Leeds MBA alum Puneeth Sudheendra returns to inspire new cohort

Leeds University Business School recently welcomed back Puneeth Sudheendra (MBA 2023), who visited campus on Tuesday 24 September, to deliver an inspiring induction talk to the new MBA students.

Puneeth, currently working as an Accessories Strategy Specialist at Jaguar Land Rover in the UK, shared his insights on making the most of the MBA experience, offering valuable advice for navigating both university life and the UK job market.

In his address, Puneeth congratulated the new cohort on their acceptance into the programme, encouraging them to invest fully in their time at Leeds and stay focused on their goals. "Know why you’re here and remember that throughout the year," he advised, urging students to avoid distractions and make the most of every opportunity, including networking. He also reminded them not to be discouraged by rejection, sharing his own career journey as a testament to perseverance.

Puneeth's practical advice, paired with his personal experiences, struck a chord with the audience. His words of wisdom on job-hunting in the UK, along with tips for effective networking and staying goal-oriented, resonated deeply with the new MBA students.

The session also featured input from Puneeth's classmate, Ali Toosi, who joined towards the end to contribute his expertise during a lively Q&A session. The questions from the students were endless, reflecting their eagerness to learn from the insights Puneeth and Ali shared.

Richard Hodgett, a senior academic at Leeds University Business School, commented on the event:

It was great to have Puneeth return to speak with the new MBA cohort. His stories and advice really resonated with everyone. It’s a session the cohort will remember and draw inspiration from for the year ahead.

Puneeth himself reflected on the experience:

Returning to speak with the incoming MBA cohort was a rewarding experience. It's incredible to see the enthusiasm and ambition in this new group, reminding me of my own journey not too long ago. The Leeds MBA opened doors for me both personally and professionally, and I hope to inspire the students to make the most of every opportunity ahead of them.

Following the talk, students had the opportunity to continue their conversations with Puneeth and Ali during a networking session over refreshments, generously sponsored by the alumni team. It was a memorable and impactful event, leaving the new MBA cohort motivated and ready to embark on their own transformative journeys.

Visit the Leeds MBA pages and get in touch with the alumni team (alumni@lubs.leeds.ac.uk) if you would like to share your expertise with students.

Connect with Puneeth Sudheendra on LinkedIn.