From Vancouver to Mumbai: How the UBC MBA helped this alum thrive internationally in global finance

For many international students, studying abroad is more than just an academic pursuit—it’s a transformative experience that reshapes their career trajectory and global perspective. This was certainly the case for UBC MBA ’23 alumnus, Raghav Malik, whose journey from India to Vancouver and back to Mumbai has defined his approach to business.  

Now excelling in equity research at Jefferies India, he reflects on how his UBC MBA gave him the skills, network and cultural agility to thrive in the fast-paced world of global finance. 
 
A few years ago, Malik was a young professional in India, eager to expand his horizons and immerse himself in North America’s business landscape.  
 
“I always knew I wanted to study abroad, and Vancouver stood out to me—not just for its top-tier education but also for its culture and welcoming atmosphere,” he recalls. 

UBC Sauder quickly became his top choice. After speaking with alumni, he was struck by their openness and willingness to share their experiences.  
 
“Every UBC Sauder alum I reached out to responded, which was rare. That community and support system stood out to me.”  
 
With that confidence, he took the leap—moving to Vancouver without ever having visited before. 
 

Thinking beyond conventional solutions

At UBC Sauder, Malik took advantage of courses that shaped his business acumen. He recalls a brand management course with Professor Tim Silk that pushed him to think about business strategy in unconventional ways. Another standout was a venture strategy course with Professor Mike Gardner that provided valuable insights into shaping corporate culture and leadership. 

“Studying in a different culture, then coming back to work in India with a fresh perspective, was invaluable,” he explains. “It’s not just about securing the next job—it’s about the mindset and skills you develop that shape your long-term career, something that is extremely undervalued in a global MBA.” 
 
He also credits mentorship and faculty guidance as key pillars of his growth.  
 
“Beyond career counseling at the Business Career Centre and academics, getting to understand the journeys of Sauder's highly educated and experienced professors better, be it from casual discussions in between classes or through the range of extra curriculars I was fortunate to have been able to fully explore at my time there, has been key to my growth." 

Thriving in equity research at Jefferies India

Today, Malik works as a Research Associate at Jefferies India, covering equities across a diverse set of sectors, including the booming Travel & Tourism space in India, and the highly competitive Cement industry. His role involves deep diving into the workings of a range of companies with differentiated business models and producing elaborate reports and insights for investors across the globe. 
 
“It’s a dynamic field where I get to engage with C-suite executives, understand the workings of complex corporates, and witness industry-shaping trends firsthand. No two days are the same! UBC Sauder taught me to look at businesses and more importantly people, holistically. In finance, it’s easy to focus solely on numbers, but understanding business and company specific pain points and the efficacy of long-term strategy is what makes you stand out.” 

Interestingly, despite considering a career shift during his MBA, he found himself drawn back to finance.  
 
“The moment I stepped into the field again, I knew this was where I belonged,” he says. “I no longer feel imposter syndrome—that’s how I know I’m in the right place.” 

“UBC Sauder changed the way I think, work and approach challenges. In my opinion, your MBA, much like life, will never completely be an uphill journey, and that's the beauty of it. I faced my share of professional and personal challenges as well, but that's exactly what shaped me and it's the best decision I ever made in terms of the abundance of learning, shift in perspective and personality enhancement I've experienced.” 
 

Advice for future international students 

For prospective international students considering UBC Sauder, Malik offers simple but powerful advice:  
 
“Watch the signs. If the program and culture feel like a good fit, it will be a transformative experience.” 

 He emphasizes the importance of thinking long-term.  

 
“If you want a global career, you have to experience different markets firsthand. The connections you build and the mindset you develop will open doors you never expected.” 

Looking back, would he do it all again?  
 
“In a heartbeat,” he says with a smile. “UBC Sauder changed the way I think, work, and approach challenges. It was one of the best decisions I ever made.”