Akshima Clair Gill

Business PhD

Clair's journey at BCU began as a Master’s student discovering a supportive and inspiring  community. Now embarking on her PhD, she reflects on how this inclusive environment has shaped her confidence, resilience and sense of belonging, making BCU into a place she proudly calls home.

"Fitting into the BCU research community has been a positive and enriching experience for me. Having completed my Master’s here, I was already familiar with the supportive environment and inclusive culture: this made the transition to PhD life smooth for me.

I’ve found the research community here to be welcoming, diverse and collaborative – there’s a real sense of shared purpose and encouragement. Engaging in seminars, workshops and discussions with fellow researchers has helped me to grow both intellectually and personally. Being a part of this community has given me the confidence to share my ideas with others and feel truly valued in my academic journey.

As an international student, the friendly staff, approachable academics and inclusive atmosphere at BCU helped to ease my transition to PhD life. The support I received during my Master’s made a lasting impact on me. Simple gestures such as open-door policies with supervisors, helpful induction sessions, and a genuine interest in my background made me feel seen. Being a part of this understanding community has made BCU feel like a second home, where I can thrive and grow.

Since becoming a student at BCU, I’ve become more confident in expressing my ideas, asking questions, and engaging in meaningful discussions. I’ve been able to step outside my comfort zone and develop a more independent and critical way of thinking. 

I’ve also learned how to manage my time better and take ownership of my own learning. Most importantly, I feel more resilient and motivated, especially as I’ve embarked on the challenging yet rewarding journey of a PhD. BCU has shaped me into a more focused, self-aware and determined version of myself.

What I like most about being a PhD student is the strong sense of community, with open discussion, collaboration and continuous learning. I feel that my ideas are respected, and that I’m given the space to grow as an independent researcher.

My proudest moment at BCU so far has been starting my PhD journey – especially as the first person in my family to reach this level of education. Receiving the offer for postgraduate research study was an emotional and fulfilling moment. It represented years of hard work, perseverance, and breaking of personal and cultural barriers. It means a lot to me and those back home who see this as a symbol of hope and progress.

For the future, my ambition is to contribute meaningfully as an academic to knowledge generation and social change. I want my work to highlight the real challenges faced by women in business and help to influence business policy, practice and public awareness.

If you are considering a PhD, I would wholeheartedly encourage it. If you are passionate, curious, and ready to grow, BCU is a fantastic place to start that journey.

For me, “IAMBCU” means belonging, growth and pride. It means my voice matters, my background is respected, and my goals are nurtured. It’s a reminder that I am not just studying here; I am contributing and carrying forward the values of resilience, inclusion and ambition that BCU represents."