Sakshi Pawar

Tell us about your degree - why did you choose it?
I chose to pursue an MSc in Organizational Psychology at Leeds University Business School because I wanted to bridge my background in psychology with real-world organisational challenges. Having studied Psychology at Fergusson College, I was eager to apply psychological principles in a business context, particularly in understanding behaviour at work, talent management, and employee wellbeing. Leeds stood out for its strong reputation, BPS-accredited programme, and focus on both theory and practice, which I knew would give me the tools to build a career in people-focused roles like HR and talent acquisition.

What did you enjoy the most about your course – what were your course highlights? For example, the facilities, staff, peers, course content etc.
The highlight of my course was the balance between academic depth and practical application. I enjoyed modules that challenged me to critically evaluate workplace behaviour while also equipping me with hands-on skills, such as psychometric testing and bias-aware selection methods. Working with a diverse peer group enhanced my learning, our discussions brought global perspectives into the classroom, enriching my understanding of cultural influences on organisational behaviour. I also valued the support and expertise of the faculty, who encouraged us to think critically and link our research to current industry trends. Access to Leeds’ excellent facilities and research resources helped me strengthen my analytical and data-driven approach, something I now apply daily in my career.

What did you enjoy most about your life as a student at the University of Leeds? Did you get involved in any activities outside of your studies that had an impact on your experience here, or your personal development?
Life at the University of Leeds was incredibly vibrant. Beyond academics, I found myself immersed in a community that encouraged personal growth as much as professional development. I engaged with career-focused initiatives, networking events, and student-led activities, which not only broadened my connections but also boosted my confidence in navigating professional environments. Collaborating with peers on projects and extracurricular activities taught me valuable teamwork and leadership skills. Leeds’ diverse campus environment gave me the chance to meet people from across the world, shaping my cultural awareness and adaptability, qualities that have been vital in my recruitment career, particularly when working with global teams and diverse candidate pools.

What professional skills and experience did you gain during your time at Leeds University Business School? What support did you get to help to develop these skills, and with your overall career and employability?
During my time at Leeds University Business School, I developed a strong foundation in evidence-based decision-making, data analysis, and organisational behaviour. The course gave me practical exposure to psychometric testing, competency-based assessment, and bias-mitigation strategies—skills that have since become central to my work in recruitment and talent management. I also honed my ability to critically evaluate workplace issues, design solutions, and communicate them effectively to diverse stakeholders.

Leeds provided excellent support in developing my employability. Career services offered CV reviews, mock interviews, and networking opportunities with employers that helped me position myself more strategically for HR and recruitment roles. The guidance from lecturers and mentors was invaluable in shaping my confidence to apply my academic knowledge to real business challenges.

How did your time at Leeds prepare you for the future?
Leeds prepared me to enter the workplace with both technical skills and a mindset for continuous improvement. The emphasis on research and critical thinking trained me to look beyond the obvious and make decisions backed by evidence and data. This has been crucial in roles where I’ve been responsible for designing fair recruitment processes, optimising workflows, and supporting organisational goals.

Just as importantly, the collaborative and multicultural environment at Leeds strengthened my adaptability and cultural intelligence, enabling me to thrive in diverse professional settings. I left not only with academic expertise, but also with the resilience and confidence to take on leadership and change-making roles in my career.

How has your career progressed since leaving the Business School? Have there been any notable highlights?
Since completing my MSc, I’ve built a career in talent acquisition and HR across consultancy, non-profit, and healthcare sectors. One of my proudest achievements has been receiving the “Making a Difference” award at Harrogate & District NHS Foundation Trust for delivering exceptional recruitment service and reducing time-to-hire by 50%. I’ve also designed innovative talent attraction campaigns that increased applications from underrepresented groups, introduced gamified referral schemes to improve hiring efficiency, and mentored junior colleagues to build stronger recruitment teams.

What are your ambitions for the future?
Looking ahead, my ambition is to secure a sponsorship role that allows me to further advance my career in talent acquisition and organisational development. I am passionate about creating inclusive, data-driven recruitment strategies that not only attract the best talent but also strengthen long-term workforce capability. At the same time, I want to broaden my impact beyond hiring by contributing to organisational development initiatives, helping businesses shape cultures where people thrive, diversity is celebrated, and growth is sustainable.

Ultimately, I see myself stepping into a leadership role where I can influence strategy at a wider scale, combining my expertise in psychology, recruitment, and employee engagement to deliver meaningful organisational change. My long-term goal is to be recognised as a trusted partner who bridges people and performance, driving both individual potential and business success.

What was your biggest highlight of studying at Leeds? (For example, friendships made, confidence in your abilities, or any single event that you will always remember)
My biggest highlight was the sense of confidence and clarity I gained in my career direction. The MSc gave me the technical skills I needed, but it was the experience of working closely with inspiring peers and supportive faculty that really stood out. I remember the first time I delivered a research presentation to a mixed academic and professional audience, it was a turning point where I realised I could translate psychological theory into practical solutions for real-world organisational challenges. That moment, along with the friendships and networks I built, gave me the confidence to pursue ambitious opportunities after graduation.

Would you recommend the University of Leeds and the Business School to others? What advice would you give to students to help them get the most out of their time in Leeds?
I would absolutely recommend the University of Leeds and the Business School. The combination of world-class teaching, supportive staff, and a vibrant international community makes it an environment where students can truly thrive both academically and personally. My advice to new students would be to embrace every opportunity the University offers, whether it’s engaging with careers services, joining student societies, or collaborating with peers from different backgrounds. Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone; it’s often in those moments that you grow the most. Leeds is a place where you can build not just your knowledge, but also the resilience, adaptability, and confidence that will stay with you throughout your career.