From India to Luxembourg via BSB: the successful bet of a student passionate about data

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A few weeks ago, Ishika Maru, an international student at BSB, joined PwC Luxembourg as a Data Analyst within the Tax department. It marks an important milestone in a journey shaped by bold choices, international openness and a strong belief: technology and data should be fields open to everyone.

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Originally from India, Ishika represents a new generation of talents crossing borders to build their future. Her story also highlights the importance of self-confidence, support, and the growing place of women in data and technology careers.

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A leap into the international experience

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Before joining BSB, Ishika earned a degree in Computer Science Engineering in India. At the time, neither France nor BSB were part of her original plans.

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"It’s a funny story: BSB was never on my radar, and Europe wasn’t in my original plan. But at a certain point, I took a leap, and I’m so glad I did."

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She eventually chose to pursue a dual academic path at BSB, combining the MSc Data Science & Organisational Behaviour with her Master in Management.

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"BSB is a top 1% business school in the world, and that perfect blend of business and data was exactly what I needed. Plus, let’s be honest: France is just beautiful."

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That decision marked the beginning of an adventure far greater than a simple academic project.

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Learning far more than a profession

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At BSB, Ishika developed both technical expertise and a broader understanding of business.

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"In my Master in Management, I explored marketing, finance, and corporate strategy, while the MSc in Data Science kept my passion for data alive."

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Yet what stands out most to her is the importance of human skills.

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"What really tied it all together was communication—both programs helped me gain confidence in expressing ideas. And the teamwork! I worked with people from all over the world, and that gave me a new perspective every day."

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She also emphasizes the crucial role played by the faculty throughout her journey.

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"What truly made my experience special were the professors. They weren’t just there to teach—they really cared about my success. No matter where I came from, they cheered me on, helped me grow, and pushed me to believe in myself—and that’s something I’ll always be grateful for."

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From Dijon to PwC Luxembourg

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Today, Ishika is completing her end-of-studies internship at PwC Luxembourg, a company she had dreamed of joining for many years.

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"PwC has this global reputation, and for me, it was like a dream to be part of a company with such a big impact worldwide. Starting out as an international student, it was both exciting and a bit intimidating, but it was exactly the kind of place where I wanted to challenge myself and grow."

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While this opportunity represents an important step in her career, it also reminds her of how far she has come since arriving in France.

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"When I first arrived in France, I was a completely different person. I remember my first day in Dijon—no SIM card, no internet, no knowledge of the language, just me with two suitcases, trying to find my way."

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A memory that makes her smile today.

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"The apartment I booked was only a couple of kilometers away, but I took five different trams, asking strangers for directions, weighed down by my bags. I still remember that day vividly."

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A few years later, the contrast is striking.

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"But now, I’m a different person, I feel at home. I know how to navigate the city, take the trains, and I have a whole network of people I trust. BSB didn’t just give me skills; it gave me the confidence to dream bigger."

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Women belong in data

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In a sector that is still often perceived as male-dominated, Ishika speaks very positively about her experience.

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"My family, especially my father, always had my back—he told me, ‘Whatever you want to do, I’ve got my back.’ I know not everyone has that support."

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However, she believes things are changing quickly.

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"At BSB and now at PwC, both places foster true equality. I never felt that being a woman held me back—there’s a real balance of men and women, and everyone is valued for their skills."

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Her message to young women considering careers in data, analytics, AI or technology is clear:

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"This is a new era—data and technology are open to everyone, and I encourage every young woman to step forward with confidence."

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Looking towards the future

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As she completes her thesis and continues her experience at PwC Luxembourg, Ishika is already looking ahead.

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"What excites me most right now is knowing I’m at the start of a bigger journey."

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While she enjoys her role as a Data Analyst and the way data helps drive decision-making, her ambitions go beyond the technical dimension alone.

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"As a data analyst, I love how data drives decisions, but I aspire to be an integral part of an organization—where my insights don’t just inform but truly shape success. I want to be part of something bigger—where my voice matters, and I can help steer the company’s future growth. That’s what drives me every day."

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A remarkable journey that illustrates the richness of international pathways at BSB, the opportunities created by combining management and data, and the growing role of women in the technology careers of tomorrow.