Helping women, students, and youth become Policy & Business Leaders since 7 years.

Shatakshi Sharma is a businesswoman, impact investor, and entrepreneur with more than decade of experience in management consulting, public policy, and international affairs. She's been leading as executive officer of 2 disruptive ventures: Global Governance Initiative (GGI), empowering global youth and women in public policy, consulting, and Third Space, where we are building lifelong communities for moms and solopreneurs. 

Her work has been recognized with The Economic Times Most Promising Women Leader (2021 & 2023) and featured in BCG alumni networks, World Economic Forum Davos, and several investor platforms- India Global Forum, Invest Goa etc .Her previous work spanned advising the Tony Blair Institute on extremism issues in the Middle East, leading digital inclusivity initiatives for the Government of India, and building equitable, inclusive ecosystems for youth across 4 continents.

***

To learn more about her craft:Global Governance Initiative: www.globalgovernanceinitiative.org
Third Space: www.thirdspace.org.in/

***

Connect with Shatakshi:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Shatakshi.Sharma

Instagram: @shatakshi.sharma410

Shatakshi Sharma

I’m going to piss the men off today,
but listen closely.


The reason so many of our parents and grandparents stayed married
for 50 plus years was because grandma was financially trapped.

She wasn’t staying for love.

She was staying to survive.

But when today's woman makes her own money, when she can build her own life, when she is no longer dependent,

A man has one and only 1 thing left to offer her:

how he treats her !

And that is why there is a male loneliness epidemic.

Women are not stuck anymore.

They are choosing themselves for the first time, and unapologetically so !

And many men,

have not adjusted to that reality ! 

💔

Founder & CEO, Global Governance Initiative | Ex-BCG | Advisor, International Affairs | Writer

When I was in mainstream consulting, I felt I was just making rich people richer. 


I felt those who actually needed consultants could hardly afford them. 

For the last 4+ years at the Global Governance Initiative Impact Lab, we’ve been quietly proving all of that wrong.

When we started GGI Impact Lab, the mission wasn’t just to do consulting projects. 

It was to answer a fundamental question: 

Can we shift from 'investing' to 'impact investing'? From 'growth' to 'inclusive growth'?

We believed that if you give young, bright minds a seat at the table at leading NGOs along with the right mentorship, they won’t just advise (they will lead).

Truth be told, I was initially nervous will we be able to pull this in the world of Mckinsey, BCG here. 

Today, looking at the outcome from our pro-bono consulting arm, the answer is a resounding YES.

Our Fellows have been solving problems for real NGOs, navigating complex problems at the intersection of policy, business, and social welfare.


1. From building (Go To Market) and User Acquisition strategies for organizations like Goodstep and IBFF, to helping them scale their reach to those who need it most- fellows did it all !

2. Our fellows crafted robust Fundraising Strategies for Mantavya Foundation, Learning Curve Foundation, and MGDM, ensuring these NGOs thrive. 

3. We delivered comprehensive Media Strategies for PVRI, Project ShivShakti, and the Esther Foundation- helping them tell their impact stories to the world.

Note that I am not talking down mainstream consulting. Infact mainstream consulting gave me the tool kit to do the magic I do today. 

But yes, there's a gap that capitalists organizations leave often for us impact players to fill  in. 

Today, I realize impact doesn't necessarily need capital.

It needs a bunch of motivated young minds who are well trained and want to change the world.

In the end, to our 20+ #NGO partners who trusted us: Thank you for letting us serve. If you are leading an NGO and believe our team can be of help, write to me. 

To our Fellows- you are a living proof that you don't need a title to be a leader. You just need the bravery to care enough.

It's true, the next gen leaders aren't waiting for permission. 

They are building the table themselves ✊. 

**

To read more, check us here at https://lnkd.in/dhswHsH7

Today 2.95 Lakh students will appear for CAT exam. 
For anyone who might be stressed- hear me out. 

I took CAT in my final year of undergrad because my father wanted me to! My heart was not into it and I failed miserably.

I didn't get a call from any of the IIMs!

Later, I realized I picked a battle where the cards were stacked against my skills.

I picked  #GMAT.

Today, I proudly share how it took me 3 attempts to get my GMAT right!

I am a live example of getting my  #career sorted even after having a hard time with exams.

But, my journey with  #MBA admissions made me realize how exams and coaching culture are overhyped in India.

Here is why-

1. As someone who worked in highly intellectual ecosystems such as Boston Consulting Group (BCG), I realized you don't need a 99.9 percentile to be working and thriving in such ecosystems.

2. Nassim Taleb once famously said, "I suspect I.Q., SAT, and grades are 
#tests designed by nerds so they can get high scores in order to call each other intelligent".

3. Today, a record 2.95 Lakh students will appeare for #CAT 2025.

Interestingly only 5500 will get a seat in IIMs.

On the one hand, we will congratulate these students for their hard work and success.

On the other hand, should we really feel happy about it?

Just think about it- only 1.5% of folks will get to study business from the top league in India. 

Now mind you I am not against top MBAs, I am against an unequal world that doesn't serve the average AT ALL !

Frustrated with the rigged system, I started Global Governance Initiative 7 years ago for Non MBAs, where top CEOs from McKinsey & Company, Boston Consulting Group (BCG), BlackRock, and Amazon teach in Harvard case method; with employment support.

Now mind you, I am not talking of idealist world. Plenty of GGians without any #MBA are earning in the (15 lakh and above) CTC brackets even without an MBA and working in elite policy and consulting careers. 
 
My fight is against a system that treats professionals like racehorses whose job is to win a race.

You get one life.

Don't let exams define your self worth please. 

Introspect, what you want and why you want things. 

MBA should be a means to an end. Not the end itself. 

If for any reason you score off today, write to me.  I will try my best to assist. 

And most importantly know that exams are not the end of things and life ❤️.

Goa deserves better. Women in India deserve better !!

Indians don't struggle with work-life balance.


We struggle with "not having a life" balance. 

You see most Indians (and myself guilty until now) are so hard wired for hustle since school. 

That the biggest myth of our generation is "#IIT karlo life set ho jayegi" !

Ask anyone who has been to IIT or equivalent institute, it's not a life set moment, infact if anything it's the start of a never ending #hustle moment. 

Until you consciously put a halt to that grind. 

I am someone who went to St. Stephen's College, Delhi, did MBA from Indian School of Business, and worked at firms such as Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and Tony Blair Institute in Dubai. 

And I had to actively ask myself in my late 20s, should I continue doing something just because I am good at it, even if it doesn't give me #joy ?

Now mind you, I am not passing a judgement on my peers who're still at it- maybe they enjoy it or maybe life hasn't given them a chance to show a mirror yet. 

But hate me for saying it- we Indians struggle with 'living a life'. 

Of course there are huge advantages of a hustle life- an average mid 20 Indian (without heritance) is doing professionally better than a European counterpart. 

But we often overlook the huge costs we are bearing. 

Most Indians are burnt out, #stressed, anxious and craving for their next vacation at the end of the quarter. 

You may cheat yourself by saying you don't have a choice. But you always have a choice, I know slowing down may feel unsafe today.

But our parents were able to work till 60 because most of them were employed in the public sector or TATAs (equivalent). 

I am realizing the real meaning of life is not to keep ourselves busy with- (weekend brunches, weddings, reels, errands).

It's to be alone with our silence, a silence which we have been running away from ever since we collectively crossed 10th grade.

In this country, rest is considered guilty because most parents were in traumatic relationships and just couldn't rest and they have passed the same restlessness on us.

This year end, I'm writing a message to book vacations to “disconnect”, not post reels on instagram. 

Interestingly, we look for peace outside because inside feels so unfamiliar.

So no, Indians aren’t just having work life balance issue.

We’re having an 'escaping from life' issue. 

Chase silence. 

Because in life, the ultimate privilege is not money.

It is a quiet mind ❤️ .

I don’t respect someone just because he is a billionaire.
Especially not someone like Elon Musk.


In our chimp evolved capitalist world, people subconsciously idealize people with money.  But here's the thing-

1. The millionaires stare upward with an open mouth at the #billionaires.

2. The billionaires at the decabillionaires.

3. And the decabillionaires? They are stupidly chasing immortality (LOL). 
You see, there is no finish line to that race.

I respect and judge (if I have to),always based on people's actions. And how they treat people who bring absolutely no value to them.

Having said this, Elon did say something worthwhile, "Most #jobs will become optional in the next 10–20 years."

And I hate to admit, he’s right.

When I started Global Governance Initiative 7 years ago, my mission was very clear:

Put youth and women at the center of policy and power positions so they have a real seat at the table where decisions are made by joining firms like United Nations, McKinsey & Company etc. 

In 2025, I started and am growing mission of Da Vinci Lab (at thirdspace.org), creating 1 person solopreneurs as they use AI to create ventures without funding. 
 
If you don't believe me, just read weekly news about mass layoffs at the hand of AI. 

The real powerful next generation will come from solo entrepreneurs who will own their time, mind, money, and voice, like I do. 

I genuinely believe, we are nearing an end of Kalyug - and AI may act as a boon for us to go back to being mentally free from chains of clerical bondages. 

Osho once said, Indian scriptures were written primarily by Brahmins (not because brahmins were prodigies) but because only Brahmins (as a sect) back then had the true privilege of time to think about life. 
While other sects were too busy surviving.

Are you also busy surviving ?  Time is an ultimate wealth. Don't believe me ?

Ask anyone in his/her late 30s, 40s or 60s !

And as solopreneurs will rise, the people with time will rise. To become Philosophers. And truth-tellers.

There is and should never be any pride in working 14 hours/day (that's plain modern day slavery). 

The answers for previous generations will not serve us. 

The previous generation has beautifully served their role. 

But we will write our own roles. 

By finding our correct role models, to begin with !

A recent chat with a friend made me realize how women on the top feel lonely (lonelier than men). 

A lot of people say that women are becoming equal. Really ? 

Take a quick reality check just by looking at the economic activity of women 10 years post graduation from top institutes like #IIMs. 

And you'd see if women are really equal !

Many (many) extraordinary talented women drop off post pregnancy and childbirth.

And those who stay in workforce are often rewarded  for "not standing out" from men. 

For those who don't know, women in leadership are rewarded for speaking truth (but within limits), for challenging status quo (but without hurting a male ego). 

Infact, a lot of women like me in mid 30s are facing a new struggle that no one prepared us for- how to lead alone- with a #wolfpack- while there are hyenas around.

They say women ought to be each other's best friend but that's far far away from the reality. 

The capitalist workforce rewards more masculine energy than feminine energy (by feminine energy I mean slow, creative, natural energy- against aggressive, fast goal based work). 

To be completely transparent- 

I don't have perfect answers to complicated problems I am writing about myself. 

But yes to begin with, the first thing we all need to do (irrespective of our gender) after climbing up is to periodically look down and pull up other women who might feel dragged down due to patriarchy, and societal conditions. 

Not as a favor to them. 

But because that's how you somehow would have gotten up too. 

I often say brainwashed patriarchal women are more dangerous than traditional men to the feminist women, because these women often act against the benefit of other women. 

I once met a woman who was educated, working, would party on weekends and said I am not a #feminist (LOL). I didn't say this but asked her in my mind, "girl who do you think fought generations before you to give you access to these priviledges" ?

I am writing today to reemphasize that the feminist movement is and cannot be stopped specially by women leaders like us in our mid 30s- because we have no choice but to make path for the women coming behind us and infact left behind us too. 

We cannot just have 1 Indra Nooyi in US or Falguni Nayar in India- that's the beginning. 

I am sorry- I absolutely refuse to accept it as the end. 

If you are a woman reading this-

Trust me, there's space and need for you and many more !

For the longest time, I lived my life like it was a race- in constant comparison mode. 


Today, I’ve realised I don’t really want a lot from life. (not in more material sense)

Just my own version of peaceful life.

Contrary to what people want on LinkedIn. For me, following are 10 commandments of my daily life: 


1. Wake up and do yoga without interruption.

2. Work for a few deeply intentional 4 hours, not drown in meetings. 

3. Create work that actually impacts thousands, not impresses a handful of bosses.

4. Have enough time to explore creative persuits (art, music, dance) that make me feel human again. 

5. Write daily journal to connect with my emotions while feeling sunlight and air on my skin - basics we forget.

6. Cook for someone I love (or for myself, with music on).

7. Move my body because it reminds me I’m alive.

8. Take a vacation without asking anyone for permission. 

9. Say NO to people who drain your soul. 

10. Not force myself into roles of organizations because of paychecks, so I DON'T betray myself.

That’s it.

Nothing exotic. Nothing fancy.

Many people call this “unrealistic” in modern world. 

But I have quietly built this life for me (and I am not flexing)- I am writing to share it is possible !

How ?

The key is to build it backwards, by starting from the feeling you want, and then reverse engineer your priorities around that feeling.

Today, most entrepreneurs and #corporates accidentally build a prison.

and then spend years trying to escape the very prison they created.

Me on the other hand, I designed my life first.

Then I built structures, income goals, and schedule- that protect that life.

I am teaching top corporates and students how to do it.

All with my playbook: https://lnkd.in/d-sdtcKD

See the thing is, your dream life isn’t unachievable.

It’s just not designed properly yet. You are still living the old playbook your parents handed over to you. 

And the moment you start from truth - not fomo.

Your life goals become very very achievable ❤️.

1. People who guilt you using morals, are often the most immoral in life.

2. People who quote religion ofteb, behave the least religious privately.


Yes, we are talking of the same naive #moral science we all learnt during early school age, which infact completely scewed our worldview. 

You'd always see a chasm in morality. 

What is “right” in one continent will be considered “sinful” in another (look at #Afghanistan).  Similarly, what one generation celebrates, the next will cancel !

And yet, generations after generations we have allowed these “keepers of morals” walk around freely- in the mask of politicians, billionaires. 

If you think I am done. Wait, here’s one of my favorite cosmic jokes-

They say when you reach heaven, you notice few souls burning below. Upon asking who they are, they’ll say:

“We were the religious guardians". :)

That's also the reason why in #India when marriages are on the verge of collapse, married people still smile in public. 

In such "collective" societies, the individual suffers the most to maintain peace of the collective (family/society).  

Then you'd see dhekedaars of "morals" say what higher values Indians used to have ! (LOL). 

They were never values, it has been "self-abandonment" beautifully packaged as morals.

Many may not know, but I teach ethics to Global Governance Initiative fellows and scholars.

And here’s the No. 1 ground rule in ethics. 

In ethics, there are no right or wrong answers.

You have your own answer, driven by your wisdom and priorities (and not morals). 

I am writing this dry, ugly and may be hard hitting note on #Monday afternoon to challenge something fundamental. 

Have you ever made a tough decision in life ?

If yes, did you decide based on morals (driven schools/parents/society) or decide based on what made your soul peaceful ? 

If you decided based on morals, I am sorry to break it to you, you are still living someone else’s story.

And the challenge with this is- 

There will come a day (and it always does), when you'd be tired of the fear, the stress, the noise in your mind.

And only 2 possibilities will exist day:

1. You’ll say “Thank you for choosing me.”

2. Or say, "I betrayed who I was all along”

Don't be afraid to choose yourself, unconditionally (but not at other's behest). 

And to end I'd remind what Dante said in 9 circles of hell, 

“Do not be afraid; your fate cannot be taken from you; it is a gift.” ❤️.

Kohort

- Help students and professionals (learners) study abroad at top universities through funding opportunities (grants, fellowships, or scholarships)
- Help prepare learners from across the world for the future of education and work

Founder

DigitalNorway

- Involved in strategic planning for nationally and internationally funded projects.
- Managing large-scale, complex cross-sectoral collaborations between partners, external entities, and relevant stakeholders to maximize synergies and impact.
- Facilitation and organization of stakeholder events and workshops.

Head of International Projects

- Managing large-scale, complex cross-sectoral collaborations between partners, external entities, and relevant stakeholders to maximize synergies and impact.
- Facilitation and organization of stakeholder events and workshops.

Senior Project Manager

Stanford Seed

Startup Founder (Kohort), Spark Seed Program

Deshpande Startups

Startup Founder (Kohort), Accelerator Program

NSRCEL

Startup Founder (Kohort), Velocity Program

10000 Startups

Startup Founder (Kohort), Incubation Program

Study in Europe 

- Act in the interests of safeguarding shareholders' interests and supporting the development of key policies towards Studying in Europe

Advisory Board Member

OsloMet – Oslo Metropolitan University

- Coordination, analysis, and concept development for the entire bid proposal management process over 30 bid proposals have been submitted. Managed data accuracy, quality, staffing, and layout across 150 projects.
- Responsible for the design and implementation of innovative/research strategies/structures to improve bids/large scale projects processes and programs, and cross-functional planning to help overcome barriers.
- Enhance OsloMet's externally funded project portfolio by increasing EU and Research Council research efforts.
- Establishing key partnerships with private and public sector companies in Norway, India, and African countries.
- Plan, organize, and lead proposals from businesses to businesses and from businesses to government.
- Preparing for intervention bids and project calls by keeping up with developments.
- Providing support for researchers’ capacity building.

Senior Adviser - EU Funding & RI Strategy

Erasmus Mundus Association

- Accountable for over 20,000 members in terms of international operations, strategy, governance, and external affairs over 190 countries are members of the organization.
- Managed the association's executive decision-making body, the steering committee, to ensure strategic planning, business planning, and oversee its vision and strategies.
- Accommodated researchers with capacity building and training.
- Supervised funded project portfolio of OsloMet by strengthening research initiatives in the EU and the Research Council

President

Norway Health Tech

Project - Cross4Health
- Lead coordination and implementation of INNOSUP projects in the EU H2020 framework program.

Project and Innovation Manager

As a scholarship coach and career strategist, I've helped over 700+ students and jobseekers achieve their academic and professional goals. With a focus on fully-funded scholarships at top universities and successful careers, I'm passionate about guiding individuals to realize their full potential.

With my expertise in scholarship applications and career development, I provide personalized coaching and support to help students secure funding for their education. 

I also help entry-level graduates navigate the tumultuous job market in these difficult times. My approach combines practical advice on resume writing, interview skills, and networking with a deep understanding of soft skills and job readiness.

As a result of my guidance, many of my clients have successfully been accepted into prestigious institutions and launched fulfilling careers. 

I firmly believe in giving back what I receive. I was fortunate to attain world-class education through fully funded scholarships/fellowships. After that, I identified a need for more awareness of global opportunities for students and professionals aspiring to pursue education abroad.

I work toward addressing:

👨🏽‍🏭  the social mobility gap and ensure more people are internationally mobile 
👨🏽‍💻  provide high-impact support by teaching hard & soft skills to help people secure professional employment and scholarships
🎓 teach people that there is always an alternate path than the one which they're on

So whether you're a student seeking scholarship support or an entry-level professional seeking career guidance, I'm here to help. 

Let's work together to achieve your academic and professional dreams.

Here's a little bit about who I am personally:

I'm a motivator and ideas guy who is all about finding innovative solutions. I love finding new ways to solve old problems.

Another thing you should know about me is that I'm always up for adventure and travel. Nothing lights up my soul quite like a beautiful journey.

In my free time, you might find me playing cricket, squash, badminton, hiking, cycling, reading books, traveling, giving talks!🏏🏸🥾✈️🚅🧳💬

Feel free to reach out via DM or email me at
pavan.sriram@kohort.in

I’m always looking forward to an insightful conversation with anyone from my community over coffee/tea ☕🍵

Pavan K Sriram

If you’re exploring PhDs abroad
𝗚𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗯𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗿𝘆 𝗼𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁

𝘏𝘦𝘳𝘦’𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘺

Most people don’t realise this
PhD researchers in Germany are paid employees, not stipend holders

𝟭/ 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗣𝗵𝗗 𝗳𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗚𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻𝘆 

In Germany, you’re hired as a Wissenschaftliche Mitarbeiter:in (research associate). 

This means:
• TV-L E13 contracts (65%–100%)
• Take-home salary: €2,200–3,800/month
• Health insurance + pension + worker rights
• No tuition (only €150–350 semester fee)
You’re an employee of the university, not a scholarship student

𝟮/ 𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗣𝗵𝗗 𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗵𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗚𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻𝘆

𝙖) 𝘿𝙞𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙩 𝙪𝙣𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝙥𝙤𝙨𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨 (𝙄𝙣𝙙𝙞𝙫𝙞𝙙𝙪𝙖𝙡 𝘿𝙤𝙘𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙚 - 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙢𝙤𝙣 𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙩𝙚)
You apply for a funded job tied to a professor’s project

Where these jobs appear
↳ DAAD PhD Database
↳ Euraxess Germany
↳ Academic Positions / Academic Europe
↳ University job portals (search “Stellenangebote”)

Common hiring universities:
Munich (LMU/TUM), Heidelberg, Berlin (HU/TU/FU), Bonn, Hamburg, Göttingen, Cologne, RWTH Aachen, Freiburg, Tübingen, Konstanz

Most ads will say:
“PhD position (65% E13)” or
“Research Associate for Doctoral Studies.”

𝙗) 𝙂𝙧𝙖𝙙𝙪𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙨𝙘𝙝𝙤𝙤𝙡𝙨 / 𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙪𝙘𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚𝙙 𝙙𝙤𝙘𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙖𝙡 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙢𝙨
These provide coursework, cohorts, and guaranteed funding

Top examples:
↳ Max Planck IMPRS Schools (Neuroscience, AI, Biology, Chemistry, Physics...)
↳ Helmholtz Graduate Schools (Data science, Environment, Climate, Energy ...)
↳ DFG Research Training Groups (GRKs)
↳ Graduate Schools at TUM, Heidelberg, Berlin, Göttingen, Cologne
These are internationally competitive, fully funded, and English-friendly

𝙘) 𝙀𝙭𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙣𝙖𝙡 𝙨𝙘𝙝𝙤𝙡𝙖𝙧𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙥𝙨 (𝙞𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙤𝙬𝙣 𝙛𝙪𝙣𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜)
Germany has one of Europe’s largest scholarship ecosystems
↳ DAAD Doctoral Scholarships
↳ DAAD GSSP
↳ DAAD Sandwich PhD
↳ Political foundations:
– Heinrich Böll
– Konrad Adenauer
– Friedrich Ebert
– Rosa Luxemburg
– Hanns Seidel
Funding is usually €1,300–1,500/month.

𝟯/ 𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗸𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝗵𝗗 𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 (𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘀𝗲)
📌DAAD PhD Database - https://lnkd.in/g6ypwMXr
📌Euraxess Germany - https://www.euraxess.de
📌Max Planck IMPRS Programs - https://www.mpg.de/imprs
📌Helmholtz Doctoral Programs - https://lnkd.in/gS6Y_zdD
📌DFG Research Training Groups (GRKs) - https://lnkd.in/gJjziuy5
📌StipendiumPlus (all major scholarship foundations) - https://lnkd.in/gBQqTJSQ

4/ Why Germany attracts PhD researchers worldwide
🟢 Real salaries
🟢 No tuition fees
🟢 English-language research environments
🟢 Strong supervision culture
🟢 Clear pathways to academia and industry
🟢 Globally recognised research ecosystems (Max Planck, Helmholtz, DFG)

I help ambitious learners secure fully funded opportunities to study & research abroad | 1200+ success stories | $30M+ scholarships secured | 3x Scholarship Winner |

𝗟𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗣𝗵𝗗 𝗼𝗿 𝗣𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗱𝗼𝗰 𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀?

Our 𝗙𝗥𝗘𝗘 𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗮𝘀𝗲 is updated daily.

Every day, I track and organise new openings 
so you don’t have to scroll endlessly

Here’s what’s inside:

☑ New PhD & Postdoc positions (with verified links)
☑ Direct application links or professor contacts
☑ Organised by research fields
☑ Updated every day

𝗞𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝗮𝗻 𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴? 
🟢 Share it in the comments to grow this resource even further!

𝗪𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀?
🟢 Share this post to support fellow researchers.
🟢 I’ll add you to our academic community and send the database link.
🟢 Comment your field of interest (e.g., AI, molecular biology, economics).

PS: This is an opportunity to connect directly with hiring professors, increasing your chances for future rounds even if you're not selected this time.

𝗔 𝗽𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗜 𝗺𝗮𝗱𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗸𝗲𝗱𝗜𝗻 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗱 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗼𝗻𝗲’𝘀 𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲

Yesterday, I received this message

“Hey Pavan.
I just want to thank you for posting so many opportunities. I happen to save one of your european PhD positions and apparently apply for it. It turned out to be a Marie Curie fellowship and, yes, I made into it. I'm glad I could see that post on my feed that day. 
Thank you!”

I sat with it for a few minutes

The opportunity was free
The post was free

No course
No paid mentorship
No consultation call

Just a free LinkedIn post → a life-changing '𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗲 𝗖𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗲 𝗣𝗵𝗗 𝗳𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽'

And it reminded me

You never know who’s quietly reading
You never know which link becomes someone’s turning point
You never know which small action shifts someone’s entire path

Because impact doesn’t always need a price tag
Sometimes it just needs to be shared

This is why I post opportunities
This is why I break things down
This is why we’re building Kohort
to make access and community feel 𝙣𝙤𝙧𝙢𝙖𝙡, not rare

If you’ve been waiting for a sign to take your next step
maybe this is it

𝗜𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂’𝗿𝗲 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝘂𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗳𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗠𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿’𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲
𝙀𝙧𝙖𝙨𝙢𝙪𝙨 𝙈𝙪𝙣𝙙𝙪𝙨 𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙗𝙚 𝙤𝙣 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙩

Here’s a clear breakdown 

𝟭/ 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗘𝗿𝗮𝘀𝗺𝘂𝘀 𝗠𝘂𝗻𝗱𝘂𝘀 𝗳𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝘆𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝗱𝗲𝘀
Selected students receive
• health insurance
• full tuition coverage
• a global, diverse cohort
• travel + relocation support
• study mobility across 2–4 European countries
• ~€1,000/month or more (varies by programme)

𝟮/ 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗘𝗿𝗮𝘀𝗺𝘂𝘀 𝗠𝘂𝗻𝗱𝘂𝘀 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗳𝗼𝗿
• motivation that shows purpose
• research or industry experience
• strong grades in relevant subjects
• clear academic + career alignment
• genuine letters of recommendation
• adaptability for multi-country mobility
• language skills & additional languages
• reputation of undergraduate institution
• fit with consortium’s mobility/tracks/field
• diversity / nationality / gender / mobility balance
• potential for impact + future career/doctorate prospects
• completeness and correctness of application / formal eligibility

𝟯/ 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗘𝗿𝗮𝘀𝗺𝘂𝘀 𝗠𝘂𝗻𝗱𝘂𝘀 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺𝘀 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸
200+ joint Master’s programs delivered through European university consortia

Typical structure
• year 1 → University in Country A
• year 2 → University in Country B (sometimes C)
• internship (industry or research)
• joint / multiple degrees

𝟰/ 𝗩𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗲𝗱 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝗘𝗿𝗮𝘀𝗺𝘂𝘀 𝗠𝘂𝗻𝗱𝘂𝘀 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺𝘀
📌 Official Erasmus Mundus catalogue - https://lnkd.in/g6wXtyx2
📌 Find all Erasmus Mundus programs in one place - https://kohortlearn.com
📌 Erasmus Mundus Association - https://www.em-a.eu

𝟱/ 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲𝘀 𝗮 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗘𝗿𝗮𝘀𝗺𝘂𝘀 𝗠𝘂𝗻𝗱𝘂𝘀 𝘀𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗮𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻
🟠 explain your future goals → career or PhD clarity matters
🟠 highlight strong grades in subjects connected to the program
🟠 include relevant research, internships, or industry experiences
🟠 ensure your application is 100% complete, correct, and eligible
🟠 request LORs from people who know your work & character well
🟠 present your undergraduate academics + projects professionally
🟠 explain why THIS program’s mobility, tracks, and structure fit you
🟠 show your unique background that contributes to cohort diversity
🟠 write an SOP that clearly shows your purpose + genuine motivation
🟠 show clear academic + career alignment across SOP, CV, and LORs
🟠 show language readiness (English + any additional languages helps)
🟠 demonstrate adaptability (travel, teamwork, volunteering, leadership)

I offer three support pathways for Erasmus Mundus 2026 applicants.

🟢 1:1 Mentorship (Over 90% success rate)
🟡 Accelerator Program  (Group mentoring)
🟣 Erasmus Mundus Challenge  (Free - starts Nov 24)

https://kohortlearn.com/

If you’re exploring fully funded Master’s 
𝗘𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗹 𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗮𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 should be on your list


Here’s a clear breakdown for 2026

𝟭/ 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗘𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗹 𝘀𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗮𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗲𝘀
• Health insurance
• Cultural activities
• Full tuition waivers 
• International airfare
• Housing assistance
• Local transport support
• ~€1,181 monthly living allowance

𝟮/ 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗘𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗹 𝘀𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗮𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗳𝗼𝗿
• Strong academic excellence
• Top scores in relevant subjects
• Research or project experience
• Leadership + international potential
• High-quality recommendation letters
• A coherent academic + professional plan
• Clear alignment with French priority fields
• University nomination (you cannot apply directly)

𝟯/ 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗘𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗹 𝘀𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗮𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘀
🟣 you do NOT apply directly to Eiffel
🟣 you apply to a French university
🟣 the university decides whether to nominate you
🟣 campus France + the Ministry evaluate all nominations
🟣 final results are announced nationally

𝗠𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗳𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗶𝗲𝗹𝗱𝘀
𝘌𝘯𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘗𝘩𝘺𝘴𝘪𝘤𝘴, 𝘔𝘢𝘵𝘩, 𝘊𝘩𝘦𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘺, 𝘉𝘪𝘰𝘭𝘰𝘨𝘺, 𝘌𝘯𝘷𝘪𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵, 𝘌𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘤𝘴, 𝘓𝘢𝘸, 𝘗𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘴, 𝘐𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘈𝘧𝘧𝘢𝘪𝘳𝘴.

𝟰/ 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲𝘀
📌 Campus France guidelines - https://lnkd.in/gh_GzZWj
📌 University international offices - (Each uni sets its own internal deadline)

𝟱/ 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲𝘀 𝗮 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗘𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗹 𝘀𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗮𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻
🟠 high-quality LORs
🟠 strong grades + academic proof
🟠 a complete, professional dossier
🟠 early communication with universities
🟠 clear alignment with French priority fields
🟠 projects, internships, or research experience
🟠 a future-impact narrative (career or doctoral path)


P.S: If you want personalised support to strengthen your 2026 application Check 1:1 mentoring https://kohortlearn.com

𝗣𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗰𝗮𝗻’𝘁 𝗴𝗼 𝗮𝗯𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗱
That’s what 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 told her

Because she was queer
Because she was Indian
Because she didn’t fit the picture of who “deserves” a global education

She loved learning
But she kept her dream a secret 
because dreaming loudly felt dangerous

When we first spoke, she whispered
“𝗜 𝗻𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝗘𝘂𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗺𝗲.”

Not because she lacked talent
But because the world never made space
for someone like her to win

Slowly, she allowed herself to imagine more
A classroom where she didn’t have to hide her identity
A country where she could be both brilliant and queer
without shrinking either

She applied
She pushed through the fear
And today… she’s planning her future in Europe
with pride, not permission

She taught me something
Queer youth don’t lack ambition 
We lack people who believe in us
before we believe in ourselves

That’s why we’re building "𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘄𝘁𝗵 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲" with everything we have

1/ we are offering 𝗳𝗿𝗲𝗲 study-abroad mentorship for queer youth in India

100 queer youth → Fully-funded Master’s in Europe
(Erasmus Mundus & others — 2026)
↳  all programmes in one place
↳  application support in community
↳  zero fees. zero judgement. full pride

This could be
🟢 your first international degree
🟢 your first global network
🟢 your first time feeling fully yourself
🟢 the moment you realise you were always enough

📌 If you’re queer & dreaming of Europe - Comment “WE” ↡
I’ll DM you the Erasmus programme list + mentorship group

📌 If you’re an ally
Repost this, your share could reach the next student like her
before the doubt does.

She thought she wasn’t meant for the world.
Turns out, the world was waiting for her 🌈

p.s: pic by Dibakar Roy, Unsplash

One random week in June
A queer student told me,
“I don’t think Europe is for someone like me.”

Two weeks later
Another messaged, deleted, messaged again
(“I’m scared people will judge me for even trying.”)

Sometime in August
10+ queer youth joined our list -
almost all privately
Safety > visibility

Early September
I began reaching out to NGOs
One intro became five
Five became twenty
Suddenly, I was speaking with people doing real work in queer spaces 

Late September
Co-creator dialogues started
Ideas, caution, excitement (all mixed together)

Early October
First conversation with British Council, India
Didn’t expect it
Didn’t plan it
But it opened something

Last week
My mentee, the one who whispered her dream -
submitted her application
She hit “send” with shaking hands
I did too

The last six months have been messy, emotional, and unexpectedly grounding

I started The Growth Collective for one reason
To help queer youth in India apply for fully funded Master’s programs
(Erasmus Mundus & more)
without shrinking who they are

The plan was simple
→ build a safe community
→ bring in global mentors
→ map scholarships clearly
→ launch the first cohort quietly

Reality looked more like

Day 1: A 2-hour call with a student doubting she belonged in global spaces
Day 57: Conversations with NGOs across the country
Day 89: Co-creator dialogues turning into real partnerships
Day 95: British Council India showing interest
Day 110: Global mentors joining from multiple time zones
Day 120+: Still building, still listening, still learning

Calls-to-Action
🟣 If you’re a queer youth in India - comment “WE”
🟣 If you want to mentor (from anywhere) - comment “MENTOR”
🟣 If you want to co-create / join the team - comment “TEAM”
🟣 If you want to support or fund - comment “SUPPORT”

Prefer privacy?
🟢 growthcollective.org.in

P.S. Speaking with 20+ NGOs and allies taught me one thing —
community ecosystems already exist
We’re just weaving the threads together

P.P.S. If we get this right, it won’t be a “program.”
It’ll be a movement

taplio

The Battle

Shatakshi Sharma

Pavan K Sriram

Followers

Posts

Engagements

Likes

Performance ScoreShatakshi Sharma's LinkedIn Performance

Performance ScorePavan K Sriram's LinkedIn Performance

Ready to grow your LinkedIn presence?

taplio

The Battle

Shatakshi Sharma

Pavan K Sriram

Followers

Posts

Engagements

Likes

Performance Score.css-goub6s{font-size:var(--chakra-fontSizes-md);font-weight:500;color:var(--chakra-colors-gray-600);display:block;margin-top:var(--chakra-space-1);}Shatakshi Sharma's LinkedIn Performance

Performance ScorePavan K Sriram's LinkedIn Performance

Ready to grow your LinkedIn presence?

Performance ScoreShatakshi Sharma's LinkedIn Performance