Sumit Rathour

Why did you choose Leeds University Business School?

The University of Leeds' ranking in the International Business programme made it distinct. I very much liked studying a wide range of global elements.

Tell us about your course - why did you choose it?

It is hard to say as there was simply nothing which I did not find at its best, be it the Business School, University, or the city of Leeds. However, in addition to the more formal aspects of the course, I learned ways of improving my communication skills and networking, which are both essential for anyone setting up and sustaining a new business.

How has your career progressed since leaving the business school? Have there been any notable highlights?

After leaving the Business School, I was among a few to be selected for a full time job at a healthcare multinational company for its European supply chain headquarters. Later I chose to return back to India and start my own enterprise.

What is your current role and with which employer? What is your job remit?

I am currently a director at Pronto Technotex Private Limited; a family managed company engaged in the manufacturing and exports of polypropylene woven sacks used primarily for packaging cement, food grains, fertilizers and bulk materials. I look forward to use my overseas exposure in company growth.

Do you think your experience and skills gained here will help you in your future career plans? In what way?

I think yes, the experience I had while studying and working in the UK had a positive impact on my confidence and I believe it will take me far.

If you are not from the UK, how was the transition to a foreign country?

Absolutely the smoothest transition one could ever imagine. I think the University is very proactive in making the first time international students feel comfortable and easy. Language was not an issue as English is widely used in my home country of India. The orientation and induction programme at the beginning of the course made practical life easier. Opening bank accounts and registering with the student medical practice was also quite straightforward with the help of the International Student Office. During my year at Leeds I visited many places and cities across the UK, and this was all thanks to the International Student Office which organised the day trips. 

What was your impression/experience of the facilities, the staff, your peers, the student union, the city of Leeds and the region itself?

I had an amazing experience throughout the time I was at Leeds. The time ran by so quickly just because life there was so good. The offices was extremely cooperative and helpful. I very much like the University's initiative of a dedicated student union, which in my opinion provides a single window for all day-to-day needs be it food, shopping, student advice, and refreshments. Overall I found Leeds to be a vibrant city and I like it.

What would you say is your defining memory of studying here?

Each and every day at Leeds was so good and memorable that I found it quite hard to settle down with the memories even after I came back to my home country. The weekend day trips were a good opportunity to see other cities and countryside across England.