Sangeetha Surendran

Why did you choose to study this degree? 

Before joining the University of Leeds, I had spent over six years working in the aerospace industry in India, across engineering support, technical publications and programme-related activities. 

While I enjoyed working in such a technically advanced industry, I became curious about the decisions that shaped these organisations beyond engineering. I wanted to understand how businesses develop long-term strategies, how innovation is managed, and how emerging technologies move from promising ideas into real-world impact. 

This curiosity led me to pursue the MSc in Global Strategy and Innovation Management. Initially, I expected strategy to become my primary area of interest. However, as the programme progressed, I realised I was even more fascinated by innovation management. 

What did you enjoy most about your course? 

What I appreciated most was how practical the learning experience was. Rather than simply studying theories, we were encouraged to apply strategy and innovation concepts to real organisations and business challenges. 

Several members of staff made a lasting impact on my learning. Professor Tony Morgan’s Innovation Management in Practice module helped me understand how innovation works within organisations. I also enjoyed Joana Rodrigues Pereira’s Strategic Management sessions, which broadened my understanding of how strategic decisions influence an organisation. 

What did you enjoy most about student life at Leeds? 

Coming to Leeds was one of the most courageous decisions I have made. Before starting my Master’s degree, I had already built a career, a professional network and a comfortable life in India. Choosing to leave that behind and relocate to another country as a self-funded international student meant stepping into uncertainty. 

Returning to university after several years in industry also gave me time to pause and reflect on the type of work that genuinely motivates me. It was during this year that I realised I wanted to build a career that combines engineering with strategy and innovation. 

One experience that had a lasting impact was participating in the Leeds University Library’s Dissertation Week Workshop. I almost decided not to present because I lacked confidence. My presentation focused on the process I used to identify and refine my research topic, and I worried it was too simple. However, many students told me they found my approach practical and relatable. 

That experience taught me that effective communication is not about making something sound complicated. It is about understanding your audience and helping them take something useful away. 

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

Like many international students, I experienced periods where balancing academic expectations with personal challenges was difficult. One of the things I appreciated most about the University of Leeds was that support was available when I needed it. 

The University’s wellbeing and mental health services were compassionate and professional, and knowing those resources existed made a significant difference to my overall experience. 

What professional skills and experience did you gain? 

One of the biggest changes during my time at Leeds was how I approached problems. Coming from an engineering background, I was naturally inclined to focus on technical solutions. The MSc challenged me to consider the strategic, organisational and human dimensions behind each problem. The programme strengthened my critical thinking, communication and stakeholder engagement skills. Through coursework, case studies and group discussions, I became more confident in evaluating complex problems, presenting evidence-based arguments and collaborating with people from different backgrounds. 

Outside the classroom, I participated in the Skills Within the Curriculum Conference, where I hosted sessions, supported workshops and took part in the closing panel discussion. 

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

The programme encouraged me to connect engineering with business, strategy and innovation. It helped me understand that solving complex challenges in technology-driven industries requires more than technical expertise. It also requires understanding organisations, people, collaboration and long-term thinking. 

One of the most valuable lessons I learned was to be intentional about my career. Rather than simply applying for opportunities as they arose, I became more proactive in identifying experiences that aligned with my interests. 

How has your career progressed since leaving the Business School? 

Since graduating, my career has continued within the aerospace sector, but with a broader perspective than before. One of my first opportunities after Leeds was working with the Aerospace Technology Institute in the UK. This role was particularly meaningful because it allowed me to contribute to initiatives shaping the future of sustainable aviation, including programmes involving hydrogen aviation and collaboration between industry, academia and government. My dissertation work helped me connect with professionals at ATI, and those conversations eventually led to the opportunity to join the organisation. 

Today, I work in Germany within the emerging field of drone technology and certification. My role allows me to work closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams, supporting the certification process and helping bring innovative technologies closer to real-world application. 

What are your ambitions for the future? 

My ambition is to continue building my career at the intersection of engineering, strategy and innovation. 

I am particularly interested in programmes that support emerging technologies and help organisations turn innovative ideas into real-world impact. Whether that involves sustainable aviation, advanced aerospace systems or other deep-technology sectors, I am motivated by work that combines technical understanding with collaboration, strategic thinking and programme delivery. 

In the long term, I hope to contribute to innovation ecosystems that bring together industry, academia and government to address complex global challenges. 

What was your biggest highlight of studying at Leeds? 

My biggest highlight was my graduation ceremony, where I received the Best Dissertation Award alongside one of my classmates. It was a moment I never expected and one I will always remember. 

The award meant far more to me than academic recognition. Growing up in a rural village in India, I attended a government school until the end of secondary education and had limited exposure to opportunities beyond my local community. At that stage, I was not confident communicating in English, and studying abroad felt like something that belonged to someone else’s future rather than mine. 

Even after arriving at Leeds, the transition was not easy. Returning to university after several years in industry, adapting to a new country and a different style of learning, I sometimes questioned whether I truly belonged. 

When it came to my dissertation, I approached it much like a professional project. I conducted primary research, interviewed professionals from the aerospace industry and invested significant time in understanding the problem before drawing conclusions. 

Alongside this achievement, I will always cherish the friendships I built. Our small study group challenged one another, shared ideas, supported each other through assignments and celebrated milestones together. 

Would you recommend Leeds University Business School? 

I would recommend Leeds University Business School, particularly to students who want an experience that extends beyond gaining an academic qualification. 

My main advice to students would be to approach their time at Leeds with intention. Do not limit the experience to lectures, assignments and examinations. Attend events, speak with lecturers, use the library and careers resources, and build genuine relationships with classmates, alumni and industry professionals.