What did you do prior to joining the MBA?

I worked as a Manager in the Aerospace Division of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), a public sector enterprise under the Indian Ministry of Defence. Over this period, I was involved in several major aircraft and space programmes and had the opportunity to lead teams of up to 125 engineers and technicians. My role required close coordination across functions, balancing technical, operational, and people-related challenges in highly regulated environments. I also contributed to national aerospace initiatives, including the Indian Lunar Mission and the Human Spaceflight Programme. 

Why did you decide to do an MBA?

I chose to do an MBA at a point where I was already leading teams and contributing to strategic discussions. Over time, I realised that my thinking was still shaped mainly by my operational background, and I wanted to better understand the wider business picture. I was also curious to explore other sectors and ways of thinking, and the MBA gave me the space and structure to do that and grow into a more strategic role.

Why did you choose Lancaster University?

I chose Lancaster because it felt like the right balance for the time and effort I was ready to commit. Its strong reputation and rankings mattered, but what really stood out to me was seeing how previous MBA cohorts had progressed in their careers. That gave me confidence in the programme and made the decision an easy one.

What did you enjoy most about the Lancaster MBA?

I enjoyed the mix of practical learning and exposure to new perspectives. The modules were structured in a way that built on each other and connected directly to real business decisions, and working on live projects with clients was both challenging and rewarding. I particularly appreciated the professionally diverse cohort, which exposed me to industries, ways of thinking, and experiences I hadn’t encountered before. Interacting with business leaders and connecting with previous cohorts added even more insight and context, making the programme highly engaging and immediately relevant to my career.

How do you think the Lancaster MBA benefitted you?

Coming primarily from defence and aerospace, I hadn’t needed to actively build professional networks for over a decade, so the Lancaster MBA pushed me out of my comfort zone in that regard. The course structure, collaborative projects, and interactions with a diverse cohort made this process natural and balanced, helping me develop meaningful connections across industries.

At the same time, the programme gave me a holistic view of business, covering operations, finance, and strategy, which has already influenced how I align with senior leaders and approach decisions beyond my own functional silo. This broader perspective has helped me contribute to the overall growth of the companies I work for, adapt to different teams, and understand the dynamics of business transformation, a theme strongly emphasised throughout the MBA.

What impact has your Lancaster experience had on your career?

The Lancaster MBA has had a tangible impact on my career. During the course, I secured a role that began as an internship and quickly transitioned into a full-time position through networking opportunities developed during the programme. The emphasis on business transformation has been directly relevant to my recent roles.

At Skyrora, a homegrown UK launch company, I contributed to making it one of the first to receive its launch license, supported major production deliveries, and helped with quality certification. These experiences required me to step beyond functional silos, understand business needs, drive strategy, and engage with teams and clients, increasing both visibility and overall impact across the organisation.

Is there anything else about your MBA experience that you'd like to share with us?

Looking back, deciding to leave a stable career for the Lancaster MBA was one of the best decisions I’ve made. Initially, I had my reservations, but the experience has far exceeded my expectations. I have built lasting friendships and a strong professional network, gained exposure to experiences I would not have had otherwise, and enjoyed the campus life, which has been one of the most memorable periods of my life. Professionally, the MBA has given my career a significant boost, helping me take on strategic roles and contribute meaningfully to the organisations I work with.