Devika Yanamala
Find out how taking part in the UK Work Culture Programme helped Devika to gain valuable insights into working in the UK.
How did you find out about the programme and what made you apply?
I found out about the UK Work Culture Programme through an email from Newcastle University Careers Service. As an international student pursuing an MSc in Data Science and AI, I was interested in gaining a better understanding of UK workplace culture and professional expectations.
The opportunity to work on a live employer challenge, collaborate with students from different backgrounds, and receive feedback on our ideas made the programme particularly appealing. I saw it as a great opportunity to gain practical experience beyond the classroom and prepare for future career opportunities in the UK.
What did you learn from your experience on the programme?
The programme provided valuable insight into UK work culture, including teamwork, communication, professionalism, and workplace expectations.
Through the group challenge, I learned how to collaborate effectively within a diverse team, manage tasks within a limited timeframe, and present ideas in a clear and structured way. I also found the sessions on navigating the UK job market, visa options, and career development extremely useful.
Hearing directly from alumni who had successfully built careers in the UK provided practical advice and a realistic perspective on the transition from university to professional life.
Did you feel as though you developed any useful skills?
Yes. The programme helped me strengthen several important skills, including teamwork, communication, presentation, problem-solving, and time management. Working on a project within a short timeframe required effective collaboration and decision-making.
Presenting our solution helped improve my confidence in public speaking and communicating ideas professionally. The experience also encouraged me to be more proactive in exploring opportunities and engaging with activities that support my personal and professional development.
What did you enjoy most?
The group challenge was the highlight of the programme. My team developed an AI-assisted MVP called *Rooted*, a community-driven platform designed to help people discover culturally authentic food products available locally.
I enjoyed working with students from different academic backgrounds and seeing how our different perspectives contributed to the final solution. The experience closely reflected a real workplace environment, where collaboration, adaptability, and effective communication were essential. Presenting our solution and receiving constructive feedback was also a particularly rewarding part of the programme.
How will the programme help with your future career?
The programme has given me greater confidence in working within a professional environment and communicating ideas effectively. It helped me better understand the expectations of UK employers and highlighted the importance of being proactive, adaptable, and open to new opportunities.
One of the most valuable lessons I took away was the importance of actively engaging with opportunities available through the university. After hearing about an elevator pitch event during the programme, I decided to participate, which further developed my confidence in presenting ideas.
Overall, the experience strengthened my confidence, expanded my professional network, and provided practical skills that will support me as I pursue opportunities in data, analytics, and AI within the UK job market.