A Focus on Learning

Studying at MBS also offered Siddharth an experience that different to his undergraduate degree in India.

‘Studying India is a bit more of what I would call an “old school” experience, more textbook based, or like a traditional classroom. Here you have lectures that are very interactive, and there is a lot of engagement with your peers. Lots of my professors also come from within the industry, so they were able to speak to that experience directly and give us a taste of what the working world was like. I found those classes really invaluable,’ he says. ‘There’s also a lot of emphasis placed on the extra-curricular, on getting involved with opportunities to learn outside the classroom. I got very involved with the student societies during my post graduate studies, such as the MBS Students Association (MBSSA).’

Siddharth also went on to start the Indian Graduate Student Society (IGSS), a legacy that lives on to this day.

‘My friend and I started IGSS in 2016, because we’d both started at the university and noticed that while there were societies catering to a lot of international students, there wasn’t a society for Indian Students. IGSS offers that sense of community and connection right from the get-go, we started a buddy program, and planned celebrations for Indian festivals. I think communities like that are really important for international students, it can be really tough when you’ve moved from overseas and you’re trying to get your bearings in a new city.’

Now, Siddharth is working as an accountant at Provision, a role that he enjoys because of the hands-on nature of his work.

‘I’ve really come to enjoy working with a smaller organisation, I think it allows me to learn more and take on additional responsibilities to those you might have working in a bigger organisation. I can also see the real-world impact of what I do every day, I work a lot with optometrists, so I’m part of an organisation that helps people restore their vision.’