From MA in India to Policy Coordinator at Cambridge

I am Kavya Neeba, a policy engagement network coordinator at the University of Cambridge. I joined the Centre for Science and Policy after completing a Master’s in Public Administration at the University of Birmingham, the UK. I spoke with Leap about my journey for their expert student series—Indians who had studied abroad recently and are still in that country pursuing their dreams—because I want to help others wanting to take the same career jump that I made.

Q. Tell us about your background.

I come from Kerala. For my undergraduate degree, I did an integrated MA in development studies from IIT Madras in 2022. I moved to the UK to pursue my second master's. I graduated in December 2023

I knew I wanted to do a degree in public administration or either public policy or public administration, so I was always looking to move abroad and study abroad. I also knew that I wanted to move to an English-speaking country, just to avoid all the hassles with language problems.

Q. How did you decide where to go and study? What was the process like?

For me, it was either the UK or the US. I picked the UK since it's much better for social science and the US is known for its quality STEM programs. Another appealing aspect was the two-year post-study work visa. It allows you to stay in the UK for two years after completing a one-year master's, under the graduate route, without requiring sponsorship. The UK has always been a great study destination with really good colleges.

Q. What was it like to study there?

I attended a lot of icebreaker events, and social events organized by student teams in the university. That helped me meet new people. The first step is to take a little courage and overcome the fear of embarrassment and go to these social events. I met one of my close friends in the UK through one of these icebreaker sessions.

The one big tip I give everyone is to go out of your comfort zone and meet new people. The whole purpose of studying abroad is to get that international exposure. I understand it's very comforting and easy to stay close to people from your country and community. But it's also important to move outside, to socialize and mingle with people from other countries.

Q. Did you find any difference between India's and the UK's education systems?

At Birmingham, the academic culture is very feedback-oriented and you have flexibility when it comes to electives. They had a step-marking or step-grading system which took a while to get my head around. So when you write an essay and submit it for grading, you're not just getting a blank grade, but you get a very detailed explanation and feedback as to what can be improved, which I found very helpful and made me enjoy my degree even more.

Q. Can you break down your expenses? How did you finance it?

I financed my study in the UK partly through an education loan back home. The education loan covered my biggest expense, which was the tuition fee. It was around 22,000 pounds (22 lakhs). I was fortunate enough to receive a small scholarship, which was called the Commonwealth Scholarship. I got a 3-4 lakh reduction in my tuition fee. Birmingham was substantially cheaper compared to London or Cambridge. For instance, accommodation costs for a year came up to around 6,000 pounds. I spent around 7 lakh rupees from my pocket on expenses such as the visa, flight tickets, and initial costs like buying essentials, moving abroad, and settling down. I got a part-time job three months after I moved to the UK and that helped me manage my expenses.

Q. What about lifestyle and travel expenses?

Expenses can vary depending on the city you live in and how often you order takeout. I got takeout only once every two months. I didn’t travel much as a student because I was sticking to a strict budget. Social expenses, like going out with friends, can usually be managed through part-time jobs, as the UK’s minimum wage is sufficient for that.

One of the great things about being a student in the UK is the wide range of discounts available for travel, shopping, electronics, and other study-related expenses. It’s really helpful to stay informed about these discounts and use them whenever possible. Every time I booked something or planned a trip, I always checked for discounts. Even if it was just a five-pound saving, I made sure to take advantage of it.

Q: How challenging was your job hunt after graduation?

It took me a solid seven months of sustained, continued effort to land the job that I have now. I was getting rejections constantly. But then I listened to career talks and did research to understand the job market and tailored my CV accordingly. You play to your strengths rather than applying to any job that comes your way. AI tools can be really helpful in optimizing your profile. The next part is the interview and the other tests. Again, that was a hectic process in itself. I was adamant about getting a job before my graduation. Luckily, after sending out 84 applications and sitting for over six interviews, I landed a job at Cambridge exactly on my graduation day.

Q. Is there any particular strategy that worked for you?

One thing that I learned during this process was that Brits love small talk and soft skills. Your communication skills can trump almost everything else. They value how you can transfer your skill set to the workplace and communicate effectively. Another key thing to keep in mind is that the process requires constant learning.

Q. How did you manage this situation emotionally?

I had friends who were in the same boat as me. We would give each other moral support when everything seemed so bleak. Understanding the rules and legislation around visa sponsorship is crucial for international students, as many start job hunting without this knowledge. Being aware of these regulations allows you to navigate the system strategically and make informed decisions. While the process is challenging, it’s not impossible—these regulations are the biggest hurdle.

Remember, as an international student, you bring unique strengths like diverse experiences, multilingual skills, and a comparative understanding of different countries. If you can effectively communicate and showcase these qualities, you’ll be well-prepared. Combined with solid technical advice on CVs and job hunting, you’re set to succeed.

Q. Do you want to give any general advice?

When you are applying to University, have a really good idea of what you want and where you want to be career-wise. Try to build a narrative with yourself and your application. Universities love to hear a good story.  It can help so much in establishing you as a strong candidate.