From India to UWTSD: A journey of growth and confidence

29 June 2026

After more than fifteen years in the workplace, Shivani Khanna made the decision to return to education and pursue a Master of Business Administration (MBA) at UWTSD’s Swansea Business School. Originally from India and graduating in 2025, her journey highlights her drive to keep learning and developing her skills.

In this blog, she reflects on her experience as an international student and how her time at the University has supported her personal growth, confidence and career direction.

I always wanted to improve, try something new and continue learning. After feeling stagnant for a few years, I felt a strong urge to grow my knowledge. By that time, I had already been working for over fifteen years, and it was quite scary to leave the security of a stable income to study further.

I was influenced by rapid technological changes, such as AI and new ways of running businesses, which made me realise I needed to update my skills. I had also been thinking about doing a Master’s degree for some time, and with my background in management and a Bachelor’s in Business Administration, I decided to pursue an MBA.

When it came to choosing where to study, the UK was my first choice because of its long history of quality education. During my research, UWTSD stood out as the best option for me. It is highly ranked for its teaching standards and offers the MBA across a range of campuses, with flexible study options and modules suited to different disciplines.

I was particularly impressed by the university’s focus on practical learning, including innovation projects led by students and alumni. I also appreciated that UWTSD considers mature students, including those with study gaps, based on their work experience and expertise. As someone in my thirties, this gave me confidence in my decision.

The admission process was smooth and straightforward. After submitting my academic documents, IELTS results and personal statement, I received my conditional offer within just three working days. This was followed by a friendly interview, where I received helpful feedback.

What really stood out to me was the level of support throughout the process. I received quick responses to my queries, and the university guided me through my visa application, ensuring everything was completed correctly and without stress. I was also fortunate to receive a scholarship, which made my MBA more affordable.

From day one, UWTSD makes you feel welcomed. Even simple things like the free airport pickup on offer to international students showed the level of care and helps make settling in feel easier. The staff were friendly and understanding, especially when it came to differences in academic styles between local and international students. They provided the guidance needed to help us adjust and succeed in our studies.

We were also given the opportunity to attend an academic English module for three months, which helped us adapt to academic expectations without the pressure of grades. In addition, extra academic support was always available through Student Hwb - all we needed to do was reach out.

When I started my MBA, I found all my lecturers to be approachable and supportive. They clearly communicated expectations and were available both during and after classes if we needed help. The MBA curriculum is practical and designed to equip students with real-life skills for career progression.

Class discussions were encouraged, and we were often invited to share different perspectives, even when opinions differed. This helped develop critical thinking and boosted my confidence. Over time, I was able to better understand my career goals and recognise what truly matters to me in terms of professional growth.

A woman standing in front of a giant deck chair saying 'Student Union'

Support that shapes success

“What really stood out to me was the level of support throughout my journey. From quick responses to helpful guidance, I always felt supported and able to move forward with confidence.”

During my course, I volunteered to become a class representative. I was selected and given the responsibility of raising any concerns on behalf of my classmates. This allowed me to attend several student and staff meetings, where I was able to voice my opinions in front of student union representatives, academic managers and staff from my discipline. This was an empowering experience for me.

I later applied for, and was selected as, a student voice representative. During my tenure, I attended three university-level board meetings. I was surprised to find that senior officials are not only keen to hear students’ opinions through representatives like me, but they also take them seriously and consider them when forming university-wide policies. In short, student welfare is at the centre of the university’s focus.

I experienced this support first-hand during a difficult time in my studies, when I lost a close relative in India. During this time, I accessed the university’s support services, which helped me through the bereavement process and supported me in getting back on my feet.

The university also offers a wide range of services, including library resources, digital learning, enterprise advice and career guidance. These are available to all students for free, and many continue even after graduation.

The supportive environment also encouraged me to take part in additional opportunities. I approached one of my lecturers to get involved in a student or alumni-led project, and he included me in a joint project between UWTSD and the Wales Management Council called Business Hwb. Through this, I now volunteer as an operations executive, helping to run events that bring together students, local businesses and industry experts. It has been an incredible opportunity to gain hands-on experience, build connections and understand the local business environment.

As part of my continued involvement as an alumni volunteer, I was also selected alongside other to attend the Commonwealth Leadership Institute (CLI) Educational Summit in Windsor where I met His Majesty The King. This was a truly inspiring experience, where I met global leaders creating meaningful change through leadership and empathy.

Overall, my journey started as a student, but it has grown into something much more meaningful. I am now working towards my goal of contributing positively to society by developing empathy, applying leadership skills and strengthening my communication.