Dibyayan graduated in 2018 and is currently working as an Audit Associate with Grant Thornton that conducts financial audits for leading UK companies.
During his placement, Dibyayan said he acquired valuable skillsets such as data analysis, forecasting and effective communication in a commercial setting. He also gained solid exposure to various functions of the business including logistics, operations, finance and sales.
He said: “The relationships I made during my placement year were instrumental in my decision to undertake my dissertation on this industry – for which I was graded very highly. These skills allowed me to stand out as a candidate when I was pursuing the full-time role at Grant Thornton.”
Studying at Southampton
For Dibyayan, studying abroad was a big decision but the conversations he had with the University of Southampton representative in India made him feel truly cared for and were instrumental in his decision to study at Southampton.
“They gave me a complete picture of what Southampton had to offer. The University has an academic reputation of being one of the best in the UK, as well as all the tools and channels necessary to equip me for the professional world.
“The city itself is amazing for international students and I can thoroughly recommend the University to potential international students.”
Southampton gave me everything. I came as an 18-year-old kid who had never been abroad or lived independently. My time at Southampton had an inexplicable impact on the person I am today.
A lasting experience
Dibyayan says the relationships he made at Southampton will last him a lifetime, from friends all over the world, to networking and work opportunities that have opened several doors for him.
He added: “The University of Southampton is truly a world full of exciting opportunities.”
He got involved with several opportunities while at the University from working as a student ambassador to being an elected international officer of the Students’ Union.
He said: “Southampton gave me everything. I came as an 18-year-old kid who had never been abroad or lived independently. My time at Southampton had an inexplicable impact on the person I am today.
“I fitted into Southampton straight away. My biggest challenge was the different method of learning in the UK. In India, there is a big focus on memorising information, whereas in the UK practical knowledge tends to be valued a lot more. That shift in learning style was something I had to get used to but it certainly made learning a lot more fun and more like the real world.
“Winning ‘Rookie of the Year’ award in my local office in my first year after graduation was one of my biggest successes, as well as building solid relationships with both my clients and colleagues.”
Advice for future students
Dibyayan’s advice would be to say yes to any opportunity and show up when the occasion presents itself. “You’ve got this!” he said.
