How I did it: Darshan Jaishankar

Higher education is a transformative experience. Not only is there the opportunity to earn a qualification, master a new skill and gain access to much-admired profession, there is the advantage of learning in an entirely new environment, experiencing new cultures and making friends that become family.

A university experience offers a life beyond the one lived before. No wonder making the decision on where and what to study can be overwhelming.

In this series, we hear from those who have been there and done it – using their studies to find the way to both personal and professional success.

For Darshan Jaishankar, taking the decision to study overseas, leaving Bengaluru to enrol at Kingston Business School in the UK enabled him to turn his electrical engineering expertise into a role influencing the entire UK energy sector. 

How can a business school experience change your life? Darshan shares his story here.

Q: Tell us about yourself

I completed my Bachelor’s degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from RV College of Engineering and began my career with Hitachi. In the Products team, I visited installed sites to service and support products. After two years, I transitioned to the Systems team, taking on responsibility for testing SCADA systems as well as Protection and Control panels.

Q: What was the reason you decided to go to business school? 

My previous role, while technically challenging, remained confined to working with pre-approved designs. This meant I had limited involvement in influencing project cost, design decisions, or overall execution timelines.

My long term ambition has been to move into Operations.

Q: What was it about your school and programme that encouraged you to enrol?  

Located in a prime area of South West London, Kingston Business School offered an ideal environment for international students to experience UK culture while remaining connected to a diverse, multicultural community—so I never felt alone. 

The teaching approach was heavily case study driven, with a well balanced mix of individual and group assignments, allowing me to learn not only from faculty but also from the varied experiences of my peers.

Q: What was it like moving to the UK? What helped you find your feet? 

I arrived without knowing anyone, but the University was extremely supportive. They consistently helped me navigate essential processes such as visas, course selection, and accommodation. 

Even after joining, I was able to adapt quickly—both culturally and socially—because the University organised various events that encouraged students to break the ice, and several dedicated support services that helped students address personal, academic, and practical challenges throughout their stay.

Q: What were the best things you gained from your studies?  

The programme combined case-based learning with foundational concepts, allowing me to connect my prior experience with new scenarios. This consistently pushed my understanding and provided a safe environment to apply newly acquired skills. 

I had the opportunity to work as a consultant to the UK Ministry of Defence, giving me valuable exposure to high stakes problem solving and real-world consulting methodologies.

Q: What were some of the biggest challenges you faced?

Understanding the UK job market and learning how to adapt to it—whether it was building a CV that aligns with UK expectations or developing a network. Identifying what employers value and adjusting my skills and approach accordingly was a crucial part of the transition. This required flexibility, openness and a willingness to rethink established ways of working.

Q: Did your study experience change your professional ambitions? 

The MBA at Kingston helped me redefine the kind of leader and professional I want to become, deepening my understanding of my strengths while teaching me how to remain adaptable without losing my authenticity.

The programme has made me more ambitious and broadened my perspective.I now aspire to create a global impact rather than limiting myself to contributions within a regional market.

Q: How has your career progressed since graduating? 

I am actively involved from the tendering stage. I contribute to offering the right technical solution to clients while ensuring project budgets and estimated timelines are accurately considered during planning. My role requires regular collaboration with teams across the UK and India, enabling effective project execution across different time zones and cultures.

My most recent project is a wind farm installation commissioned near Dundee for SWEL.

Q: How has the School supported you in your career since? 

The University offered a range of valuable facilities, including a CV builder that helps students create ATS (HR tech) friendly CVs. The University organised workshops and sessions where we learned from the experience and insights of industry experts. Regular alumni meetups were held to maintain a strong network. 

Q: What is your favourite thing about your work today?

The most exciting part of my day is realising the impact I am having on the UK energy sector. I play a key role in building a reliable and efficient energy infrastructure by collaborating with teams across the UK and India. 

Q: Where do you see yourself in five years?

I aim to progress into management roles within project execution, further strengthening my technical and commercial expertise. My goal is to take on broader responsibilities and eventually step into a countrywide role where I can contribute to strategic decision making and drive impactful outcomes.

Q: What advice would you give to others considering studying in London or at Kingston? 

Taking the step to move to the UK can feel daunting, especially when everything is new and unfamiliar. But you won’t be going through it alone. Fortunately, you will be joining a university that has strong support systems in place to guide you throughout the process.

What will truly set you up for success is your ability to adapt. You must be willing to unlearn old ways of working and relearn new approaches. This mindset will put you on the right path to achieving your ambitions.

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