Building confidence without changing direction
Through live projects, networking and personal growth, the MBA gave Crystal the confidence to launch her sales career in the UK.
Crystal Clement, Bath MBA Class of 2025
One of Crystal Clement’s first projects on the Bath MBA was for food delivery giant Just Eat. By the end of the year, she was working there. It’s just one example of how Crystal used the MBA to build on the career she already had.
Recognising there was more to build
Before the MBA, I was based in India working as an Account Manager. I’d been in that role for around five years and I was happy in my career. But I reached a point where I felt like I needed to do something more.
For me, it wasn’t about changing direction completely. I knew I wanted to stay in sales and account management. It was more about building myself, learning more about consulting, improving my negotiation skills and developing as a leader.
When I started researching universities, Bath stood out because of its focus on experiential learning rather than just books. That really caught my attention. The location also played a part. Moving to a new country was a big step, and knowing Bath was a safe place to live and study made that decision easier.
Finding my place in a new environment
As a group, we spent most of our time in the School of Management building, and that quickly became our favourite place on campus.
Many of us were living in the same accommodation, so after lectures we would just relax and enjoy being around each other.
It was the first time I’d been part of such a diverse group of people. Everyone brought different perspectives and ways of working, and that really changed how I think.
I realised it isn’t always about putting my own perspective first. It taught me to understand other people’s viewpoints.
At the same time, moving to Bath meant living away from home for the first time. That came with its own challenges. I had to learn how to manage things by myself, while also adjusting to a completely new environment.
There were moments when that felt difficult, but over time, the people around me became a strong support system. By the end of the year, it really felt like we had become a family. We all had moments where we missed home, and I think that’s what made our bonds even stronger.
By the end of the year, it really felt like we had become a family.
Finding more room to grow
One of the biggest takeaways from the MBA was the realisation that no matter how experienced you are, there’s always room to develop.
I had always considered communication and relationship-building among my strongest skills. But throughout the programme, I realised there was so much more to learn, especially when it came to influencing others and communicating with confidence.
Presentations were a big part of that journey. While I’d presented before, regularly speaking in front of a large audience challenged me in a new way. With every presentation, I became better at communicating my ideas clearly.
I still see the impact today. Even while delivering any presentation at work, I catch myself thinking back to the MBA and how much it prepared me for moments like these.
The programme strengthened transferable skills that I use every day, including negotiation, collaboration and leadership. On a personal level, it also helped me become more resilient and independent, giving me the confidence to step outside my comfort zone and trust in my own abilities.
I still see the impact today. Even while delivering any presentation at work, I catch myself thinking back to the MBA.
Building a career in a new market
After the MBA, I knew I wanted to stay in the UK.
I already had experience working with clients across India and Southeast Asia, and I wanted to understand how things worked in a different market with new types of clients. Staying in the same field allowed me to build on my experience while gaining something new.
It took me a few months to find the right role. Attending events and networking made a big difference. I went to a careers fair, and that’s where I came across Just Eat.
I’m now working in the sales team at Just Eat, based in London. Working in London was always a dream for me, so being able to do that now feels really rewarding.
It also felt like a full-circle moment. One of my first projects during the MBA was focused on Just Eat, so ending the year by securing a role there made the whole experience feel connected.
Looking back, the MBA was about much more than studying. If you’re considering it, I would say do it. But also make the most of everything around it.
Networking is really important. The people you meet can support you, challenge your thinking and open up opportunities. I would also say take advantage of the sessions that are available, whether that’s CV support, using LinkedIn or careers advice.
Studying is something you’ve come for, so that will happen. But it’s everything around it that really shapes the experience.
Curious about what your own Beyond Bath story could look like?
Book a one-to-one conversation to explore how the Bath MBA could support your next chapter.