Study Abroad Journey: From MSc to Manufacturing in the UK -

Study abroad journeys often begin with uncertainty, and for this Indian student, it turned into a transformative leap — from pursuing an MSc in Advanced Cell and Gene Therapies to working as a Manufacturing Technician in Sheffield, UK. What began as a dream in 2022 has since evolved into a story of personal growth, professional success, and a redefined sense of self.

From Home Comfort to Global Challenge

In September 2022, the student arrived in the UK at 22, ready to pursue a master’s at the University of Sheffield. Coming from a laid-back environment in India where everything felt familiar, moving abroad brought an immediate shift. With no safety net, the reality of being on her own triggered a wave of growth. Constant decision-making in an unfamiliar setting was overwhelming, but it taught her resilience and independence. Now, she carries a quiet confidence that she never had back home.

Interestingly, living abroad also changed how she interacts with the world. Small habits like thanking delivery staff or saying sorry for minor inconveniences, second nature in the UK, sometimes draw puzzled looks when she visits India. This subtle rewiring of behavior, she says, reflects how deeply immersive the experience has been.

A Personal Inspiration Behind the Career Choice

The choice to study advanced cell and gene therapies was rooted in a personal story. Growing up with a sibling who had a genetic condition, she was deeply curious about how people with such challenges navigate the world. Rather than viewing them as limited, she saw potential — and realised that many families lacked exposure to supportive narratives. That curiosity led her to gene therapies, a field still developing in India.

She found that most Indian courses remained too broad until the PhD level, while specialised programmes were rare. That gap drove her to seek out international opportunities, and the University of Sheffield’s cutting-edge MSc programme felt like the perfect fit.

From Classroom to Career in Gene Therapy

The academic experience was rigorous and transformative. Instead of simply absorbing concepts, she was encouraged to think like a principal investigator — planning treatments from scratch and understanding the entire pipeline from research to regulatory approval. A 20-week research project offered valuable hands-on experience, preparing her for real-world challenges.

Thanks to the exposure and industry links forged during her studies, she successfully transitioned into a role at the Gene Therapy Innovation and Manufacturing Centre (GTIMC) in Sheffield. There, her academic foundation, attention to detail, and experience with industry protocols became vital assets.

Internships, Networking, and Career Breakthroughs

Internships can be tough to land for international students, but the University’s network and collaborations helped open doors. Mentorship and alumni connections provided not only job leads but also career guidance and confidence. From career fairs to student union events, she actively built a web of relationships that ultimately led to real opportunities.

She emphasizes that networking is more than exchanging emails — it’s about building lasting conversations, showing curiosity, and following up. These relationships shaped her path into the UK workforce.

Life and Work in the UK

The shift from a student visa to a skilled worker visa was smooth, thanks to GTIMC’s support and early preparation. She noticed clear distinctions in work culture — especially the strong emphasis on work-life balance. Weekends are respected, and personal well-being is prioritised without compromising dedication at work.

Inclusivity is another defining feature. Regardless of your experience, your voice matters. This collaborative environment gave her the confidence to contribute meaningfully, regardless of age or background.

Skills That Matter Abroad

Living and working abroad demands more than academic strength. Strong communication, time management, and basic life skills like budgeting and cooking are essential. Being open to new perspectives, adaptable in diverse teams, and emotionally resilient can make a huge difference in how you thrive.

She believes studying abroad helps you grow into someone who can face uncertainty with strength. “Even if you don’t feel confident at first, the journey will teach you confidence,” she says.

Final Advice: Follow Your Passion

To anyone considering studying abroad, especially in emerging fields like gene therapy, her advice is simple — be clear about your goals and let your passion lead the way. The right course can be a launchpad to a career you once only imagined. Embrace every moment, challenge yourself, and stay open to change — the growth is immeasurable.