Divya Selva Prabhu

Email Divya: divya-link@leeds.ac.uk

I am Divya, and I am from Chennai. At the University of Leeds, I am pursuing my MSc in Business Analytics and Decision Sciences.

I completed my Bachelor's degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering from Panimalar Engineering College, Anna University, Chennai, India.

I worked as a social media intern and was fascinated by the generation of valuable insights through reports and dashboards. I enjoyed working with statistics that increased in engagement. I've always wanted to work in a field that involves a lot of data, and I've learned a range of tools during my undergraduate years.

I did extensive research into several courses in the UK and discovered Business Analytics as the ideal course. I then looked for top institutions that offered this subject, and I have to admit that the University of Leeds ticked all the boxes in terms of academics, job opportunities, and student life.

The Leeds University Business School has a triple accreditation and is a very well-reputed institution with a lot of developments in my field. Given the duration of my Masters degree in the UK, my course covers all aspects of business analytics and assisted me in developing quantitative abilities.  

The module is well-structured, with a lot of hands-on training and case studies that help me to tackle real-world challenges. I love participating in discussions, and the faculty is really encouraging. I’ve also gained practical knowledge in R programming language, SQL and Power BI.

I've also received a lot of support from the Careers Centre team on how to strengthen my CV and cover letter, as well as great advice on how to fill out applications and prepare for interviews and assessments.

The University's library and seminar halls are yet another reason why I love going to the University. One of my favourite places at the University is the Laidlaw Library. I prefer to sit in one of the clusters and catch up on my lectures while drinking a cup of hot chocolate from Scream. 

The University has over 300 societies and I am part of the Indian Student Association’s committee where we organise events like Diwali, Holi and Bollywood nights. I've made a lot of friends through these events, and it's been one of the best experiences of my life.

I am also part of other societies like Women in Leadership and AstroSoc. I head the marketing of Leeds Community Consulting. These experiences have helped me improve my transferable skills.

Apart from studies, I am a food blogger. I enjoy cooking and exploring cafes in and around Leeds. There are several local cafes that offers amazing food and coffee. I also go on trips through the University’s Get Out Get Active initiative which provides once in a lifetime trek experience. 

I live in private student accommodation which is 10 mins away from the University. On my way to the University, I see random people greeting me with a warm smile which brightens my day. I live with my friends and we make our meals together. It really is a blessing in disguise. I spend time with them by watching movies and playing games in the common room together.

I meet a lot of students here and I like socialising with them. Leeds is a student friendly city and there are students from different countries. It gives you a chance to learn about other cultures and the people here are immensely helpful and welcoming. It is like home away from home. I have managed to find a lot of grocery stores that have Indian ingredients. Be it the nightlife, parks, shopping centres or pretty cafes, Leeds has a place for everyone.