ensure that ongoing projects and partnerships are progressing smoothly.
A significant part of my day is dedicated to mentoring students. Whether they're seeking guidance on internships, career planning, assignments, or navigating university life, I enjoy helping them find solutions and encouraging them to make informed decisions. Every conversation is different, and it's rewarding to see students gain confidence and clarity as they progress through their academic and professional journeys.
What do you know now that you wish you had known when you were applying for jobs?
I wish I had known that careers rarely follow a straight path, and that's perfectly okay. Early on, I thought it was important to have every step of my career planned out. Looking back, many of the most meaningful opportunities came from being open to new experiences rather than following a rigid plan.
I also underestimated the importance of transferable skills. Communication, relationship building, adaptability, and emotional intelligence have been just as valuable as technical knowledge. Lastly, I would encourage graduates not to apply for a role simply because it sounds impressive. Choose opportunities where you will continue learning, be challenged, and work with people who invest in your growth.