School Advisor Articles

From GIS to Charterhouse to SOAS: Zeeshan Fatmi’s Academic Expedition

Published by SchoolAdvisor | Apr 23, 2024

Zeeshan Fatmi’s educational journey has been a captivating adventure, shaped by two exceptional schools: Garden International School (GIS) and Charterhouse Malaysia. His experience at both schools laid the foundation for his acceptance into SOAS University of London to pursue Business Administration and Management.

Thriving in GIS

Zeeshan’s experience at GIS has been remarkably enriching. The school fosters a stimulating learning environment that pushes students to excel critically and creatively. The demanding curriculum, while challenging, breeds a healthy balance of competition and support amongst peers.

Within the diverse student body, Zeeshan found not just classmates but lifelong friends and a supportive community. They pushed each other to excel, fostering a spirit of healthy competition alongside camaraderie.

GIS’s strength lies in its exceptional support system — something Zeeshan can attest to. “From the dedicated teachers who go above and beyond to ensure our success to the pastoral support team that was always there to lend a listening ear, I’ve always felt valued and supported. If I ever needed, I could book a quick counselling session.”

The Higher Education (HE) team has been instrumental in Zeeshan’s journey. Their guidance has proven invaluable, from navigating university applications to interview and exam preparation. This comprehensive support ensures Zeeshan feels confident and well-prepared for the exciting future in his educational pursuits.

Zeeshan did his A Levels at Charterhouse Malaysia, where he took Business, Economics, Psychology, and Maths. 

Seeking New Horizons at Charterhouse

Having completed his IGCSE at GIS, Zeeshan pursued his A Levels at Charterhouse Malaysia on a full scholarship. The allure of Charterhouse’s prestigious reputation and its focus on academic excellence proved to be a strong motivator. Zeeshan believed that this transition would not only strengthen his academic profile but also broaden his network and open doors to top universities.

Here, Zeeshan embarked on a diverse academic path, delving into subjects like Business, Economics, and Psychology. He further challenged himself by undertaking the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and International Project Qualification (IPQ).

His business-oriented EPQ project aimed to create a low-bandwidth webpage for Malaysia’s Orang Asli community, providing them easy access to available business grants. This project garnered recognition, with presentations made to prominent figures, including Malaysian royalty and heads of Charterhouse UK. His IPQ, a dissertation analyzing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the luxury goods industry, further solidified his interest in business.

“Both projects are business-related and were talked about in my personal statement. This broadened my academic horizons and allowed me to explore my interests in greater depth.”

Charterhouse’s learning environment proved to be exceptional. With a focus on small class sizes capped at 12 students, the atmosphere fostered a strong sense of concentration and facilitated active learning. This intimate setting allowed meaningful interactions with teachers and peers, encouraging collaboration and enriching the educational experience.

The school also extensively supported students throughout the university application process. Regular meetings and personalised feedback ensured applicants were well-prepared and confident in their submissions. The faculty, comprised of experienced local and international teachers, offered invaluable guidance, leveraging their knowledge and expertise to benefit the students.

Beyond Academics: A Well-Rounded Student

Zeeshan thrived beyond academics at both GIS and Charterhouse. He actively participated in a diverse range of co-curricular activities, shaping him into a well-rounded individual with valuable skills for university and beyond.

At GIS, Model United Nations (MUN) served as his launchpad. These simulations honed his debating skills, fostered confidence, and equipped him with the ability to articulate ideas clearly. Researching complex global issues and constructing persuasive arguments built his communication prowess, skills crucial for any university programme.

Beyond the classroom, Zeeshan’s passion for sports found expression in competitive tennis. This wasn’t just about winning matches; it was about discipline, resilience and teamwork. “Representing the school in tennis competitions not only enhanced my physical fitness but also taught me important life lessons about perseverance and sportsmanship.”

Zeeshan didn’t stop at self-improvement. He actively gave back through community service initiatives at GIS, fostering empathy, compassion and social responsibility - values that remain core to his identity.

At Charterhouse, Zeeshan built upon his MUN experience, further developing his ability to debate, collaborate and articulate complex ideas. But his leadership went a step further. He founded the Business and Economics Society, creating a space for students to share their passion and engage in meaningful discussions. “This initiative not only allowed me to pursue my academic interests but also provided a platform for students to enhance their understanding of real-world economic issues and explore potential career paths in business-related fields.”

Upon graduating from Charterhouse, Zeeshas embarked on his tertiary education at SOAS University of London.

SOAS: A Perfect Fit

Zeeshan’s decision to pursue Business Administration and Management at SOAS stemmed from his interest in global business dynamics, nurtured by his multicultural upbringing.

Charterhouse proved pivotal in Zeeshan’s journey to SOAS. The Higher Education (HE) team honed Zeeshan’s essay-writing skills, personal statement crafting and interview preparation.

“The support I received from the HE team at Charterhouse was instrumental in guiding me through the university application process, particularly in crafting my personal statement for SOAS. They provided ongoing assistance, conducting regular check-ins to monitor the progress of my personal statement and offering constructive feedback to ensure it was polished and impactful.”

More importantly, they helped him identify and refine the unique aspects of his background and aspirations, forming the ‘hook’ that would capture the attention of admissions officers. Their meticulous attention to detail ensured a compelling narrative that effectively showcased Zeeshan’s academic achievements, extracurricular involvement and future goals, aligning them with SOAS’s values and admissions criteria.

What’s more, Charterhouse’s reputation as a prestigious institution with a strong tradition of academic excellence bolstered Zeeshan’s application. Admissions officers recognise the calibre of students graduating from Charterhouse, undoubtedly contributing to Zeeshan’s successful admission to SOAS, alongside several other universities he applied to.

The Pepsi Internship

To gain industry knowledge, Zeeshan did a one-month internship at Pepsi.

“It was an independent pursuit outside of any formal programme at Charterhouse. It was a pivotal experience where I gained hands-on insights into business operations, marketing strategies and market analysis.”

Working alongside seasoned professionals not only enhanced his practical skills but also demonstrated his initiative and adaptability, making him a more competitive candidate for university admissions.

Zeeshan sees SOAS as a place to connect with a global community of like-minded students, fostering cultural understanding and valuable networking.

The Lasting Impact of International Education

Studying in international schools has significantly shaped Zeeshan into who he is today. Exposure to diverse cultures and perspectives broadened his worldview, fostering curiosity to explore diverse ideas and approach challenges from multiple angles. This exposure has nurtured his ability to think creatively and develop unconventional solutions to complex problems.

Beyond academics, the international school environment equipped him with essential life skills. “Being surrounded by individuals from diverse backgrounds has taught me the importance of effective communication, empathy, and compromise in resolving conflicts and fostering harmonious relationships.”

The rigorous curriculum further instilled in him a strong work ethic and a growth mindset. Zeeshan has learned to view challenges as opportunities for learning and approaches obstacles with a positive determination, knowing that resilience builds strength.

Looking Forward: Embracing New Challenges

Zeeshan is currently pursuing his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Management at SOAS. Beyond academics, he actively explores opportunities in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Investment Banking. 

“Currently, I am working in AI, where I am gaining hands-on experience and contributing to cutting-edge advancements in the field.”

In addition to his work in AI, Zeeshan is also pursuing internships in investment banking. These internships provide him with a valuable platform to apply his analytical skills and financial knowledge to real-world scenarios. Through these experiences, Zeeshan is not only gaining practical insights into the world of global finance and capital markets but also helping prepare him for a dynamic future.