2 Years of Working in London

It feels like just yesterday I set foot in London to start my first job. Time has flown by, and somehow, I’ve already spent two years working in this vibrant city. In those two years, I’ve grown from an Associate Consultant at a financial consulting firm to a Senior Business Intelligence Analyst. It’s been quite the journey—one that I’ve truly enjoyed every step of the way.

Before coming to the UK for my master’s, I spent two years working in India. I often find myself reflecting on those days, comparing them with what life is like now. The differences in work style, culture, and even the way people communicate are stark. But the most significant change for me has been the work-life balance in the UK. In London, once the clock strikes 5, work ends. Okay, I might have overstated this just a little. But generally speaking, there’s a clear line between professional and personal life that everyone respects. No urgent after-hours emails, no WhatsApp messages pulling you back into the office mentally, and absolutely no weekend interruptions.

This boundary has given me something invaluable: time. Time to exercise, cook meals, read, write, relax, and actually spend meaningful moments with family and friends. Back in India, I struggled to carve out so much personal time in a day. The pace and expectations were different. Of course, it varies from company to company, but this balance in London has been a game changer for me. It lets me approach work with more energy and clarity, making me feel not just less drained, but more productive.

Another aspect of working here that’s left a lasting impression is the diversity. For the first 24 years of my life, I only studied and worked with fellow Indians. Then I moved to London, and now, I collaborate daily with people from all over the world—Europe, Africa, Asia, America, and beyond. It’s opened my mind in ways I didn’t anticipate. Engaging with people from such varied backgrounds changes the way you see the world. Their stories, perspectives, and experiences stir a curiosity within you—a desire to know more, see more, do more.

Suddenly, things that once seemed distant, like running a marathon or hiking a mountain for charity, feel possible. The conversations I’ve had at work have inspired new ideas and sparked ambitions I never considered before. It’s made me realize just how much there is to explore, both personally and professionally.

This shift in mindset has led me to new heights. I started my own website, which I’m incredibly proud of. I’ve learned new technologies, earned valuable certifications, and grown my portfolio on Tableau Public. London has given me the chance to connect with incredible professionals at events like Women In Data, the Databricks World Tour, and various Tableau Conferences. I saw Andy Cotgreve present the Tableau Augmented Reality live, got my book signed by Cole Nussbaumer Knaflic, and had the chance to interact with the entire Storytelling with Data team. These experiences are so intertwined with my daily life now that I sometimes take them for granted. But when I reflect on it, I feel truly grateful.

There have been some proud moments in my journey, like the time I presented a proof of concept for an ESG Scoring model that we built from scratch on Palantir to the London Stock Exchange. It felt incredible to showcase our innovative tool and win client buy-in.

I’ve also had the opportunity to lead a high-impact project where I’ve helped the business achieve operational efficiency through complex data analysis for senior leadership, including senior partners. At first, it was intimidating to manage stakeholders at such a senior level. I had to stay on my toes constantly, but the experience taught me so much. It gave me exposure to the nuances of high-level decision-making and sharpened my communication skills.

Speaking of communication, that’s another area where I’ve learned a lot. Early on, I noticed how direct feedback can be perceived differently across cultures. In the UK, negative feedback often comes wrapped in layers of positivity. It’s subtle, but learning to read between the lines has made me more adaptable in my approach.

One of the things I love most about working here is how much emphasis is placed on personal growth. Beyond technical skills, there’s a focus on strategic thinking, seeing the bigger picture, and understanding the long-term impact of your work.

Then there’s the open hierarchy and the "coffee catch-up" culture, which I’ve come to really appreciate. No matter your title, you can sit down for an informal chat with anyone. These coffee conversations often reveal more than formal meetings ever could, and they’ve become some of the most valuable learning opportunities for me. This inspired me to launch my own initiative at my previous company called Coffee Roulette. It was my idea entirely, and after pitching it to senior leadership and getting their approval, I took ownership of bringing it to life. I personally coordinated with senior leaders to pair them with associates for informal coffee chats. The initiative had a dual benefit: associates gained much-needed visibility and guidance, while leaders had the opportunity to hear fresh perspectives and identify emerging talent. Seeing how these conversations fostered both professional growth and a stronger sense of community made all the hard work worthwhile.

As I reflect on the past two years, I feel a deep sense of gratitude, and I look forward to what the next chapter holds. I’m excited about what’s next in my Data Analytics Journey. I have big aspirations—both professionally and personally. I want to grow and explore a lot more. I aspire to take on roles where I can contribute more to both the business and the people around me, become a part of the leadership and continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible.