1️⃣ How Do You Transition from Engineering to Finance and Then to Family Business?

Education: B.Tech in Computer Science from Delhi College of Engineering (DCE).

First job: Quantitative Engineer at Barclays India (BAE Systems).

After three years, he decided to pursue an MBA abroad to expand beyond tech and into strategy. This career progression shows how you can build diverse skills before returning to India.

"Engineering taught me systems. Finance taught me structure. But business — that's what the MBA was for."

Many professionals follow a similar path: starting with technical roles, gaining corporate experience, then pursuing advanced degrees before returning to India to build businesses.

2️⃣ What Is the MBA Experience Like at London Business School?

Aditya joined the Masters in Management (MiM) program at London Business School (LBS) — one of Europe's top institutions.

"The U.K. model was broad — not just about jobs but about perspective. In India, MBAs chase placements; in London, you chase ideas."

During his one-year program, he immersed himself in entrepreneurship, sustainability, and cross-border investing. The shorter duration compared to US programs means lower tuition costs and faster entry into the workforce.

"It wasn't just about case studies — it was about discovering what kind of business leader I wanted to be."

If you're planning to study abroad and return, understanding the financial planning aspects of your transition is crucial from day one.

Plan your study-to-return roadmap →

3️⃣ What Is It Like Working in Venture Capital in London?

After graduation, Aditya joined Fanara Capital, a boutique alternative credit and early-stage venture fund. He worked on:

• Equity strategy and early-stage startup investments
• Evaluating founders and financial models
• Collaborating directly with top management

"I saw the highs and lows of global finance. VC looks glamorous from the outside, but it's built on discipline and risk management."

However, exposure to startups also shifted his thinking about what constitutes a successful business:

"I realized family businesses are startups that survived. They're proof of resilience."

This realization is common among professionals who eventually plan their return to India to build or join family enterprises.

4️⃣ When Should You Return to India After Working Abroad?

"I wasn't running away from London — I was running toward home."

While working in VC, Aditya began rethinking the long-term meaning of success. He had always known he'd eventually join the family business but wanted to do it with global exposure first.

"My family runs tea estates in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh — a legacy business. I wanted to bring structure, data, and modern systems to it."

By early 2023, he made the decision to return. The timing was strategic: after gaining 2-3 years of international work experience but before getting too settled in the UK.

"I saw more potential in growing a real business than analyzing someone else's."

Understanding tax implications when returning to India helped him plan the financial aspects of his transition effectively.

5️⃣ How Do You Plan Your Move from UK to India?

"I decided in February and moved in August. That six-month gap was all about planning — not reacting."

He carefully handled both logistics and professional alignment. Here's how you can plan your return effectively:

Work Planning:

Defined areas where he could add measurable value in the family business. This strategic thinking prevents role confusion after returning.

Logistics Checklist:

• Terminated London apartment lease with proper notice period
• Used a relocation agency for shipping essentials (furniture, personal items)
• Finalized India bank accounts and communication setup before leaving
• Closed or converted UK bank accounts to NRI accounts
• Updated tax residency status with HMRC

"The biggest challenge wasn't logistics — it was mindset. Shifting from structured workflows to self-driven decisions."

For detailed guidance on shipping household goods to India and managing the relocation process, proper planning makes all the difference.

Use the step-by-step relocation checklist →

6️⃣ What Is the Difference Between Corporate Jobs and Family Business in India?

"In a corporate, someone tells you what to do. In a family business, you decide what to do."

Aditya notes the stark difference between VC culture and running a family enterprise. Understanding these differences helps you prepare mentally for the transition:

"You don't inherit success; you inherit responsibility."

His focus since returning:

• Digitizing supply chain operations with modern inventory management systems
• Implementing modern HR systems for better workforce management
• Exploring sustainability certifications for global exports to premium markets
• Leveraging his London network for international tea buyers and distributors

If you're considering a similar transition, understanding career opportunities for returning NRIs can help you plan your next move strategically.

Explore business modernization consulting →

7️⃣ What Is Life Like in Tier-3 Indian Cities After Living in London?

"London was independence. Assam is interdependence — and that's not a downgrade."

He currently divides time between Tinsukia (Assam) and Itanagar (Arunachal Pradesh) — smaller cities but deeply connected communities.

Pros:

• Family proximity
• Slower pace
• Affordable living
• Emotional grounding

Cons:

• Smaller peer circle
• Less social exposure
• Fewer lifestyle conveniences

"You trade pubs for family dinners — and honestly, that feels right for this stage of life."

8️⃣ What Are the Business Opportunities in Northeast India?

"This is the decade for India's Northeast. It's booming."

Aditya highlights three major growth drivers that make Northeast India attractive for returnees:

Government Investment:

• Large-scale road and dam projects (5 new hydropower projects in Arunachal Pradesh)
• Cultural and tourism infrastructure expansion supported by the Government of India

Industrial Subsidies:

• Food processing units receive up to ₹5 crore in pre-project grants under central subsidy schemes
• Special category status provides tax benefits and easier business setup

Corporate Entry:

• Tata, PepsiCo, and hospitality chains like Hyatt and Radisson are investing in Northeast India
• Growing startup ecosystem with government support

"If you're from this region — this is your moment to build."

Many returnees are discovering business opportunities in emerging Indian markets beyond traditional metro cities.

9️⃣ What Are the Best Practices for Returning to India After MBA?

"Coming back isn't closing doors — it's opening new ones."

Aditya's Advice for Successful Return:

Get real experience first.

"Don't return right after your degree. Work for at least 2–3 years abroad."

This international work experience gives you credibility, global perspective, and practical skills to modernize traditional businesses.

Plan your contribution.

"Know what you'll add before you join a family setup."

Define your role clearly to avoid conflicts and ensure you bring measurable value to the business.

Leverage your global network.

"Stay connected to mentors, investors, and classmates abroad — they'll become partners someday."

Your international network becomes a competitive advantage when expanding your Indian business globally.

Don't fear experimentation.

"Careers now have seasons — you can switch between corporate, entrepreneurship, and research."

The modern career path is non-linear. You can always pivot if needed.

🔟 Should You Choose UK or US for MBA if Planning to Return to India?

"The U.K. gave me time to learn. The U.S. makes you chase."

His Comparison for Indian Students:

"If you want efficiency, choose the U.K. If you want exploration, choose the U.S."

🧭 What Do You Miss and Not Miss After Returning from UK to India?

What He Misses About London:

• Walkable city life with excellent public transportation
• Global peer exposure and diverse professional networks
• Weekend travel across Europe with easy visa-free access
• Structured work culture and professional development opportunities

What He Doesn't Miss:

• High taxes (UK income tax rates up to 45% for higher earners)
• Visa stress and immigration uncertainty
• Social isolation and distance from family
• High cost of living (rent, food, entertainment)

"In India, I may not have Starbucks on every corner — but I have family at every corner."

This honest assessment helps you set realistic expectations when managing the emotional aspects of returning to India.

🏁 Final Thoughts: Is Returning to India After MBA Worth It?

• Family business ≠ fallback — it's a forward path with entrepreneurial freedom and growth potential
• Returning to smaller cities can bring larger growth — tier-3 cities offer lower costs, government subsidies, and untapped markets
• India's Northeast is one of the country's next big opportunities — with ₹5 crore subsidies and major corporate investments
• Experience abroad is best used to elevate, not escape — homegrown enterprises benefit from global perspective and modern systems
• Plan for 6 months before moving — proper preparation makes the transition smoother and more successful

"I saw more potential in growing a real business than analyzing someone else's."

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