International Graduate Story: Shraddha

Posted on: 3 May 2023 by Richard Finch in Graduate stories

Shraddha Agrawal graduated from the University of Liverpool in 2019 with a master’s degree in Management. In this post she shares her graduate journey with us.

Who is your current employer?

I current work at Zelthy, a next-generation healthcare application development platform used by healthcare and life science companies to build patient journeys, e-commerce backbones, and supply chain solutions.

What is your current role and what are some of your key responsibilities in this role?

I work as the People Partner (HRBP) where I am responsible for managing people initiatives, policies, processes and other programmes across areas which are related to talent and performance management, employee engagement and experience, onboarding, wellness, and culture. I also develop measures to ensure these programmes have been impactful for the organisation.

How did you find out about this opportunity?

I found out about the opportunity through the Angel List website.

What was the application process like for the role and how did you prepare for it?

I found the application process quite seamless. It incorporated three interview rounds which included a behavioural interview and a discussion with the co-founders of the company.

How do you feel your degree programme at the University of Liverpool prepared you for your current job?

As part of my current role, I utilise the knowledge and skills that I acquired from the Master’s in Management degree I studied at the University of Liverpool. This programme has had a significant effect in the development of my career trajectory.

What was the most rewarding aspect about your academic programme at the University of Liverpool?

The comprehensive training and education I received as part of my MiM programme as well as the work experience week at ASDA Headquarters that I attended had equipped me with a robust foundation in multiple areas, particularly professional development and leadership that has proven to be indispensable in my current role.

What has your experience been like from living and studying in the UK to moving back to your home country?

My experience of living and studying in the UK was enriching and rewarding in many ways. I had the opportunity to explore a new culture, meet people from diverse backgrounds and gain a deeper understanding of different perspectives. The University provided a nurturing and supportive environment that helped me grow both personally and academically.

Moving back to my home country was initially overwhelming as I had to adjust to a new work environment and reacquaint myself with the local culture. However, the skills and knowledge I gained during my time in the UK have proven to be invaluable in my current role, and I am grateful for the unique experiences and perspectives that I gained during my time at Liverpool.

What are some of your top tips for current international students/graduates who might be considering to move back to their home country?

Believe in the process, and leverage your networking skills whether you are just starting your career or changing from one career to another. It is also important to keep yourself updated with new skills and industry insights.

How have you found the transition from studying to working?

It has been incredibly challenging since the pandemic had just begin after I graduated and moved back to India. During the first lockdown, I would attend online courses and worked as an intern to upskill myself and it helped me later in securing the right role for me.

How has this opportunity benefited you from an employability perspective? 

This opportunity has been immensely beneficial for me from an employability perspective. Firstly, the experience of working in this role has enabled me to develop and hone a range of functional skills, transferable skills, knowledge of IT industry that are highly valued in the market. Another advantage of working in a start-up is that you get to work on end-to-end processes, try and implement new process which might have the potential of scaling up with the growing organisation. I truly enjoy working in my current role.

Find out more about our support for international students and graduates here.