

Leadership and entrepreneurship from an international student perspective
4 min read
From the 22-31 July, the Class of 2025 will be taking to the stage in their graduation ceremonies. In this series, we get to learn about a few of those graduates and their experiences.
Before studying at the University of Portsmouth, Varun co-founded a small business selling t-shirts and customised face masks during the pandemic. He managed supply chains, finances, and business proposals - an experience that sparked his passion for strategy and leadership.
On 25 July, Varun will graduate with BA (Hons) Business and Management. Ahead of the big day, he reflects on his time at Portsmouth and shares advice for other international students.
What did running your business before university teach you?
It taught me about the realities of entrepreneurship, such as how rapidly market demands can shift and the importance of adaptability, resource efficiency, and client attention. Managing the entire process and devising innovative ways to promote products honed my commercial skills and inspired my decision to study Business and Management.
What inspired you to study in the UK?
The UK has a global reputation for providing high-quality education and business institutions that combine academic theory with practical experience. I wanted to obtain an international perspective on business by studying with individuals from other backgrounds and cultures. Also, to take advantage of access to networking events, internships opportunities and business hotspots such as London.
The more you invest in your experience, the more you'll gain from it.
Varun Nagar, BA (Hons) Business and Management, 2025
What has your experience of being an international student been like?
I've had the opportunity to grow and discover myself. Initially, settling in seemed both exciting and overwhelming. Adapting to different cultural norms, dialects, and academic expectations inevitably caused some culture shock and meant there was a learning curve.
Luckily, the university provided excellent support through orientation and social events. Connecting with other overseas students going through similar experiences helped me to accept cultural differences, and become a more adaptive and open-minded individual.
Through my role as a Student Ambassador, I’ve built skills in communication, stakeholder engagement and problem-solving. Working with marketing teams, staff and prospective students gave me insight into event management and strategic coordination. It also strengthened my relationship with the University community.
Overall, this experience pushed me outside my comfort zone in the best way. I’ve developed resilience, adaptability, and confidence in unfamiliar settings, skills that I know will be useful long after I graduate.
You have been described as a true leader - what does leadership mean to you personally?
For me, leadership is all about balance - being able to inspire and motivate others while being grounded and approachable. A real leader listens first, learns diverse points of view, then makes educated, deliberate decisions, even when they’re difficult.
It’s also about emotional intelligence: being calm under pressure, handling disagreement professionally, and ensuring that everyone feels heard and respected. Leadership isn't about having all the answers; it's about bringing out the best in others and creating an environment in which people feel empowered to share their thoughts.
I wanted to obtain an international perspective on business by studying with individuals from other backgrounds and cultures.
Varun Nagar, BA (Hons) Business and Management, 2025
Can you tell us about what you’ll be studying for your Master’s?
I'll be pursuing a Masters in Management, which will allow me to expand on the fundamental business skills I’ve obtained so far.
What fascinates me the most about this degree is learning how global firms operate while developing advanced leadership and analytical abilities. It also emphasises teamwork, case studies, and practical business projects, which nicely coincides with my interests in business strategy and people management.
What are your long term career goals?
After my Master’s, I'd like to work for a consulting firm. This will allow me to gain a better grasp of various industries and improve my analytical and leadership abilities. Consulting will give me exposure to diverse clients and experience handling business challenges.
Later, I’d like to launch and grow a business that combines creativity, strategic thinking, and social impact, leveraging both my academic and professional experiences.
Do you have advice for other international students on how to maximise opportunities whilst studying abroad?
Say yes to opportunities, even if they seem out of your comfort zone at first. Aside from academics, studying abroad is a chance to network, learn new skills, and experience personal growth.
Participate in university life as much as possible. Join student groups, apply for student positions and attend events - every experience boosts confidence and helps you develop transferable skills such as communication and teamwork, which are highly desired by employers.
Also, appreciate the cultural diversity that exists around you. Engage with individuals from various backgrounds, try new things, and keep an open mind.
Could you provide a quote that you find would inspire peers?
“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” – Winston Churchill
This quote reminds me that both successes and setbacks are part of the journey. What matters most is resilience and keeping momentum.
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