Priyanka Das Gupta came to Hult London’s MBA program with an engineering background and a clear goal: to pivot into finance. By summer, she was working as a Junior Accounts Assistant Intern at HeadBox, a London-based events platform, while keeping up with her MBA studies. We sat down with Priyanka to find out how she landed the role, what she’s learned, and what she’d tell other students who are still searching.
Hult: How did you find out about the role, and what made you decide to apply?
Priyanka: I always knew I wanted to get an internship and gain some experience in the UK. Hult gives you the option to swap one elective for internship credit, and I knew I wanted to use that. I was applying through Handshake, but what I didn’t know until a fellow student pointed it out was that there’s a dedicated Hult careers page on Handshake, where companies specifically recruit Hult students. Once I found it, I could see which internships were there and which ones made sense for where I wanted to go.
I chose HeadBox specifically because I’m aiming to pivot into finance, and this felt like the right stepping stone. It’s more into accountancy, which is a great first look at financial management before you grow into a bigger company. And the community there is so welcoming. People are always happy to sit down and help. There’s never a barrier.
H: What was the interview process like?
P: More involved than I expected! There were three stages:
- CV screening
- An HR interview covering the role, expectations, and skills
- A final round with the Head of Finance, with scenario-based questions and a mini case study
A lot of us on the MBA have been working for years and haven’t been through an interview process in a long time. It was a different experience, but it was a good one to go through.
H: How did the Hult careers team and curriculum support you?
P: The careers team organized a lot of events, and networking was the biggest thing I took from those. It’s a competitive market, and having a connection always helps. At one MBA mixer, I connected with someone who wasn’t even a Hult student or alum—she was just there with a friend. I’m still in touch with her about a role I’m hoping to apply for later this year. You never know where your connections may lead you.
In terms of the curriculum, the first three months of the MBA were intense. Back-to-back assignments, long hours, no clocking off at 6pm. But that pressure built something. The time management and prioritization skills I developed then are exactly what I use now to juggle the internship alongside my studies. I make sure Hult stays my priority, but I also make sure work doesn’t feel the impact of that. It’s a balance I had to learn quickly.
H: What has been your biggest win since starting?
P: A few things, honestly. Getting the internship itself was the first one. When you’re applying and not hearing back, that first yes means a lot.
Then, hitting HeadBox’s budget collection targets at the end of my first month. The team recognized it, and that recognition really boosted my confidence. It reminded me I’d made the right choice.
But the biggest win is the team I get to work with. So many different cultures, so many different backgrounds. Getting to learn from that every day is something I’m grateful for.
H: What has been your biggest challenge?
P: Adapting to the work-study balance, especially at the start. Some days it was classes in the morning, then work, then coming home to assignments. It takes a toll. You’re tired and drained.
But now, I’ve come to see it differently. That challenge reshapes you. It builds your multitasking, your time management, and your soft skills. I don’t think I’d be where I am without it.
And my advice for when it gets too much? Go grab a drink with friends. Seriously. Step away. That’s the most de-stressing thing, and you’ll feel so much better after.
H: Any advice for Hult students who are searching for an internship?
P: Don’t give up. It’s a competitive landscape. You might apply to 100 roles and face 95 rejections. But the ones that come through will give you clarity, and they’ll be worth the wait. There’s a saying in Hindi: the wait is always fruitful. I came back to that a lot during the process.
Practically speaking, here are my three biggest tips:
1) Check the dedicated Hult careers page on Handshake, not just the general feed.
2) Network beyond your immediate circle. Connections come from unexpected places.
3) Stay open to feedback. Willingness to learn will take you further than confidence alone.
And never think you’ve learned everything. Your hard work will eventually show, but keep the hunger to grow.
Priyanka’s story is a reminder that a pivot takes patience, preparation, and the right support network. At Hult, we’re proud to see students like her step into new industries with the skills and confidence to make an impact from day one. Find out more about the Hult MBA: hult.edu/mba