From Consulting to the Classroom: A New Chapter Begins

I studied my whole life in the city where I was born and, when I graduated from college, I set When I first started thinking about pursuing studies at the Adam Smith Business School, it was less about a degree and more about evolving my career. I had been working in consulting for a few years, and I realised I wanted to move into business administration, understand the wider strategic picture and work more closely with decision-makers. That led me to explore business schools in the UK, and the MBA at Adam Smith Business School (ASBS) stood out immediately. The fact that the cohort had an  average of 8 years of work experience gave me confidence that I’d be surrounded by peers with real-world knowledge. Receiving a scholarship from the University of Glasgow was a huge moment – it not only validated my decision but made it easier to take the leap.

Looking back now, the school delivered everything I had hoped for and more. It wasn’t just  lectures and assignments, there were sessions with industry leaders, networking events and discussions that helped us understand the UK business environment better. From day one, I knew I wanted to return to consulting after my MBA, and ASBS gave me both the tools and the support to work toward that.

From Classroom to Boardroom: The Industry Project

The biggest turning point in my MBA journey came through the Industry Pathway- the dissertation option that lets students work on a real client problem. For someone like me, coming from another country, this was a huge opportunity. It allowed me to get hands-on  experience working in the UK and understand how businesses here operate- from communication style to market demands and expectations.

I worked with an actual client on a digital transformation challenge. What stood out wasn’t just the project itself, but the level of trust and autonomy I was given to explore solutions. It helped me understand how fast digital transformation is moving in the UK, especially in sectors that are trying to catch up with technology.

The client appreciated my recommendations, and I was offered a role with the same organisation. That experience became my stepping stone into the UK job market, and it eventually led me to my current role at Scottish Power, one of Scotland’s major energy companies. That industry project wasn’t just a dissertation – it was my entry into the professional world here.

Mentorship, Support, and Opportunities Beyond the Curriculum

While the classroom learning was strong, what stood out was how much happened outside the classroom. I was encouraged to take part in opportunities that pushed me outside my comfort zone – and that’s where a lot of growth happened.

One of those moments was representing the University of Glasgow at a global case competition in Montreal, Canada. Solving business problems under pressure, presenting ideas to experts, and learning from other universities gave me a real taste of what consulting in the real world feels like. Not long after, I represented the university again – this time in Southampton – where we tackled business case simulations. Each experience helped sharpen my problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills.

A lot of this was possible because of the mentorship I received from the academic staff. I won’t name everyone, but I do want to mention Alison Gibb, who played a big part in helping me stay focused on my goals. Having someone to guide you – who knows your strengths and pushes you to explore them – makes a big difference.

Returning the Favour to the Society: Supporting Aspiring Students in India

One of the most meaningful experiences came after I graduated when the university invited me to be part of their outreach trip to India. The idea was simple – to share my journey and answer questions from prospective students who were thinking about joining ASBS. But the experience turned out to be much more than that.

I remember being in their shoes two years ago – uncertain, full of questions, unsure whether the decision to pursue an MBA abroad would be worth it. So, when students and their parents
approached me during the sessions, I made sure to be completely honest. I shared the ups and downs, the effort it took, the mindset shift that’s needed, and what worked for me.

I told them the same thing I told myself when I started: be clear about why you want to do an MBA. Have at least some ideas of where you want to go afterward, even if it changes later. That clarity helped me choose the right projects, say yes to the right opportunities, and stay focused.

The India trip was a reminder that sharing knowledge is as important as gaining it. And I’m really grateful the University trusted me to do that on their behalf.

Looking Back – and Forward

Everything I’ve achieved so far – from landing a job in the UK to contributing to a major energy company – started with being clear about my goal on day one. For me, the MBA wasn’t the destination; it was a vehicle to get to where I wanted to go.

One of the biggest lessons I took from the program was about problem-solving. In business, our instinct is often to jump to solutions. But the MBA taught me to pause, analyse, and reflect before acting. That mindset shift has been invaluable in my current role, where understanding root causes and thinking strategically matters just as much as execution.

The curriculum, the experiences, and the support – all of it helped shape that thinking. And it’s something I’ll carry with me no matter where my career takes me next.

Final Thoughts: Advice for Future Students

If you’re considering ASBS or about to begin your journey here, my advice is simple: know your why. The university won’t hand you a job – and it shouldn’t. But what it does give you is the environment, resources, mentorship, and exposure to create your own path.

Whether your goal is to work in the UK, launch a business, or return home with new skills – start working toward it from day one. Build one core skill that reflects who you are. Show it in your resume, your projects, and your conversations. The university will open doors – you just need to walk through them.