Simran’s Pathway: Business Re-imagined

Sustainability sits at the centre of how Simran understands business. It is not a late discovery or a passing interest. “I’ve always been interested in the sustainability side of business,” Simran says, “I don’t know exactly what role I want yet, but I know I want to work in that space.”

That clarity has shaped her decision to pursue Business Administration at IE University in Spain. IE’s emphasis on global perspectives, innovation and responsible leadership mirrors the way Simran already approaches business – as a discipline that must account for environmental and social impact alongside growth.

“I don’t think sustainability should be treated as something separate,” she explains. “It needs to be part of how decisions are made from the start.”

This mindset developed steadily through her academic journey at Patana. Rather than narrowing her interests early, Simran allowed them to intersect. Business, Geography and Environmental Systems and Societies (ESS) became the foundation of her thinking, each reinforcing the other. “They all tie in really well,” she says, “Environment, people, resources – you can’t look at one without the others.”

In the IB Diploma Programme, she selected Higher Level Business Management and ESS, alongside Mathematics, English and Spanish ab initio. ESS, in particular, gave structure to ideas she had long been drawn to. Geography field trips further strengthened that connection. “Being out there made it real,” she recalls. “You see how decisions actually affect places and communities.”

Beyond the classroom, Simran’s interest in sustainability translated into leadership and service. As President of the Ourland Club, she led initiatives focused on animal conservation and community engagement. “It wasn’t just about awareness,” she says. “We wanted to be involved in something meaningful.” Simran also served as a board member at the Mercy Centre and with Pataroma, and regularly spent time at Likhit Day Care. Working closely with children shaped her understanding of responsibility. “It didn’t feel like a one-off activity,” she says, “It felt like being part of something ongoing.”

School life also gave her space to explore creativity. At (I)GCSE, Simran studied Drama alongside Business, Geography and the Sciences, and performed in three major productions—Bugsy Malone, Peter & Wendy and The Crucible. Theatre demanded consistency and collaboration. “Drama teaches you to show up,” she says, “Other people are depending on you.”

As a student delegate and House Captain in Year 12, Simran focused on organisation and inclusion rather than visibility. “I liked helping things run smoothly,” she explains, “Making sure people felt involved, especially during school events.” When asked about challenges, Simran reflects thoughtfully. “I think people our age can sometimes forget to be genuine,” she says, “I’ve learned to observe more, and to be more intentional about how I engage with others.”

As she prepares to begin university, Simran remains deliberately open about where her degree may lead. What remains constant is her commitment to sustainability. “I want to work in this space for the long term,” she says. “Long enough for it to actually create change.”

Spain marks the next chapter, but the pathway is already clear – shaped by academic curiosity, leadership with purpose and a belief that business, when done responsibly, can be a force for lasting impact.

All the best for your future Simran!