From a BBA in India to Building a Career in London: Dikshant Arora’s Study Abroad Journey in Bath

I am Dikshant Arora , a Marketing Coordinator at Certify Assessment Solutions. I completed my MSc in Marketing from the University of Bath, 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 am originally from Gurgaon. After school, I pursued a Bachelor of Business Administration from Bennett University, specializing in entrepreneurship. During my time there, I discovered my passion for photography and videography. Although I dabbled in it during school, the university provided the opportunity to refine my skills further. I began freelancing and even became the head of videography for the university.?

Following my graduation, I worked for a year at a startup as a marketing consultant for an Augmented Reality startup. Gradually, I became interested in media and marketing as well. So I ended up going to the University of Bath for their Marketing course.?

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

Once I decided to pursue marketing, I began researching. Like most people, I had to choose between the UK and the US. Since I didn’t want to take any competitive entrance tests like GMAT, I applied to universities in the UK. I got into the University of Liverpool, King’s College, and the University of Bath.?

I chose Bath out of the three because I found Bath very scenic and it is not a big city like London. If I lived in a busy metropolis I would be distracted for sure. Additionally, I saw the campus's new School of Management building as an opportunity to improve my content production skills and make connections.

Q. What was it like to study there??

I have family here in the UK, so adjusting wasn’t too difficult for me. They showed me around London, which made the transition smoother. Once I received my admission letter, I attended a couple of pre-departure events organized by the University of Bath in Delhi, where I met many students who were enrolling in the same course as me, along with some faculty members. This helped me build connections even before arriving at the university.

Like most universities, we had icebreaker sessions, which made it easier to meet people. I also made friends through group projects and by socializing with classmates from different nationalities. One important tip for making friends at university is to step out of your comfort zone—don’t just stick to people from your own country. Go to pubs, restaurants, and study spaces; work on assignments together, grab dinner, or even go clubbing with them.

Engaging in different activities is the best way to meet new people and learn about different cultures. Thanks to these experiences, I now have friends all over the world—wherever I travel, I know someone whom I've met in Bath.???

Q. What did you like most about studying in the UK??

The UK gives a two-year post-study-work visa. I felt like what you do during your time at university matters more than just academics. If you focus solely on getting good grades, it won’t take you far. Sure, critical thinking, understanding the course requirements, and writing strong assignments are important, but networking and socialising are key too.

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

My course cost around ￡25,000 ( ? 25 lakh), and I was fortunate—blessed, really—that my dad could sponsor it. As for my accommodation, my dad covered most of it, and I paid for the rest through my part-time work. That came to about ￡11,000 (? 11 lakh), bringing the total to around ￡36,000 (?36 lakh).

Beyond that, miscellaneous expenses varied, but in Bath, I needed around ￡700–￡800 (?80,000) per month to live comfortably. You can easily earn that amount through part-time work. In the UK, people generally appreciate those working in hospitality, as it provides valuable experience and skills like attention to detail and time management.?

My major expenses were groceries (￡50–￡70 per week) and travel. Initially, it took me a couple of months to figure out the best grocery stores for savings, so I’d recommend getting club cards for discounts. One key money-saving tip: use the First Bus app. I spent nearly ￡100 per month on transport by paying per ride, but a bus pass would have saved me a lot if I had used it. Beyond essentials, I spent on festivals and trips to places like London and Brighton.

What was your job-hunting process like? Do you have any tips??

In October, many companies attend career fairs to showcase themselves and connect with students. I made the most of these events by speaking to company representatives about graduate schemes and job opportunities. These conversations often revealed insights not available online. I applied for the Dyson Graduate Scheme, which opens around November and involves three to four interview rounds, with hiring for the following September.?

To improve your chances, research companies with graduate schemes before arriving in the UK and connect with professionals in roles like 'Graduate Marketing Executive'. Check where alumni from your university were hired and reach out to them. Also, maintain a portfolio—mine highlighted event organization from my undergrad, master’s, and work experience.

Finally, follow the UK CV format, tailor it for each application, and apply early.?

How has it been working there?

You need to truly understand how marketing works in the real world. In both of my jobs, no one asked for my degree or grades. They didn’t even ask for a copy of my degree. This is very different from India, where grades and university reputation often take precedence.

In the UK, employers care more about what you know, what you’ve done, and how you’ve applied your knowledge. What matters is your understanding of marketing, your extracurricular activities, and how you’ve experimented with marketing strategies—even if it’s just applying them to your personal Instagram, TikTok, or Snapchat.?

The professional culture here is very different from India—back home, I was used to directly calling vendors, whereas, in the UK, everything is more formal and email-driven. Whether it’s academics, social life, or professional interactions, adapting to this system is crucial.

Q. Do you want to give any general advice?

Be social—attend events, network, and connect with people early. This helps refine your CV, improve your approach, and understand the job market. Getting a job takes time; don’t just reach out when a role opens—build relationships in advance.?

Also, connect with university alumni to understand the culture and money-saving tips. Seek multiple perspectives rather than relying on just one.?

When choosing a course, go beyond university rankings—focus on the curriculum and how it gives you a competitive edge. Be very specific about what you want to do, because it's a significant investment, and you don’t want to finish university wondering whether you gained more than just new connections or friendships. You need to ask yourself, "How will this experience help me in the long run?" Developing skills and applying them should be your primary focus.?