Introduction
When Bertilla Mullai Mariadoss Irudhayaraj first set foot in London to pursue her MSc in Sports and Exercise Science with Strength and Conditioning at the University of East London, she never imagined that a chance meeting at a student society event would spark a transformative career pivot. Trained as a physiotherapist in India, Bertilla had already been helping patients at Treatwell Clinic, but her creative instincts yearned for something more. That “something” turned out to be Next Gen—a dynamic, fast-growing start-up where Bertilla now thrives as a Multimedia Marketing Executive.
Why Next Gen?
Bertilla’s curiosity about blending healthcare expertise with creative expression led her to the Tamil Society on campus. There, she met Shanth, CEO of Next Gen, who spoke passionately about building a student-led start-up that marries innovation with real-world impact. “When he shared his journey and ideas, I felt really inspired,” Bertilla recalls. Shanth saw potential in her multidisciplinary background and offered her the chance to explore marketing—a field she’d never formally studied. “It was my first time in a start-up environment, and I was excited to be part of something new and growing. I joined not just for the role but because I believed in the vision and energy of the founder.”
Growing—Personally and Professionally
At Next Gen, there is no rigid job description. “In a start-up, there’s no fixed path. You learn by doing,” says Bertilla. Over her tenure, she has acquired a versatile skill set that spans graphic design, content creation, branding, and basic business strategy. From designing eye-catching Canva posters to editing promotional videos, each day presented fresh challenges—and opportunities.
“I learned to be flexible, work under pressure, and still stay creative. Personally, it boosted my confidence. I used to feel unsure about trying something new, but now I feel strong and brave to take on different tasks.”
This newfound confidence wasn’t merely about mastering software tools; it extended to how Bertilla approached unfamiliar tasks. Tackling tight deadlines and juggling cross-functional projects taught her time management, resilience, and the value of creative problem-solving.
Mentorship and Support at Next Gen
One of the standout features of Bertilla’s experience has been the unwavering support from the Next Gen leadership team. “From the beginning, I received full support and guidance. Shanth asked me what I liked doing and helped shape my role around my strengths.” Regular mentorship sessions focused on honing her marketing mindset—how to think like a marketer, craft compelling narratives, and measure impact.
Because Next Gen is a young, international-friendly environment, Bertilla never felt isolated despite coming from a healthcare background in India. “I never felt scared to ask questions or try something new because the team is so friendly. I was given time to learn and space to explore new tools.” Their inclusive culture encouraged her to take ownership of projects, reinforcing a sense of belonging and accelerating her professional growth.
Proudest Moments and Biggest Takeaways
For Bertilla, validation came in both personal praise and collective achievement:
- Personal Recognition. “My proudest moment was when Shanth sir publicly appreciated my rapid progress in a team meeting. He said he initially thought I’d need time to adapt to marketing, but I picked it up so quickly—and that recognition meant a lot.”
- Team Achievement. “Another unforgettable moment was when our Marketing Team received the ‘Best Team of the Month’ award during Next Gen’s first official month as a start-up. We made an impact right away, and I felt proud to be part of that success.”
Her biggest lesson? “No matter what background you come from, you can always explore new areas. All you need is the right mindset and a team that trusts you.”
Advice for Students Balancing Work and Study
Bertilla’s transition from physiotherapy to marketing—and simultaneously pursuing a master’s degree—gives her unique insight into balancing academics with professional aspirations. Her advice:
- Start Now
Don’t wait for the “perfect time.” “Start where you are with what you have. Say yes to opportunities, even if they’re outside your comfort zone.” - Be Open to Learning
“Skills can be learned, but passion comes from within. Manage your time well; balance studies and work by planning ahead.” - Leverage Campus Communities
“Be active in university clubs. That’s where you meet amazing people and find new paths.” - Ask for Help
“You don’t have to do everything alone. Seek mentorship, feedback, and guidance.”
With these guiding principles, Bertilla has built a foundation for lifelong growth—proof that, even as a trained healthcare professional, it’s possible to pivot into a completely different field and excel.
Conclusion
Bertilla’s story is a testament to the power of curiosity, adaptability, and supportive mentorship. In less than a year, she has gone from treating patients as a physiotherapist to leading multimedia campaigns at a burgeoning start-up. Her journey reminds us that backgrounds are stepping stones, not barriers—and that with the right team behind you, no career is off-limits.