From Chandigarh to Scotland: How the University of Strathclyde Shaped Ankush Sahni’s Career Journey

“The course structure at Strathclyde was one of the biggest highlights. The modules covered key areas like finance, leadership, and self-reflection, everything that shapes you into a well-rounded leader. The professors were very supportive as well.” 

    - Ankush Sahni

Ankush Sahni began his career in sales and people management, leading large teams and driving business growth in India. After six years of professional experience, he decided it was time to strengthen his leadership and strategic skills, which led him to pursue an MBA from the University of Strathclyde Business School in Scotland, where he graduated with Distinction.

Today, Ankush works as the Head of Business Development at DataGardener, a UK-based business intelligence company, where he drives B2B sales and builds global client partnerships.

In today’s student expert series, read about how Ankush:

• Transitioned from managing teams in India to leading business development in the UK 
• Strathclyde’s MBA program shaped his career
• Adapted to the UK work culture and found success in B2B sales

Read his story here 👇

Meet Ankush, Head of Business Development at DataGardener. After earning his MBA in Sales and Marketing from the University of Strathclyde Business School, he transitioned from India to the UK to advance his career in business growth and strategy. He spoke with Leap about his journey, his experience at Strathclyde, and how the MBA helped shape his professional path.

Q. Tell us about your background. 

I’m from Chandigarh and worked in India for nearly 6 years before moving to the UK. I was a Senior Manager at BYJU’S, leading a team of around 100 people. The UK had always fascinated me, maybe because of movies, but beyond that, I felt it was the right time to strengthen my leadership skills and gain a global perspective. That’s what motivated me to pursue an MBA. I completed my B.Com in Accounts and Auditing. Although I started out in finance, my career gradually moved towards sales and marketing. 

Q. Why did you choose the UK for your MBA instead of studying in India?

I wanted a truly global experience where I could meet people from different nationalities and learn from diverse perspectives. The UK’s multicultural environment really appealed to me. Also, the one-year MBA format here was a significant advantage, since it lets you upskill quickly and return to the workforce sooner. I did consider Australia and Canada, but the UK had always been a dream destination for me.

Q. What made you decide on Strathclyde Business School?

I shortlisted a few universities, but Strathclyde stood out for its strong QS ranking and reputation. I also wanted to experience life in Scotland, and Glasgow felt like the perfect place. Moreover, the Strathclyde MBA was well-structured, with modules covering finance, leadership, and self-reflection. After speaking with a few alumni who shared very positive feedback, my decision was clear.

Q. What was your experience like studying at Strathclyde?

When I landed in Glasgow, I was very clear that while earning the degree was important, finding a job afterward would matter most. Unlike India, there aren’t campus placement cells where companies come to recruit, so you really have to take initiative.

The Scottish accent was another challenge at first, but I saw it as an opportunity to learn. Between January and April, I attended around 30–40 networking events to understand the culture, the accent, and how the local market worked. These events helped me make strong connections, not just for career purposes, but to really understand and adapt to life in Scotland.

The course structure at Strathclyde was one of the biggest highlights. The modules covered key areas like finance, leadership, and self-reflection, everything that shapes you into a well-rounded leader. The professors were very supportive as well. I served as the class representative and had several discussions with faculty on behalf of students, and they always handled things with great understanding and respect. The environment truly made me feel valued. 

Q. Is there one experience from your time at university that stands out for you?

 Yes, and it’s actually not academic. I’ve always loved dancing, and I performed a Bollywood number at a Scottish cultural event along with other university students. There were about 200 people in the audience, and it was such a memorable experience. It really boosted my confidence and helped me connect with people from different backgrounds.

Q. How did you land your first job in the UK?

I got my first part-time job quite early, in April. Since students are allowed to work only 20 hours a week, it wasn’t a full-time role. I actually found it through networking, while judging a sustainability event at a local school that I discovered on LinkedIn. It was surreal, coming from India and suddenly sitting as a judge in Scotland.

Through these events, I built meaningful connections, and one of them eventually referred me for my first sales role in Nottingham. My extroverted nature helped a lot. I never stayed confined to the university; I traveled, attended events, and met people. That proactive approach really worked in my favor.

Q. What is your current role, and what does a typical workday look like for you?

I’m currently working as the Head of Business Development at DataGardener, a UK-based business intelligence platform. It’s a B2B sales role, and my work mainly involves presenting the company at networking events, connecting with potential clients, and handling product demos and sales calls.

My work hours are usually from 9 a.m. to 5:30 or 6 p.m., Monday to Friday, and I really appreciate the healthy work-life balance here. This role has helped me grow immensely. It pushed me out of my comfort zone, improved my communication skills, and allowed me to build a strong professional network in the UK.

Q. Finally, what advice would you give to students planning to pursue an MBA abroad or move to the UK for work?

The first thing I’d say is to be mentally strong, and resilience is key. Luckily, Strathclyde staff were very supportive, and the university also provided health and well-being services to the students. Second, don’t aim for the most prominent companies right away; start with smaller firms where you can learn and gain local experience. And most importantly, go out and meet people. Building connections is essential in the UK; it matters even more than your CV. You can’t build a career sitting in your room; you have to network, engage, and create opportunities for yourself.