Theory + practice = consultancy career
By Yash Sethi - Posted on 23 July 2026
As an international student with a background in business consultancy, Yash Shethi travelled to Scotland to do the MSc Business Analysis and Consulting at Strathclyde and has now been taken on as a business analyst at Peak Scientific.
My MSc Business Analytics Journey
When I look back at my time at the University of Strathclyde, the first words that come to mind are challenging but rewarding. Coming from a Business Analyst and Consultant role at Capgemini in India, I knew I wanted to deepen my technical skills and gain international exposure. Strathclyde’s highly ranked business school made the decision easy, it felt like the right place to push myself, grow, and prepare for the next step in my career.
Why Strathclyde?
I wanted a programme that wasn’t just all about theory but genuinely practical. Strathclyde’s MSc in Business Analysis and Consulting had that balance. The modules were designed to reflect real world scenarios, and the teaching style encouraged us to think like analysts, not just students. It was exactly the kind of environment I needed to transition into the UK job market.
Programme Highlights
Some modules really stood out, in particular, the Becoming an Effective Business Analyst module and the AI classes. What made them memorable wasn’t just the content but the teaching style. The lecturers brought real world datasets into the classroom which made the learning experience feel authentic and relatable. It wasn’t just “here’s the theory”, it was “here’s how it can be used in real world.”
And then there were the presentations. Presenting assignments in front of the class is one of my fondest memories, partly because it was terrifying at first, but it also gave me confidence. Explaining my work to others, defending my approach, and learning from classmates helped me grow in ways I didn’t expect. Those moments taught me how to communicate insights clearly, a skill I now use every single day.
The Cohort Experience
The international environment was another highlight: working with people from different backgrounds brought fresh perspectives to every group project. Some group work was intense, some was fun, and some was let’s just say “character building.” But each experience taught me something valuable about teamwork, communication, and mostly about patience.
How the MSc Helped Me Land My Role
Today, I work as a Business Reporting Analyst at Peak Scientific, and I can confidently say the MSc played a big part in getting me here. The programme gave me exposure to the UK job market and helped me understand what employers expect, both technically and professionally.
The Strathclyde Careers Service also helped me refine my CV, which made a noticeable difference. Sometimes it’s the small tweaks that get you through the first screening.
What I Do Now
My role at Peak Scientific involves a lot of reporting, data exploration, and making sense of messy organisational data. I work closely with stakeholders, turning raw data into meaningful insights and dashboards that support decision making.
The part I enjoy most is digging into the data. There’s something oddly satisfying about taking a chaotic dataset and slowly uncovering the story hidden inside. Every day feels like solving a new puzzle.
How My MSc Shows Up in My Job
Two things from the programme show up in my work constantly:
- Stakeholder management - knowing how to communicate insights clearly and professionally.
- Approaching new projects - breaking down problems, structuring analysis, and choosing the right tools.
These skills weren’t just taught, they were practised repeatedly throughout the programme.
Advice for Future Students
If you’re considering the MSc in Business Analytics, here’s my honest advice:
- Come prepared, the job market is competitive.
- Strengthen your technical skills early.
- Don’t underestimate soft skills, they matter more than you think.
- Be ready to adapt, learn, and push yourself.
The International Student Job Hunt
As an international student, the job hunt wasn’t easy. The visa situation is one of the biggest hurdles, and there were definitely ups and downs. But if you stay persistent, keep improving your skills, evolving and make the most of the opportunities around you, it is possible to find the right role. The journey may be tough, but it’s worth it.
About Yash Sethi
Yash Sethi is a Business Analyst with over four years of experience in analytics across the banking and consulting sectors. Originally from Delhi, India, he now works as a Business Reporting Analyst at Peak Scientific in Scotland. He is passionate about astronomy, music, and travelling. He did the MSc in Business Analysis and Consulting at Strathclyde Business School.
