— Poorvaja Jagadeesan I landed in the UK in September 2022 as a 22-year-old with the plans of pursuing an MSc in Advanced Cell and Gene Therapies at the University of Sheffield. Two years later, I am now working as a Manufacturing Technician at the Gene Therapy Innovation and Manufacturing Centre (GTIMC) in Sheffield. Back in India, I was laid-back, never really on edge — everything felt familiar and safe. But when I first arrived in the UK, I was in constant fight-or-flight mode. I was on my own for the first time, responsible for every decision in a new country. It was overwhelming, but it forced me to grow. Now, I am more confident than I ever was back home — confident enough to believe I can handle anything life throws at me. Society’s perception of me has shifted too and so has my view of it. In the UK, people are incredibly polite and kind — it’s normal to thank someone or hold the door open, and I’ve adapted to that. But when I visit India now, those same habits — like thanking delivery staff or apologising for a small mistake — get me odd looks. It’s funny how something so natural here feels out of place there. Living abroad has rewired how I interact with the world, and I love that evolution. Why I pursued MSc in Advanced Cell and Gene Therapies Growing up with a sibling diagnosed with a genetic condition, I was endlessly fascinated by how he navigated the world. Every day, I’d watch him perform exceptionally well — thinking differently, often better than me — and I’d wonder, how does he do it? Watching him and interacting with his friends and their families, I realised that many people lacked exposure to the idea that their children were not challenged but simply different. With the right support, they could thrive in ways others might not expect. This curiosity sparked my interest in gene therapies and personalised medicine — fields that have the potential to help individuals live healthier, more fulfilling lives. When I discovered the MSc in Advanced Cell and Gene Therapies, it felt like the perfect fit. Back in India, opportunities to specialise in gene therapy are quite limited, as most courses focus on broad fields until the PhD level. Since gene therapy is still an emerging field in India, I couldn’t find a suitable programme that aligned with my aspirations. This motivated me to study abroad, where I could gain specialised knowledge and practical experience in gene therapies. My master’s course put me in front of industry leaders and let me interact with professionals shaping therapeutic solutions while the connections I built gave me a foothold in the industry. It challenged me to think creatively, stepping into the shoes of a principal investigator. I wasn’t just memorising concepts — I was strategising every aspect of a new treatment, from its initial concept to its potential implementation. This process was both intellectually stimulating and highly rewarding, pushing my creative boundaries in ways I hadn’t anticipated. Beyond academics, studying abroad fuelled my personal growth — boosting my adaptability, resilience and confidence. Role on internships in getting a job in the UK Securing an internship as an international student during a master’s programme can be challenging, but the industry collaborations and connections built during the course play a crucial role in the long run. These relationships help streamline career goals, provide guidance during the early stages of one’s professional journey, and open doors to opportunities that might not be immediately visible. Mentorship and networking are not just about securing a job offer — they provide insights, support, and guidance that shape your career trajectory in ways you may not anticipate. The connections I made during my studies helped me navigate the job market, understand industry expectations, and gain a competitive edge in the field of gene therapy. Experience of working in the UK Transitioning from a student visa to a skilled worker visa was surprisingly smooth, and I didn’t face any major hurdles. After completing my MSc, I moved directly from a student to a skilled worker visa, and GTIMC’s support made all the difference. Having a clear understanding of visa requirements and securing a job with sponsorship early on played a key role in ensuring a hassle-free transition. I have observed a strong emphasis on work-life balance in the UK. People here genuinely disconnect from work during weekends and prioritise personal time. At the same time, when at work, there’s a clear expectation of dedication and delivering your best effort, creating a healthy balance between professional commitment and personal well-being. Another key aspect of the UK working culture is its inclusivity and collaborative nature. Regardless of age or experience, everyone is given the space to express their views, and those ideas are genuinely valued and considered. Work-life balance, inclusivity, and a supportive culture stand out as defining features of my professional experience in the UK. They’ve shaped my understanding of what a positive and progressive workplace can look like. Networking helps in landing a job Networking is a goldmine for international students, and universities in the UK make it so accessible. Start with the Freshers’ events organised by the student union — it’s the perfect place to meet fellow students, and seniors who can offer useful advice on navigating university life. The student union also organises fantastic networking events with alumni, which are invaluable for learning about their career paths and getting mentorship. Also, career fairs are not just about landing a job — they’re fantastic for meeting company representatives, asking questions, and making your presence known. Build connections early, and don’t hesitate to put yourself out there. My tip? Show genuine curiosity and follow up with the people you meet — it’s how you turn a handshake into a lasting opportunity. Skills needed to study and work abroad Communication and writing skills are essential — being able to express yourself clearly and confidently makes a big difference, whether it’s in group projects, interviews, or day-to-day interactions. Equally important are organisation and time management. Balancing lectures, assignments, part-time work, and daily responsibilities can be overwhelming without proper planning. Independence is key too — learn how to manage your finances, cook basic meals, do laundry, and generally take care of yourself. You’ll be responsible for everything, and these life skills make the transition smoother. Adaptability, teamwork, and resilience also go a long way. Living and studying in a different country means stepping into a completely new culture and often a multicultural environment. You’ll meet people from diverse backgrounds with different perspectives and ways of working. Being open-minded, respectful, and emotionally strong will help you not only overcome challenges but also grow personally and thrive in this global setting. And if you’re not confident when you arrive, don’t worry. This journey will teach you confidence. It’ll shape you, challenge you, and eventually help you discover just how capable you really are. If you’re thinking about studying abroad, especially in a cutting-edge field like advanced therapies, my biggest advice is this: be clear about what you want and let passion drive you. Choosing the right course is the most critical step — it’s your launchpad. Studying abroad isn’t just about academics; it’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance to engage with industry leaders and top researchers. Push your creative boundaries, absorb as much as you can, and embrace the entire journey — it will shape you in ways you can’t even imagine yet. (This article is part of a new series by Times Now Digital that follows the journeys of Indian students after graduation from foreign universities. From switching visas and landing first jobs, to navigating cultural shifts and finding a sense of belonging — these stories explore what life looks like after the classroom ends and the real world begins.)