Hi, I'm Khushi Tyagi
This is the story of my
Scholarship Journey.

Hello! My name is Khushi Tyagi, and I am from Uttar Pradesh, India. I am currently pursuing my Postgraduate Diploma in Management and Leadership from the Vedica Scholars Programme, Delhi. I have completed my undergraduate studies (Bachelor of Arts) at Lady Shri Ram College for Women, University of Delhi. Additionally, I have earned a diploma in International Affairs and Diplomacy from the Indian Institute of Governance and Leadership.

The decision to further my education in management, particularly in International Human Resource Management (IHRM) from the University of Bristol, stems from a combination of personal experiences and professional motivation. Growing up, I was always intrigued by the intricate dynamics within my family, much like how I used to deconstruct and understand the workings of my childhood toys. Witnessing how empathy and support helped us navigate challenges, I realized early on the transformative power of human connections. This curiosity about people evolved into a deep fascination for understanding human interactions and the systems that enable them to thrive.

My passion for fostering positive organizational environments was further nurtured through my experiences in leadership and governance. I saw first-hand the importance of creating cohesive teams where every individual could contribute and grow. This naturally led me to pursue a career in Human Resource Management, where I aim to cultivate harmony and teamwork within organizations on a global scale.

Through the IHRM program at the University of Bristol, I am excited to explore critical aspects of cross-cultural management, comparative employment relations, and HR practices in multinational organizations. This journey represents the intersection of my personal values and professional aspirations, and I look forward to applying my knowledge to make a positive impact in the field.

Think Big Postgraduate Scholarship Details: 

I was honoured to receive the Think Big Postgraduate Scholarship from the University of Bristol. This prestigious award provides £6,500 towards my tuition fees for the MSc in Management (International Human Resource Management). It has been a wonderful opportunity, not only easing the financial burden of studying abroad but also enriching my overall experience as a student.

One of the unique aspects of this scholarship is the chance to participate in the Think Big Development Programme. Exclusive to University of Bristol scholars, this programme goes beyond academic support. It is designed to help students like me develop holistically by focusing on five core Think Big qualities. This framework encourages the cultivation of essential skills in a practical, straightforward way, ensuring that we grow both academically and personally.

This scholarship has brought me closer to my academic goals and broadened my perspective on leadership and global issues. I am truly grateful to be a part of such a transformative experience and look forward to applying the skills I’ve learned to create a meaningful impact in my career.

Apart from that, I also received offers from several prestigious institutions: the University of Leeds, the University of Northampton, Buckinghamshire New University, the University of Greenwich, Cardiff University / Prifysgol Caerdydd, and the Queen Mary University of London.

Educational Background: 

• High School: I completed my higher secondary education at G.D. Goenka Public School, specializing in the Humanities stream, and achieved a total score of 98%, ranking as the top student in my class.
• Undergraduate Studies: Following high school, I attended Lady Shri Ram College for Women, University of Delhi, where I pursued a Bachelor of Arts degree with a double major in Economics and Mathematics. I graduated with a First Division, attaining a GPA of 8.89.

During my undergraduate years, I actively engaged in research projects each semester, which significantly enhanced my analytical and critical thinking skills. These projects provided practical experience in data analysis and economic research, aligning well with my current focus on management and human resources.

Beyond academics, I was an active participant in various extracurricular activities. I held memberships in several clubs and societies, and notably, I have been a practising theatre artist for six years. This experience has honed my communication skills, teamwork abilities, and leadership qualities, all of which are invaluable in the field of management. 

My journey toward applying for scholarships and prestigious institutions can be broken down into a few key categories:

1. Building My Profile: From early on, I realized that applying to international institutions would require a credible and well-rounded profile. To achieve this, I actively participated in various societies and extracurricular activities throughout my academic years. I was a member of the Dramatics Society, worked with the Women Development Cell, volunteered with the National Service Scheme (NSS), and took part in philanthropic projects such as Teach for India and the Title Foundation.

Additionally, I was selected as a participant in the Harvard Project for Asian and International Relations (HPAIR) in 2023, which was a significant milestone. My internship at NITI Aayog also played a pivotal role in shaping my understanding of policy and development work. These experiences collectively helped me grow, and I strongly believe that continuously working on your profile is crucial to demonstrating your dedication and awareness of potential institutions.

2. Leveraging Mentorship and Online Resources: To stay informed about scholarships and other opportunities, I followed several mentors on LinkedIn who provided valuable insights into the application process. One mentor who had a profound influence on my journey was Pavan K. Sriram, whose posts I regularly followed for guidance on scholarships and university admissions. You can find his profile here: Pavan K Sriram's LinkedIn.

I also attended numerous webinars where experts offered advice on filling out scholarship applications, writing statements of purpose (SOPs), and preparing letters of recommendation (LORs). These webinars were incredibly helpful in understanding the nuances of the application process.

3. Organizing My Research: To streamline the process, I created an Excel sheet where I compiled all the relevant information about the institutions, I was interested in. I divided the sheet into columns for university name, course, eligibility criteria, relevance to my career goals, placement ratio, alumni network, benefits, societies, fees, and accommodation options. This list helped me filter out my options and decide which institutions aligned with my aspirations.
4. Preparing SOPs and LORs: Crafting a strong Statement of Purpose (SOP) and securing impactful Letters of Recommendation (LORs) are essential components of the application. I reached out to alumni and current students of the institutions I was applying to through LinkedIn to gather insights about their experiences with the courses and to better understand if the program fit my goals. Networking is incredibly important when it comes to making informed decisions.
5. Standardized Test Preparation (IELTS): For the IELTS, I started preparing about a month before my test. I took the self-preparation route and managed to score an overall band of 8. My preparation involved watching several YouTube videos, which were extremely helpful. Some channels that I highly recommend for IELTS preparation include:

• IELTS Liz (Highly Recommended)
• Learn with Sam and Ash
• Fastrack IELTS

I focused on practising all four modules, especially the speaking test, by following the tips from these videos. Consistency, confidence, and self-discipline were key to my success.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

What made my application stand out was my consistency, resilience, and determination to never stop striving for excellence, regardless of the challenges I faced. Growing up in a Below Poverty Line (BPL) family in an economically weaker section, I witnessed firsthand the hardships of financial instability. My father, a farmer, worked tirelessly to provide for our family, and seeing his resilience ignited a deep drive within me to become self-reliant and seek opportunities to uplift not only myself but those around me.

Excelling academically has always been a priority. In 12th grade, I earned a top spot at a prestigious government college, which helped ease some of the financial burdens on my family. But more than just academics, I’ve always believed in being independent, earning my own way, and never hesitating to take on new challenges. Whether it was through part-time jobs, internships, or participating in college societies, I sought every opportunity to build my skills, broaden my perspective, and support myself financially.

What drew me to institutions like the University of Bristol was their legacy and ethos of perseverance, perfectly encapsulated by Winston Churchill's words: "Success is not final, failure is not fatal; it is the courage to continue that counts." I resonate with this message deeply, as my journey has been shaped by both success and setbacks. It’s the courage to push forward that has defined who I am.

Ultimately, what makes my application stand out is not just my achievements but my unwavering commitment to growth. I’ve always been open to learning from every experience, and my involvement in diverse fields has equipped me with a unique blend of knowledge, empathy, and drive to generate meaningful impact. 

If I were to go through the process again, there are a few things I would approach differently, both to optimize my experience and to reduce some of the stress I encountered along the way. I would start my preparation much earlier. Looking back, I feel that I could have benefited from allocating more time to thoroughly research scholarship options and university programs. While I created detailed spreadsheets to track various institutions and scholarships, I realized that starting this process even a few months earlier would have allowed me to explore more niche opportunities that might have aligned better with my specific interests and career goals.

Additionally, I would have been more organized with my preparation for standardized tests like the IELTS. While I was satisfied with my score, I believe a structured study plan with specific goals each week would have reduced the pressure closer to the test date and potentially improved my results. More practice tests and mock interviews for the speaking module, in particular, would have helped me feel more confident during the actual exam.

Overall, while I’m proud of the steps I took and the results I achieved, these adjustments would have allowed me to navigate the application process with greater ease and effectiveness.

For those looking to apply for a similar scholarship, here’s my advice:

1. Be clear with what you want: Before diving into the application process, take the time to reflect on your goals, both academically and personally. Understand why you’re pursuing a particular course or scholarship and how it aligns with your future aspirations. A clear sense of purpose will not only help you focus but will also come through in your essays and interviews, making your application more compelling.
2. Start early: One of the most important steps is to give yourself enough time. Start researching scholarships, universities, and courses well in advance. This will give you ample time to explore all options, build your profile, gather the necessary documents, and refine your applications. Procrastination can lead to unnecessary stress and might cause you to miss out on important opportunities.
3. Don’t hesitate to ask for help: Reach out for guidance from people who have gone through the process or are familiar with it. Whether it’s mentors, LinkedIn connections, or people from your network, don't be afraid to seek advice. People are usually happy to help, and their insights can be invaluable. Additionally, webinars, forums, and online groups dedicated to scholarships can provide support and important information.
4. Craft a compelling narrative: Your statement or essay is a critical part of your application. Take time to build a strong, authentic story that reflects who you are and why you're the perfect candidate. Be honest about your journey, your challenges, and how the scholarship will help you achieve your dreams. Personal stories resonate more than just listing accomplishments.
5. Stay organized: Keep track of deadlines, required documents, and application processes for each scholarship or university you're applying to. A detailed spreadsheet can be incredibly useful for this purpose. Being organized ensures you won’t miss anything important and can focus on submitting high-quality applications.

By following these steps and remaining persistent, you'll give yourself the best shot at securing a scholarship. Keep believing in yourself, and don’t be discouraged by setbacks.