From Gurgaon to London: Sidra’s Immigrant Story of Resilience and Reinvention

“Have you ever felt like giving up on your dreams because the world seemed too unfamiliar?”

That’s the question Sidra Kaveh asked herself when she landed in the UK on a chilly January morning in 2019. With just her MBA ambitions and a suitcase full of dreams, she stepped into a new life—one that would test her resilience, redefine her independence, and ultimately reward her courage.

In this episode of The Immigrant Stories, Sidra shares her journey from India to the UK, the cultural shocks she overcame, and how she turned challenges into stepping stones for a thriving career. Here’s her story, packed with raw honesty and practical advice for anyone navigating life as an immigrant.

The Leap of Faith: Why the UK?

Sidra’s journey began in Gurgaon, India, where she worked in reinsurance after her bachelor’s degree. But she quickly realized: “To climb the corporate ladder, I needed an MBA—and I wanted one that valued real-world experience.”

Unlike Indian programs that prioritized entrance exams, UK universities demanded work experience—a selling point for Sidra. “The MBA here wasn’t just theory; it was about learning from people with 20 years of industry experience,” she recalls. Plus, the cultural diversity of London? Icing on the cake.

Cold Weather, Bland Food, and Other Myths

Sidra laughs now about her first impression of the UK: “I landed in January and thought, ‘Did I make a huge mistake?’” The cold was brutal, but the bigger shock? Food. “I’d heard British food was bland, but London proved me wrong—you can find authentic cuisine from every corner of the world here!”

Still, adjusting wasn’t easy. She lost weight from the hectic routine of commuting from North London to Kingston University and learning to cook (a skill she’d never needed back home). “My mom guided me over the phone,” she smiles. “Now I can whip up anything!”

The Job Hunt: Sponsorship, Side Hustles, and Smart Moves

Sidra’s career path wasn’t linear. Her first UK job? A part-time credit controller role—far from her MBA aspirations but crucial for paying bills. “I swallowed my pride and took it. Sometimes, survival jobs teach you the most.”

Her breakthrough came through Kingston University’s placement program, which extended her student visa for a year. She landed an accounts assistant role, excelled, and—when her employer couldn’t sponsor her—discovered the Tier 5 visa route. “They hired a third-party sponsor to keep me. It was a lifeline!”

Her golden advice for job-seeking immigrants:

Target companies with sponsorship licenses (check the UK government’s official list).
Apply directly on company websites—cutting out agencies increases your chances.
Leverage LinkedIn Premium: Its AI highlights roles where you’re a top applicant.
Network relentlessly: Sidra’s reinsurance role at BUA came from LinkedIn connections.

“The Biggest Challenge? Missing Home.”

For Sidra, the emotional toll of immigration hit hardest. “I’m 7,000 km away from my family. Every decision—career, settling down—feels like choosing between two worlds.” Her coping mechanism? Frequent trips home and a “one-day-at-a-time” mindset.

But she’s found joy in London’s multicultural fabric. From hosting Eid dinners (complete with floor seating!) to celebrating Diwali with Hindu friends, she’s recreated her roots abroad. “London lets you be yourself. My company even adjusts workloads during Ramadan—that’s inclusivity.”

Sidra’s Takeaways for Aspiring Immigrants

Embrace discomfort: Growth happens outside your comfort zone.
Balance hustle with patience: Survival jobs can lead to dream roles.
Protect your mental health: Stay connected to your culture and community.
Network smarter: “Your next opportunity could come from a LinkedIn message.”

Final Thought

Sidra’s story isn’t just about visas and jobs—it’s about the grit to reinvent yourself. As she puts it: “Immigration strips you down to your core, then rebuilds you stronger.”

Want to connect with Sidra? Find her on LinkedIn (Sidra Kaveh)—she’s happy to pay forward the help she once received.

What’s your immigrant story? Share it in the comments or DM us—we’d love to feature you next!

Like this story? Subscribe to [The Immigrant Stories] for more raw, real journeys.