Nishitha Suresh

Why did you choose to study Global Supply Chain Management? 

I completed my undergraduate degree in Industrial Engineering and Management in India, where I studied a module on supply chain management. That module drew me into the subject and inspired me to pursue a master’s degree in Global Supply Chain Management at the University of Leeds. Supply chain management interests me because, although it is a foundation for every organisation, it looks different in each business. Studying the subject also helped me gain knowledge that is relevant to running a business, which is important to me as one of my long-term goals is to grow my own start-up company in India. 

What did you enjoy most about your course? 

I really enjoyed researching different case studies during my assignments and group activities. One company I researched in detail was LUSH Cosmetics. I became so interested in LUSH’s strategies, campaigns, marketing and production that, even after completing my master’s degree, I continued learning about the company. 

That interest eventually led to an invitation to visit LUSH’s manufacturing site and Green Hub in Dorset. I travelled there and had the opportunity to learn about their production processes, packaging recycling model, 3D printing innovations for packaging and product moulds, and their collaborations with small business owners and communities.  

What did you enjoy most about student life at Leeds? 

I was part of a dance community at the University called Vibes and regularly attended their dance workshops. It gave me the chance to do something I loved, while also socialising and making new friends. I also loved Therapy Dog days at Leeds University Union. As an international student living alone, this helped my mental health a lot. Whenever I felt lonely or low, I knew I could go to the Union, meet people and spend time with the dogs. 

I attended open day festivals, welcome back events after the winter break, game nights at the Union and different stalls and markets. These events meant a lot to me as a student who sometimes felt lost in a new country. They were engaging, welcoming and helped me feel part of the University community. 

My personal favourite experience was the Leeds Ball. I felt quite emotional because I knew my studies were coming to an end, and by that point the University felt like home.  

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

From the first day, I had a very positive impression of the University of Leeds and the support it offered international students. I remember flying into Heathrow Airport from India and seeing University staff waiting for some of the international students who had just arrived. We were welcomed and given University welcome kits, which included a Lebara SIM card with prepaid internet and calls, sweets and other essentials. 

It may seem like a small detail, but for someone arriving in a new country with no idea what to expect, it was extremely helpful. We were also given transport from London Heathrow to Leeds in a very comfortable coach. I remember thinking that the bus journey was more comfortable than my flight. 

Before I arrived in the UK, I received an email with a link to a WhatsApp group for students joining the University in the same year. Through that group, I connected with people I later travelled with and shared accommodation with. 

The University helped me adjust in many ways, from practical support when I arrived to having spaces such as Leeds University Union and the libraries open late. On days when I felt lonely or did not want to go home straight away, it helped to have welcoming spaces on campus where I could study, attend events or meet people. 

Since completing my course, I have recommended the University of Leeds to many people in my network. 

What professional skills and experience did you gain during your time at Leeds University Business School? 

One of the main skills I developed at Leeds was public speaking. When I first started my group assignments, I was quiet and introverted. Over time, I began speaking up more, sharing my opinions and presenting work to the class. This gave me confidence that I still carry with me today. 

In my corporate roles, I use data analysis every day. This is a skill I developed at Leeds through researching and presenting on different topics, case studies, brands and companies during my assignments and dissertation. I learned how to validate data and present conclusions, which was particularly valuable because much of my earlier education in India was more focused on textbook learning than independent research and case studies. 

How did your time at Leeds prepare you for the future? 

Coming to Leeds as an international student pushed me outside my comfort zone. As a result, I improved my speaking skills, presentation skills and confidence in meeting new people. Being part of such an international university also helped me experience different cultures, dialects, accents and ways of thinking.  

How has your career progressed since leaving the Business School? 

During my second semester, I received an interview invitation from the Marks & Spencer head office in London. I successfully completed the interview and was offered the role. I worked at Marks & Spencer for two and a half years in the supply chain team as an Inbound Supply Chain Planning Assistant. A lot of my work was connected to the foundations I had developed through the Global Supply Chain Management modules at Leeds. I then received an offer from my current company, Do & Co, which works in airline and event catering for clients such as British Airways, Qatar Airways and Formula One. I now work there as a Supply Chain Planner. 

Alongside my corporate roles, I also run two start-ups remotely: Limewoods, a personal care brand, and Loop, a waste management and recycling company. Both are based in India, where I have small operations teams managing day-to-day activity. My focus is on expansion, supply chain design, strategy and external partnerships. 

I remain active in University of Leeds alumni events in both the UK and India. I recently attended a networking event in Bengaluru, where I met other alumni and shared product samples from one of my start-ups.  

What are your ambitions for the future? 

In the future, I plan to return to India and focus full-time on my start-up companies, scaling operations and building stronger partnerships. I am currently focused on growing Loop, my waste management and recycling company. I plan to develop larger projects through Loop, including biogas production from organic waste and renewable energy installations. 

I also hope to start a family farm focused on permaculture. My ambition is to host farm stays and workshops, and to welcome school students to learn about agriculture and sustainability. 

What was your biggest highlight of studying at Leeds? 

My biggest highlight was the late-night study sessions in the University libraries. I do not think I will ever again be that young, passionate and able to pull all-nighters in the same way. There was something about that hustle that I really miss from my time as an international student. I also cherish the friendships I made at Leeds. I still stay connected with some of my friends, including those who have moved back to countries such as Japan, and it has been inspiring to see their journeys since graduation. 

Would you recommend Leeds University Business School? 

I have recommended the University of Leeds to many people in my circle, and I would absolutely recommend it to others. My advice to students would be to spend time learning, networking and making the most of the workshops and events available at the University.