Leeds University Business School

Name: Amit Pandey
Nationality: India
Programme: MBA 2008
Employer: Lloyds Banking Group (UK)

With a first degree in Mechanical Engineering, and experience working in the engineering, construction and software development sectors, Amit decided that studying for an MBA would be ideal to pull together his strands of expertise and help him make the transition from technical specialist to manager. “I aspired to learn more about strategy making and functions like marketing and finance, which traditionally engineers don’t see as essential,”

Now employed as a Business Project Manager for Lloyds Banking Group plc, Amit now develops operational improvement strategies to help his company during the global slowdown by improving its business performance. “The MBA helped me take a ‘bird’s eye’ perspective and a macro view of an issue and think strategically. This experience will go a long way to helping me work in any sector and industry,” he says.

Coming from India, Amit’s previous experience of working with a US-based firm enabled him to appreciate the cultural differences he would encounter when studying in the UK: “I already understood some of the cultural changes I would be facing and during our induction week we had a good session on change management and how to handle it,” he says. “The tutors and staff are well trained in helping overseas students and the multi-cultural atmosphere really adds to the enjoyment.”

A highlight of Amit’s time at Leeds came when he represented LUBS at the Interstate Programme for MBA students in Brussels, where he worked alongside counterparts from other international business schools: “I learnt a lot by exchanging viewpoints with my peers and listening to leading political and business figures at the event,” he says. Amit can see the long-term benefits of his experience at LUBS: “The network you build stays with you for life. You study with future CEOs and business leaders representing various parts of the globe, which can only help in your future career.”