My Career Journey as an International Postgraduate at Manchester

Short Profile
Hi, my name is Kashish Juneja. I came to Manchester from India to pursue my MSc in Management (Class of 2025) at the University of Manchester, a place I chose for its rich heritage, cultural diversity, and strong industry networks. During my time here, I’ve pushed myself beyond what I imagined, from qualifying in global competitions like A4S (Accounting for Sustainability) to discovering an unexpected passion for entrepreneurship. Through my previous experience as an Entrepreneurship Champion at MEC, I realised this is the space where I genuinely want to learn and grow. So, when I saw the MGT role on the University careers website, I applied, and I’m now working as an Enterprise Assistant Graduate Intern at the Masood Entrepreneurship Centre.

What steps did you take to prepare for applying for roles, and how did you adapt your approach and stay motivated after facing challenges or when things didn’t go as planned?

Before arriving in Manchester, I had already set my sights on the Manchester Graduate Talent Scheme (MGT), especially because I was interested in working in the public sector. To keep my options open, I applied for a range of roles both within the University and at selected external companies, focusing on graduate schemes aligned with my interests. Preparation played a huge role. I consistently refined my CV with guidance from AMBS career consultants like Claudia and Rebecca, tailored it for each role, and completed several mock interviews to communicate my experiences and strengths clearly. The biggest challenge was sticking to my strategy and not getting distracted by every opportunity that came my way. I stayed motivated by aligning back to my long-term goals and reminding myself to
trust the process. Moreover, engaging with the right people also helped me stay grounded and focused. Whenever things didn’t go as planned, I adapted, learned from the experience, and kept moving.

How did extracurricular activities or involvement outside your course help you develop skills or confidence for your career journey?
Extracurricular activities have played a major role in my personal and professional growth. Joining the MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) club boosted both my physical and mental confidence. Taking on the role of Entrepreneurship Champion at the Masood Entrepreneurship Centre gave me the chance to lead initiatives that promoted entrepreneurship across campus. My contribution as an EC was recognised at the Student Union Awards ceremony 2025, where I was “highly commended” for increasing student engagement by 30% in entrepreneurship activities. These experiences strengthened my interpersonal skills, leadership abilities, and content creation skills. Overall, they gave me a platform to express myself fully and helped me grow into a more confident, well-rounded individual.

What advice would you give to students, particularly international postgraduates, who are aiming to secure work in the UK?
From my experience, having a clear strategy is essential. Whether you want to work in the UK, within the University or externally, or plan to return home, a well-defined plan helps you navigate the overwhelming amount of information and opportunities. My biggest advice: network intentionally. Connect with people you genuinely want to work with, show up to events, engage with their work, and understand their mission. When you align your actions with your long-term goals, you can focus your efforts with confidence and increase your chances of reaching the right place.

What did you learn from the interview process or from moments when things didn’t go as expected, and how did that help you keep growing?
One of the biggest lessons I learned is the value of seeking feedback and reflecting on your performance. Initially, my answers were long and all over the place, and following the STAR method felt challenging. But with practice, reflection, and analysing my previous interviews, it slowly became natural. Being honest with yourself about what went well and what didn’t allow you to improve continuously. For roles you’re truly passionate about, confidence and authenticity flow naturally. For roles that are new or unfamiliar, practice plays a huge role in helping you find your “sweet spot” and present yourself effectively. Embracing this mindset helped me grow, adapt, and stay resilient throughout my career journey.

What surprised you most about the job-search process in the UK?
What surprised me the most was how easy it is to get diverted. When you see friends applying to dozens of roles every day, it’s tempting to follow the same path and apply to hundreds of jobs just for the sake of it. But to me, it didn’t make sense to apply randomly and hope something would eventually click. This is where having a clear long-term strategy really helped. It kept me focused on roles that aligned with my goals, instead of getting caught up in the noise. I’d strongly recommend future students do the same, know what you want, stay grounded, and let your strategy guide you, not the pressure around you.

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