As the job market gets more competitive, practical experience and wide networks become more and more important for graduates.  Studying abroad is a dream for many Indian students – but for business students, that dream is quickly becoming a necessity.

Roopal H Ramanna is originally from India and currently studying a Global MBA at Sheffield Business School.  She said: “Studying abroad offers the unique opportunity to learn from international industry experts, engage with a diverse student body, and understand different market dynamics. This experience is invaluable for developing a well-rounded, global mindset, essential for leading and managing in today’s interconnected world.”

The choice of where to study can be a daunting one.  Finding the right balance between universities offering academic rigour, and those focused on real, practical business experience can be tricky. 

Enter Sheffield Business School (SBS), which is part of Sheffield Hallam University, a large, public, metropolitan university with over 31,000 students. SBS can trace its history back to the 1950s, and is now home to some 7,000 international students studying all kinds of business degrees, from hospitality and management to economics and trading.

Since those early days, a lot has changed.  Dr Sam Giove, the Director of SBS, said: “We are in a really exciting period for the business school.  Not least because we are currently moving into a state-of-the-art new facility, right in the heart of Sheffield City Centre.” 

The new building will officially open in February 2025, and is part of a major redevelopment of Sheffield Hallam’s city campus.

Dr Giove continued: “In our new home, students won’t just learn business, they’ll do business. We have bright and airy teaching spaces; a modern Centre for Business, Growth and Transformation, for meeting with clients and employers; and two pop-up shops perfect for launching student-led start-ups. There’s even a mock trading floor which uses industry-standard Bloomberg software.”

Applied learning 

The emphasis on applied learning and practical experience is at the heart of SBS’s offer to students. 

At Sheffield Hallam, every student is given the opportunity to undertake work-based learning each year, something which is especially important for international students. 

The UK government confirmed in May 2024 that it is committed to its international student visa scheme – known as the Graduate Route Visa – which allows overseas learners to stay and work for two years after they graduate.  So, opportunities for Indian students who want to study, then live and work in the UK, will continue.

Roopal said: “My internship experience as a business development and account manager at a Sheffield-based company during my placement year undoubtedly has added another layer of richness to my international study journey. This hands-on experience in a real-world business setting provides you with practical skills and insights that complemented my academic learning.”

Working on the job, and outside the classroom, is often what separates a good student – and good candidate – from a great one, and gives people the tools to launch their careers. 

Kanishka M. Pednekar, a recent SBS graduate from India, told us: “Sheffield Business School opened my eyes to so much more than just textbooks. I learned about marketing strategies and international business models, but what really stuck with me was interacting with local business owners. Seeing these teams hustle and innovate – that’s when it all clicked.”

Sahithi Gollakishtagari, a Hallam MSc International Marketing graduate, explained how her course had helped her to set up her own restaurant in Sheffield after graduation. “The skills and knowledge I gained in international marketing at SBS were key in launching my business. From market research to branding, everything I learned now plays a crucial role in running my restaurant.”

A diverse community

Moving anywhere overseas is a big decision, and the UK especially can feel like a major jump. Knowing that you are moving into a welcoming and friendly environment is a massive part of making the leap. 

At SBS, 40% of students are from overseas – with Indian students representing one of the largest groups.  As a testament to how popular the city is, nearly 2,000 overseas alumni currently work in the Sheffield region. 

According to Krishna Harish, an MSc Logistics and Supply Chain Management student: “At Sheffield Business School, diversity is not just acknowledged, but celebrated. It was my best option to get immersed in a vibrant tapestry of cultures, who embraced diversity with open arms, expanding my horizons, challenging my preconceptions, and fostering a deep appreciation for the interconnectedness of our global community.”

So, for students who are looking for a warm and welcoming new home, which will provide them with opportunities to work, learn, and get outside of their comfort zone – SBS might be the place to look. 

Disclaimer – “This is an advertorial. The content is produced by Sheffield Business School.”