Embarking on an international adventure

Pournami Padmanabhan, Vice President (Education) at the Union of Students, wasn’t sure what to expect when she began her studies in the UK. However, when studying her Master of Business Administration - Global Finance at the University of Derby, she found a diverse community where she could step out of her comfort zone and unlock her true potential.

Joining a global community

Although Pournami had not initially considered exploring other countries, she now believes studying in Derby was one of the best decisions she could have made. Her studies marked the beginning of a transformative journey, where she developed both as a student and as a leader.

“My time at Derby taught me independence. I’ve gained confidence and clarity about what I’m capable of achieving. Derby wasn’t just about academics—it was about growth, connection, and finding my place in a global community.”

As well as growing academically, Pournami was pleased to discover a multicultural environment where she could connect with people from different backgrounds.

Embracing change

Moving to a new country can feel overwhelming at first but Pournami believes it is an incredible opportunity to discover the world and learn about yourself. To make the most of this opportunity, Pournami advises prospective international students to immerse themselves in the experience.

“Prepare yourself to embrace change with an open heart and mind. Be ready to adapt to new cultures, etiquettes, perspectives, and connections. Engage with the community, take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way, and cherish even the smallest moments—they’re often the most memorable.”

A great way to connect with other people is by joining societies and attending events.

“Remember to find balance; prioritise your studies, but don’t forget to take care of yourself and enjoy the little moments. This journey will be transformative in ways you can’t yet imagine, so take it one step at a time, embrace the challenges, and make it uniquely your own.”

Memorable moments

There have been many exciting and fulfilling moments throughout Pournami's university journey. This includes representing the University of Derby as a scholarship recipient at the GREAT Scholars networking event. The event was organised by Study-UK and the British Council and was an incredible opportunity for Pournami to connect with brilliant minds and make lifelong friends.

Pournami was also proud to achieve the milestone of winning the election for Vice President (Education) at the Students’ Union for the 2024-25 term, becoming the first international student to hold a sabbatical officer position at the Union.

It was a special moment for Pournami to celebrate all her hard work at her graduation. She was proud to walk across the stage and had the honour of representing the Union during subsequent graduation ceremonies.

Another highlight was speaking at the Postgraduate Open Day.

“Speaking at the Postgraduate Open Day was an opportunity to share my experiences as an international student and offer a glimpse into university life, something I hope resonated with the prospective students in attendance. Each of these moments has been a source of immense pride, reinforcing my belief in the power of leadership, connection, and embracing opportunities.”

Receiving the GREAT scholarship

Being a recipient of the GREAT Scholarship programme delivered multiple benefits for Pournami.

“The GREAT Scholarship truly gave wings to my dreams. Receiving this prestigious award from the UK Government and the British Council was a recognition of my potential and gave me the confidence to pursue an MBA in Global Finance at the University of Derby.”

The generous financial support covered a significant portion of her tuition fees, alleviating the financial burden of pursuing a postgraduate degree in the UK. This enabled Pournami to focus fully on her studies and excel, as she graduated with a Distinction.

Beyond the financial benefits, the scholarship was pivotal in shaping Pournami’s journey by giving her the confidence to achieve key milestones, including her current leadership roles.

“Beyond the financial support, receiving the scholarship was a moment of profound self-realisation, affirming my potential and worth. This scholarship provided me with a foundation from which to pursue academic excellence, inspiring me to perform at my best and demonstrate my capabilities.”

Additionally, the GREAT Scholar community connected Pournami with talented individuals from diverse backgrounds around the globe, further broadening her perspectives and enriching her aspirations.

“This opportunity has not only advanced my education but also transformed my professional and personal growth, empowering me to make a meaningful impact in my field.”

Continuing personal and professional growth

Looking to the future, Pournami would like to build on the knowledge and experience gained through her studies and previous roles to explore opportunities in audit and finance. She is particularly passionate about creating a meaningful impact in an organisation, leading positive change and continuing to learn and better herself.

“I value the relationships I’ve built during my time at Derby, and I look forward to staying connected with the incredible people I’ve met along the way. Ultimately, I want to keep pushing myself to grow, embrace new opportunities, and contribute in ways that are both fulfilling and impactful.”