Shrimat Joshi

Birmingham Business School at Birmingham University

Home City and Country: Jaipur, Rajasthan (INDIA)

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Entrepreneur (Construction and Mining Business)

How has studying business in the United Kingdom enriched your learning experience? Studying business in the UK has provided a remarkable convergence of academic rigor and real-world application. The culturally diverse classroom at Birmingham has been a melting pot of the global marketplace, where I am gaining insights into international business strategies through peer discussions. This blend of theory, practice, and cultural richness has profoundly reshaped my perspective on business and leadership.

What has been the toughest transition to living in the United Kingdom so far? What have you done to overcome this difficulty? Adjusting to the UK’s distinct pace of life and weather was initially challenging. Coming from a country with a climate, the grey skies were a stark contest. In the second week, I felt ill without any reason. I contacted the GP (Global Practitioner) and started medication. To overcome homesickness, I made new friends within class and outside; we roam around the city and having good times. These experiences not only helped me adapt, but also deepened my appreciation for the UK’s cultural and natural beauty.

What school service has been the most helpful in transitioning to living in the United Kingdom? How has it helped you adapt? I found the career services and wellbeing service to most useful in my transition. From guiding in my initial days to providing network opportunities, the wellbeing service and career advisor has helped me a lot. They tried to setting things for me to navigate through complex problems and making more confident in British culture.

What has been the most interesting cultural nuance of people living in the United Kingdom? Why has this struck you? The British penchant for politeness and humor stands out. It’s fascinating how humor is seamlessly woven into everyday conversations, even in professional settings. This lighthearted approach to communication fosters a sense of approachability and camaraderie, which I find refreshing and effective in breaking the ice.

Are you seeking a Visa to work in the United Kingdom after graduation? If so, what obstacles have you faced and how did you overcome them? Yes, I will be applying for a skilled worker visa to continue my career in the UK. One significant challenge has been understanding the intricate visa application process. The university hosts detailed session for this issue, and I address this by attending seminars. This also includes communication with school’s associated immigration advisors.

What have you done to make it easier to make friends with people from outside your home country at business school? I actively participate in cross-cultural events and initiatives both in and out school. We regularly host dinner at each other’s place to share traditional cuisines and stories from home countries. These conversation fosters connections and relaxed environment to bond with peers.

What piece of advice would you give to an international student looking to study in a UK graduate business program? Embrace the experience wholeheartedly. Don’t just stay within your comfort zone; actively engage classmates from diverse backgrounds, explore local culture and tradition, and take advantage of every academic and professional resources offered. This will help you not only grow as a professional but also as an individual.

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