Alumni Story: Dreams Start Here at NAIS Pudong

In the next of our series of alumni spotlight articles, we speak with Samyudha Rajesh, an alumni who spent six years at NAIS, ultimately graduating from with a specialism in International Affairs. She works as a Consultant in Dubai and has merged her love for Self Development and International Development by authoring and publishing her book An Inside Job.

Lily's dreams as a young child at NAIS ranged from being a Physicist to a United Nations delegate. Samyudha's key memories from our school are about inspirational teachers and activities such as Model United Nations (MUN) which allowed her to start on the path of international relations and development. A 'Harvard Folder&' given to her by a NAIS teacher is still a personal possession and stood out as a true inspiration to follow her dreams. Samyudha articulates with ease how impactful her time at NAIS Pudong was, and closes with a very insightful thought: "If your career is like a map of your journey, your job is one destination on that map." It's true that Dreams START Here at NAIS Pudong, but we inspire our students to chase and reach that dream throughout their life and career.

Samyudha is another excellent example of a student who has taken inspiration from others and is now making her own waves and no doubt inspiring new generations along the way. Congratulations on becoming a published author - the first book of likely many along what is sure to be an incredible career!

After graduating from The Elliott School Of International Affairs at the George Washington University in Washington D.C., Samyudha is currently living and working in Dubai. She started her early career in Consulting with Liaise Group's Middle East Headquarters, and has just been accepted to study her MPA in International Finance and Economic Policy at Columbia University, starting January 2025.During her free time, she enjoys running, working out, and tutoring High School students on core subjects and developing their communication and writing skills. Sam is passionate about self-development and international development and published her first book connecting the two - An Inside Job - during her final year of University. She is also building a startup with peers to find tech-enabled solutions to propel the aid ecosystem.

Q1. What years were you here at NAIS Pudong, and which year group were you in when you left?

I attended NAIS Pudong from year 3 in 2009 and left after completing year 8 in 2015.

Q2. What memories do you have of the school while here?

I have very fond memories of NAIS and feel very grateful to have NAIS be such a big part of my childhood and time in Shanghai. Some of my core memories were in Year 5, during International Week, in Ms Lucas’s class. My friends and I learned how to make ice cream, pasta, and pizza from scratch! We also had the chance to dissect a pig’s lungs during one of our Biology units later that year. I loved how open and fun learning was, and genuinely loved going to school each day. I was also a part of Model United Nations (MUN) during my time in NAIS and enjoyed learning from my talented peers and supportive teachers. Most notably, having the chance to represent NAIS at a MUN conference in Vietnam was truly exciting. I also fondly recall participating in school productions, such as The Wizard of Oz, where I had the chance to play Aunty Em. There was always so much to do, and be a part of at NAIS, and I am glad I tried to make the most of it in my own way.

Q3. When you were very young, can you remember what you wanted to be when you grew up?

I actually wanted to be so many different things growing up. It is a running joke in my family that I could never make up my mind and wanted to do pretty much everything at some point or the other. I remember that during my time at NAIS, however, I wanted to pursue a career in Physics. This was inspired by my Science teacher Mrs. Howard, who I really admired and looked up to. My keen interest in Science at the time, coupled with her encouragement, and the dearth of female physicists, inspired me to pursue quantum physics. I also fell in love with MUN at NAIS and wanted to be a leading delegate with the United Nations. Although I am not a physicist, I do plan on eventually pursuing that second dream and am still very passionate about global issues such as women’s financial literacy and global health.

Q4. As you got older, did those aspirations change? If so, in what way?

My aspirations did change, and sometimes continue to change, reshape, and evolve as I do. Learning more about myself, what brings me a deep sense of purpose and joy, what I am naturally good at, and at the same time learning more about how the world works, what it needs, and what it doesn’t need, has helped me gain clarity on what I want to do with my life. I also realized that you don’t have to be just one thing or fit into just one box. You can have many different passions, interests, and callings across your life, and you get to pursue whatever is right in front of you and feels meaningful at the time - how cool is that?! You get to live many lives in one!

Q5. If you stayed at NAIS until graduation from Year 13, what support and encouragement were you given by your teachers to follow your dreams in terms of career/life choices?

I did not stay at NAIS throughout my schooling, however, I believe the time I did spend there and the support and encouragement I received from my teachers stuck with me for a lifetime. To this day, NAIS is the best school I have attended, and the teachers and curriculum are some of the best in the world. Teachers really took the time and energy to get to know each of us and listen to our dreams and goals. They gave us opportunities to thrive and stand out, instead of trying to make everyone fit into a predetermined mold for academic success.

I remember, when I was in Year 5, I told my teacher Ms Lucas that my dream school was Harvard University and that I wished to attend one day. Not only did she encourage me with a warm smile and kind words, but she actually gave me a black leather folder (which I still have and use to this day), and told me that this was my “Harvard folder”, and that she would like me to take it with me to Harvard, and remember her by it. Teachers at NAIS truly encourage you to dream big which helps students build self-confidence, motivation, and confidence during the most impressionable and pivotal years.

Q6. What job/career do you have now? And is it the same as your aspirations when at school?

I just graduated this past fall with a degree in International Affairs. Since I graduated, I have moved to Dubai, to pursue a career in Consulting with Liaise Group. I enjoy consulting because I enjoy problem-solving, working in teams, and meeting new people/clients. I am also grateful to be able to learn more about the industry and gain hands-on experience right out of undergrad. Although my current role differs from my childhood aspirations, I do not think they are all too different. I can apply much of what I am learning to my future endeavors and career. I also plan to pursue a master's in MPA/MBA which I hope will lead me to work with international institutions such as the World Bank/UN to further the two global goals I am most passionate about - women's health and financial literacy/independence.

Q7. How do you feel NAIS Pudong helped you get closer to your current career/job?

I feel that NAIS built a strong academic foundation for me from a young age. The environment inspired me to believe in myself, develop a strong work ethic, and be unafraid to be ambitious and take on risks and challenges. The environment at NAIS was also very collaborative and supportive and taught me not to be afraid to lean on others and ask for help when needed. All these skills have helped carry me through University, the process of applying for a job/handling rejections, and preparing myself to thrive at those opportunities that do align.

Q8. Do you have any tips for any of our students who might want to also explore your current/planned career?

I would say the number one lesson I learned is to always approach people first. Do not wait to be approached or to be asked, take initiative, introduce yourself to people, and walk up to the table, even though it is uncomfortable. This is a great way to meet people, learn about new opportunities to learn/advance your career, and figure out your strengths and weaknesses. I would also say try and make your own opportunities, whilst you wait for the opportunities you want to align. Use your free time to explore passions you have, to try new things, to learn a new skill, or to take an online course. Your job is a part of your career, not the entire thing. This is a piece of advice I received from someone and I truly believe that now that I am working too. If your career is like a map of your journey your job is one destination/location on that map. You can find opportunities to learn and grow inside and outside of your job, and similarly find things you enjoy within and beyond your job too.