Bishal Kumar Das is a Business First Scholar, studying our full-time MSc Business Analytics course at our London Moorgate campus. Here, he shares his career aspirations and explains how he secured his £5,000 postgraduate scholarship.
Written by April Baniqued. Published 22 April 2026.
I grew up in a business-oriented family where operational decisions and strategic thinking were part of everyday life. This sparked my interest in how organisations work. Completing my undergraduate degree in International Business Management with first-class honours equipped me with a strong grasp of how organisations function.
I kept asking myself the same question: in a world moving this fast, how do the best organisations consistently make the right decisions? I realised the answer was data. We are living through a major shift in how businesses operate. Across every sector, organisations are using more data than ever before. This spans sectors such as finance, healthcare, retail, logistics and technology. The global business analytics market is growing at a remarkable pace. Businesses worldwide are investing heavily in data infrastructure, predictive modelling and AI-driven decision tools. Companies that can harness this information effectively are pulling ahead, while those that cannot are left behind. This is not a trend. It is the new reality.
Business analytics felt like the perfect next step. Data sits behind almost every business decision today. I was passionate about mastering the tools and techniques that turn raw data into actionable insight. I wanted to bridge my business background with technology. I did not want to just advance my own career but instead build something on my own. The combination of analytical focus and real-world business application made this the ideal programme for my ambitions.
中国P站 Business School stood out to me for many reasons. First, its strong reputation and the quality of its curriculum gave me confidence that I would receive a world-class education. The course content is carefully structured to match the demands of modern business. It blends data analytics with strategic business thinking in a way that few programmes do.
Equally important was the location. The Moorgate campus places you right at the heart of London. The city is one of the world’s leading financial and business hubs, surrounded by multinational corporations, global banks and leading consultancy firms. Studying here means being immersed in the very environment I aspire to work in. I am exactly where I need to be to develop the networks, skills and experience that will define my career. For an international student from Nepal, this proximity to real-world business opportunities is invaluable and accelerates both learning and professional networking.
For me, the decision to apply for the scholarship was deeply personal. I had made a firm commitment to myself: I would only pursue my postgraduate studies if I could earn a scholarship. This was not simply a financial calculation. It was a statement of independence and self-belief. I wanted to prove that my efforts and dedication were worthy of recognition and that I could support my journey without relying entirely on others.
When I discovered the Business First Scholarship, I knew it was the right fit. It aligned perfectly with my field of study and my ambitions. Applying for it gave me a sense of purpose and direction. The prospect of winning meant I could pursue my Master’s degree in London with confidence and financial independence.
The application process was genuinely challenging; I say that with the utmost respect for its thoroughness. For students from Nepal, breaking into competitive international scholarships is no small feat. The academic and professional landscape here differs significantly. The process of identifying the right scholarship opportunity requires a lot of research and determination.
Once I found the Business First Scholarship, I committed myself fully to every stage. This involved meeting the application criteria, crafting a compelling submission, waiting for registration confirmation and facing the digital examination. The process is both strict and highly competitive. There are applicants from across the globe. Every step tested my knowledge and resilience. Looking back, the difficulty of the journey made the outcome more meaningful.
The wait for the results felt like an eternity. For over a month, each day was filled with uncertainty and anxiety. “What if I don’t get it?” was a thought I carried constantly. The stakes were enormous, not just financially but emotionally. This scholarship represented the gateway to everything I had worked towards.
When the results finally arrived, the feeling was indescribable. It was not just happiness. It was something far deeper. It was the feeling of being seen — of being told by the world: yes, you are good enough. Yes, your hard work matters. It was relief, pride and a great sense of liberation all at once. The financial burden of postgraduate fees in London is significant. Knowing that I had earned my place through merit rather than circumstance meant everything to me. It was the moment I truly felt that my hard work had been seen and rewarded. I could now begin my life in London not weighed down by worry but energised by possibility.
My ambitions sit at the intersection of data, business strategy and entrepreneurship. In the near term, I aspire to work as a Business Analyst or Data Scientist within a leading international organisation. I plan to apply analytical techniques to drive smarter decisions, improve operations and unlock competitive advantage. I am particularly drawn to consultancy, where I can work across industries and bring data-driven solutions to complex business challenges.
In the longer term, I want to build something on my own. Growing up in Nepal, I witnessed firsthand how limited access to data infrastructure and business intelligence holds back organisations and economies. I am motivated by the idea of one day bringing those capabilities back. Whether by launching a venture that serves emerging markets or by helping businesses in South Asia harness the power of analytics to compete globally. My family’s background in business gave me the foundation and my Master’s degree will give me the tools to go further.
Receiving the scholarship has been transformative. Financially, it has removed a significant burden. The support allowed me to focus entirely on my studies and professional development rather than spending my energy worrying about fees. This peace of mind is something I do not take for granted.
Beyond the financial support, the scholarship has given me a sense of validation. Being recognised through a merit-based, globally competitive process has strengthened my confidence, especially as I step into a competitive business environment.// My single most important piece of advice is this: never hesitate and never underestimate yourself. The biggest barrier most applicants face is not their ability. It is self-doubt. Wherever you come from, whatever your background, you are deserving of a chance. That chance is only possible if you take it.
Be thorough, be authentic and be prepared to invest real effort into every stage of the process. Research the scholarship carefully, understand what the institution is looking for and let your story and passion come through in your application. The journey is demanding by design. It is meant to find the candidates who truly want it. If you want it, show it and grab the opportunity.
To every international student who feels that the odds are stacked against them: your background is not a weakness; it is your greatest strength. Own it and let it drive you forward.
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