How Surrey Took Anusha to the Natural History Museum UK

Anusha Anilkumar is a software engineer currently based in London, working as a Business Analyst at the Natural History Museum . She completed her Master’s in  Business Analytics at the University of Surrey and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from GSSS Institute of Engineering and Technology for Women, Mysuru. Leap spoke with Anusha about her journey from Mysore to the University of Surrey and her experience of studying in the UK.

Q. Tell us about your background.

I'm originally from Mysore, Karnataka. Growing up, I had always envisioned becoming a software engineer; it was a goal I shared with my dad, so pursuing it felt like the natural path. After graduating, I worked in Bangalore for a few years, which gave me valuable industry exposure. Even back in college, I knew I eventually wanted to do a master's. But I felt that gaining some work experience first would help me better understand the field and also make it easier to land a job later on. So I worked for a while and then applied to universities abroad.

I came to the UK to pursue a Master’s in Business Analytics with the goal of deepening and broadening my knowledge in the field. While working as a software engineer, I became increasingly aware of the diverse roles within tech. I was particularly drawn to the blend of business and technology. That’s what led me to the business analyst role. It wasn’t just technical or managerial. It was a perfect blend of both worlds.

Q. Why did you want to pursue your master’s abroad? And why did you choose the University of Surrey?

A friend of mine was already studying in the UK, so I reached out to understand what life was like there, how the job market worked, and whether it was easy to find opportunities after graduation. One of the biggest advantages for me was that master’s programs in the UK are just one year long.

One of the main reasons I chose this university was because of the course structure. The modules they offered were aligned with current market demands, especially for someone aspiring to be a business analyst. There were topics like machine learning and data analysis, both of which are core skills in this field. I found the curriculum to be strong and relevant, so that played a big role in my decision.

I’ve also always been fascinated by London. It was one of those cities I dreamed of visiting, though I never imagined I’d actually end up living here, so that’s been special. Alongside that, I did a lot of research. I connected with people on LinkedIn who were already working as business analysts in the UK. I messaged them to learn more about their journeys and whether it was worth pursuing a similar path. Hearing their experiences and advice gave me the confidence that it was possible and worth taking the leap. After all that, I just knew I had to do this.

Q. Tell us about your experience studying at the University of Surrey.

I genuinely enjoyed it here. When I first arrived, I was definitely nervous. It felt overwhelming to start everything from scratch in a new country, with no friends and everything unfamiliar. But things gradually got better. I made some amazing friends, which made all the difference. We traveled together, hung out, attended classes, and created some great memories. Even from the university’s side, I always felt welcomed and supported, which helped me settle in faster.

Making friends began naturally in class. I connected with a few people early on, and one of them, who also happens to be from Karnataka, quickly became my best friend. That shared background gave us an instant bond. We started organizing small gatherings and get-togethers, which gradually brought more people in. Living in student accommodation also made it easier to meet and interact with others. Over time, our circle grew organically into a close-knit group.

Q. How did you find your job after graduation?

It’s not easy, but it’s doable. You just have to be consistent and start applying as early as possible. I began applying towards the end of my course, mainly through platforms like LinkedIn and Indeed. I reached out to a lot of people on LinkedIn. Honestly, I think at one point I had connected with almost every business analyst I could find. I made it a habit to search for people in similar roles and send connection requests every day. Once they accepted, I would message them to learn more about their role and what it’s like working at their company.

I also made it a point to visit company websites and apply directly there. If there’s a company you’re interested in, I’d highly recommend reaching out to people who work there on LinkedIn. Rejections are part of the process, and you might face them daily, but you just have to keep going. Something will eventually work out.

Q. How’s your life after graduation?

I work in a hybrid setup, which gives me a great balance between focus and collaboration. I work at a museum, which is quite a non-conventional workplace, and I go in once a week to collaborate with my team. One of the standout differences I’ve noticed here is the emphasis on work-life balance, which contributes to a genuinely positive working culture. The environment is supportive and collaborative, and I’ve had the chance to work on a range of interesting and meaningful projects. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time outdoors, going for walks, and exploring the area. There's always something new to discover.