Arpit Garg

Why did you choose the Leeds MBA?

I chose to pursue the MBA at the University of Leeds because I wanted to broaden my business perspective and transition from a successful career in banking into consulting.

The Leeds MBA is consistently recognised among the UK’s leading MBA programmes, and I was particularly impressed by its practical, industry-focused curriculum. The opportunity to work on two live consulting projects was a major deciding factor, as it offered hands-on experience in solving real business challenges and aligned perfectly with my goal of building a career in consulting.

What did you enjoy most about your course?

Coming from India, where the culture and classroom learning experience are quite different, studying at Leeds was both exciting and enriching.

The relatively small MBA cohort created a close-knit environment where everyone had the opportunity to interact, share ideas and learn from one another. Working alongside classmates from different countries, industries and professional backgrounds gave me a wider view and helped me develop a truly global outlook.

The faculty and professional staff were another standout feature of the programme. They were approachable, supportive and genuinely invested in students’ learning and professional development. Their guidance encouraged us to think critically, challenge assumptions and apply classroom concepts to real-world business situations.

What were your course highlights?

One of the biggest highlights was the practical, experiential learning. The live consulting challenges and business competitions gave me the opportunity to work on real business problems, collaborate with talented peers from diverse backgrounds and develop structured problem-solving skills. These experiences played a significant role in preparing me for my transition into consulting.

I was also delighted to achieve first and third place in two business competitions during my time at Leeds, which remain proud milestones of my MBA journey.

How did you find adjusting to living and studying in the UK?

Adjusting to life in the UK was a smooth and enjoyable experience. Leeds is a vibrant, welcoming city with a rich cultural scene and, compared with cities such as London, it offers a more affordable cost of living, which is a significant advantage for international students.

I was pleasantly surprised by how friendly and helpful people were, both within the University and across the city. The welcoming environment made it easy to settle in, build friendships and feel at home.

What professional skills and experience did you gain?

During my MBA, I developed a range of professional skills that have been invaluable in my career. Through live consulting projects, business competitions and group assignments, I strengthened my problem-solving, strategic thinking, stakeholder management, teamwork and presentation skills.

Working with classmates from different counties and professions also enhanced my communication and cross-cultural collaboration abilities.

The support from the faculty and the Careers Service played an important role in my development. From career workshops and networking events to one-to-one guidance, the University provided valuable resources to improve my employability.

How has your career progressed since leaving the Business School?

After completing my MBA, I returned to India and received three job offers. I joined BCT Digital as a Senior Consultant – Credit Risk, which marked a successful transition from a banking career into consulting within the financial services sector.

After nearly a year, I moved to PwC India as an Associate Director in Risk Consulting. I am currently working on a large-scale banking transformation programme for one of the leading US banks, helping deliver digital transformation initiatives across banking products and processes.

What are your ambitions for the future?

Beyond career progression, I hope to use my experience to mentor future professionals and contribute to positive change in society by helping build more efficient, inclusive and sustainable financial systems.

Would you recommend Leeds University Business School?

I would definitely recommend Leeds University Business School to anyone considering an MBA. The programme offers an excellent combination of academic rigour, practical learning and exposure to a truly international community.

My advice to future students is to embrace the experience wholeheartedly. Be open to new ideas, immerse yourself in the culture and do not limit yourself to what you already know.