My Sheffield MBA journey was filled with standout and transformative experiences

I wanted to build strong management skills to complement my accounting background

Before beginning my MBA, I worked as a Financial Reporting Manager at a German multinational corporation in Mumbai, India. I am a qualified Chartered Accountant and was responsible for financial reporting and process improvements.

I decided the pursue my MBA at the University of Sheffield for both personal and professional reasons. On the personal side, my sister was already based in Sheffield which provided me with a valuable support network while studying abroad. Professionally, the University of Sheffield and Sheffield University Management School's excellent reputation for its MBA programme was the deciding factor. I was particularly drawn to its focus on Leadership, Entrepreneurship and Consultancy as this aligned perfectly with my goal of building strong management skills to complement my accounting background.

The transition to studying abroad was made manageable thanks to the School's excellent support system

Moving to the UK to study was a refreshing change from my previous life in Mumbai, which is one of India's busiest metropolitan cities and quite different from my hometown. What made Sheffield immediately feel like home were the surprising similarities it shared with where I grew up. The relaxed pace of life, the friendly community atmosphere and the more manageable city scale all reminded me of my hometown. After the constant hustle of Mumbai, Sheffield's balance of urban amenities and calmer lifestyle was exactly what I needed. This familiar feeling helped me settle in quickly and focus on my studies without the usual adjustment challenges of moving to a new country.

Re-adapting to university life after eight years away from formal education was quite different from what I had anticipated. The MBA programme proved far more intensive than I had imagined. The demanding lecture schedule coupled with collaborative projects involving teammates from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds presented significant challenges. What made this transition manageable was the excellent support system provided by the Management School. The faculty's guidance, structured resources and accessibility whenever I needed assistance were invaluable. The support framework helped me navigate both the academic rigour and the multicultural teamwork dynamics that are so central to the MBA experience. This comprehensive support network was perhaps the most crucial factor in my successful adaptation to university life after years in the professional world.

My Sheffield MBA experience was filled with standout experiences

My Sheffield MBA journey was filled with standout experiences that transformed both my professional perspective and personal growth.

The culminating presentations for the Marketing Consultancy Challenge, Internationalisation Challenge and New Venture Creation Challenge were particularly rewarding. These comprehensive projects required synthesising everything we had learnt throughout the programme, demonstrating our growth and providing a tangible sense of accomplishment. Seeing how all the pieces fit together was incredibly satisfying.

I particularly enjoyed the Marketing Consultancy Challenge being the first live company project of the MBA. Through this Challenge, I learnt the comprehensive approach of conducting market analysis which was not only helpful in Marketing but also in the Internationalisation Challenge and the New Venture Creative Challenge. Through the Marketing Consultancy Challenge, I learnt the art of detailed research and how to see a business from a business development perspective and from the eye of customers.

The international study trip to Germany was truly exceptional. Meeting with entrepreneurs directly and hearing their first-hand stories provided invaluable insights that simply can't be replicated in a classroom setting. It offered a real-world dimension to our theoretical knowledge.

I also had the remarkable opportunity to attend the Vienna Summer School which focused intensively on sustainable and ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) frameworks. This specialised knowledge has proven directly relevant to my financial reporting background, as ESG reporting has become increasingly essential in corporate accountability. The summer school experience equipped me with cutting-edge perspectives that immediately enhanced my professional toolkit.

These unique learning opportunities that connect theory with practice truly set the Sheffield MBA apart, especially for people looking to develop expertise in emerging business priorities like sustainability.

The Personal, Professional and Career Development module was fundamental to my MBA journey

The Personal, Professional and Career Development module taught me the strategic art of networking, professional conduct and resilience - skills rarely developed in traditional coursework. This module is essential because it brings the gap between technical knowledge and the interpersonal abilities that truly drive career advancement, preparing students not just for immediate roles but for long-term professional growth.

The Sheffield MBA has helped me to discover the type of leader I want to become

Throughout my whole MBA experience, I learnt a lot about leadership, particularly around the approach of charismatic leaders and followers. I learnt a lot about myself - what kind of follower I am and what type of leader I want to become. The Sheffield MBA has enabled me to see the business from the lens of the business owner.

Since graduating, I have been working as Group Financial Accountant at Synectics

Whilst I did have a background in finance prior to the MBA, my experiences have still been helpful in my role. Once I'd joined Synectics, I shared more detail about my MBA experience and as a result have been allocated additional responsibilities related to business development, which I have been equipped to do thanks to my MBA learning.

My role as Group Financial Accountant involves the consolidation of group entities accounts, preparing standalone financials of all individual subsidiaries as per UK GAAP and IFRS, and getting accounts audited by auditors. I am also drawing on my MBA learning to support one of the divisions in the company to conduct deep market analysis to redefine its market focus and business strategy.

My advice for future MBA students

Be prepared for an intense but deeply rewarding journey. This isn't just an academic course - it's a transformation. Make the most of every opportunity, engage with your peers and don't shy away from the challenges. The Sheffield MBA will not only give you knowledge - it will help you discover your potential.