Kaustubh Nande - Master of Business Administration 2023
Kaustubh completed an MBA from the University of Nottingham in 2023 and is now a Projects Leader at REEN.
For Kaustubh, the MBA offered a powerful blend of theory and real-world application, something he felt was critical in today’s fast-changing business landscape. He explained: “Nottingham University Business School’s triple accreditation (AACSB, AMBA, and EQUIS) reinforced its academic excellence, and the diverse module options allowed me to tailor my learning while strengthening my leadership skills.”
He was particularly impressed by the programme’s hands-on approach and focus on sustainability. He said: “Through company consultancy challenges, live projects and networking opportunities, I had the chance to learn from - and interact with - the business world.”
For his dissertation, Kaustubh worked on a live consultancy project with myenergi, a leading manufacturer of EV charging infrastructure and smart home solutions: “It was an incredible opportunity to tackle real-world business challenges,” he said.
Beyond the academic learning, collaborating with an international cohort gave him invaluable global perspectives. Balancing a consultancy role with coursework was challenging but also rewarding. Kasutubh explained: “This dual engagement allowed me to immediately apply classroom learnings to real-world problem-solving.”
Drawn to nature, Kaustubh found the Jubilee Campus an inspiring place to study. He said:
“The Ingenuity Lab at the Haydn Green Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship - one of the few university innovation hubs in the UK - was a major draw, offering a unique space for creativity and business growth. Nottingham city has a rich cultural scene and numerous activities, which was also an appealing factor.”
He valued support from the Careers and Employability Service, particularly their weekly sessions with renowned industry experts: “They provided fresh perspectives and invaluable insights. Participating in live projects and workshops on networking, employability, and soft skills further enhanced my ability to manage both responsibilities effectively,” Kaustubh explained. The programme also integrated market-leading digital systems, industry coaches, and skill development trainers, resources he said were “invaluable in enhancing my digital skills and employability.”
Now as a Project Leader at REEN, Kaustubh leads a portfolio of strategic business growth projects, designs roadmaps for long-term growth, and delivers business transformation initiatives. His role covers business development, process excellence, and enhancing customer experience as well as identifying process gaps, streamlining workflows, and optimising go-to-market execution.
He credits his MBA with refining his strategic thinking: “Modules in marketing, project management, and operations management enabled me to manage complex transformation projects. The emphasis on sustainability, entrepreneurship, and data-driven decision-making directly aligns with my role at REEN, where I lead initiatives focused on innovation and operational excellence.”
His advice to future MBA students is clear:
“Start networking from day one. It might feel intimidating at first but embrace every opportunity. Engage with your diverse cohort to gain global insights and use the Careers and Employability Team to refine your skills and grow your network. Take part in live projects and workshops to apply what you’re learning in real-world settings. Above all, immerse yourself in the vibrant Nottingham community, both on and off-campus, to fully maximise your MBA experience."
The Nottingham MBA
Find out more about flexible MBA courses at Nottingham University Business School and the different options available.
