Name: Sarah Angel | University: ESIEE Paris under Université Gustave Eiffel | Course: Masters in Management of Technology, Information Systems | Location: France
Key Insights
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Hyderabad’s tech-rich environment and her father’s influence sparked Sarah’s early passion for technology.
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Her CS degree in India and experience at Cognizant strengthened her technical base and sparked her interest in tech-driven strategy.
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Inspired by her sisters in France’s space sector, Sarah is pursuing a master’s at ESIEE Paris for global exposure.
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In France, she is learning to balance rigorous academics with cultural adaptation, independence, and a slower pace of life.
At 26, Sarah Angel represents a new generation of Indian scholars shaping their academic journeys across continents with clarity and courage, drawing on industry experience to elevate her global aspirations. Raised in Hyderabad’s vibrant blend of culture and technology, Sarah has carried that spirit to Paris, where she is pursuing a Master’s in Management of Technology and Information Systems at ESIEE Paris.
Raised on technology
Sarah’s early years were spent in a Hyderabad that was rapidly transforming. She describes her childhood as simple, exploratory, and deeply supportive. “Growing up in Hyderabad gave me the best of both worlds: deep-rooted traditions and exposure to a fast-evolving tech scene,” she says.
Her father played an especially defining role. A self-driven technologist who ran a computer company, built websites, and later managed large-scale database infrastructures at IBM, brought technology into their home in a way that was approachable and inspiring.
“Watching my father solve problems with such passion made me see technology not just as a subject, but as a way to create, to build, to make life better,” she recalls. This environment nurtured her instinct to take things apart, understand how they worked, and build systems logically: a curiosity that would shape her academic and professional choices.
Building a strong foundation
Sarah pursued a Bachelor of Technology in Computer Science engineering from Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, where she immersed herself in programming, machine learning, and advanced computing concepts. Projects involving IBM Watson, blockchain modules, and cognitive computing sharpened both her technical clarity and her appetite for innovation.
Her transition into the corporate world began at Cognizant, where she spent 2.5 years moving from a Programmer analyst trainee to a Junior Software Engineer. As a backend developer working primarily with Java, Spring Boot, SQL, and Agile teams, she contributed to performance enhancements, new integrations, and business-aligned digital transformations.
“What I loved most was contributing to business transformation: whether it was through improving code quality, integrating new technologies, or aligning with client goals,” she says. “It helped me realize the power of connecting tech with strategy.” This realization planted the seed for her next step: understanding how technology operates at an enterprise level: not just as code, but as a scalable engine for business growth.
The turning point that led her abroad
While she was building her career in Hyderabad, both her sisters had moved to France to pursue advanced studies and eventually became engineers working in the space sector, designing systems and building rockets. Seeing them thrive became a powerful motivating force. She says, “Watching their lives reach new heights—literally and professionally—was incredibly inspiring. Seeing them grow in confidence and take on major responsibilities made me believe I could aim higher too.”
During one of her visits to France, one of her sisters gave her a tour of her workspace. It was an eye-opening moment: an instant where the world suddenly felt bigger and more attainable. Sarah says, “I wanted to challenge myself, expand my horizons, and keep learning. Coming to France felt like the natural next step.”
A blend of education, culture, and quality of life
For Sarah, the decision to move to France wasn’t driven solely by academics: it was also about a way of life. “France just made sense,” she says. “The education is strong, but so is the quality of life. People value balance, the conversations are thoughtful, and even simple things like walking through a market or taking a break in a park feel meaningful.”
She admired how her sisters had not only built impressive careers but also developed a sense of belonging: from learning French to integrating into multicultural teams. She saw France as a place where she could grow intellectually, personally, and globally.
Her search ultimately led her to ESIEE Paris, part of Université Gustave Eiffel, for its master’s program blending technology and management. “When I came across the course, it felt like exactly what I was looking for,” she explains. “They train hybrid managers: people who can speak both tech and business and make those two worlds work together.”
The program’s structure, two semesters of coursework followed by a six-month internship, offered hands-on experience and industry exposure. Topics such as digital transformation, project management, analytics, and systems design aligned perfectly with her career aspirations.
The French style of learning
Sarah quickly realized that studying in France was fundamentally different from her academic experience in India. “In India, education tends to be more structured and exam-focused,” she says. “In France, there’s a greater emphasis on independent learning, critical thinking, and collaboration.”
Her classes often include students from around the world, giving her new perspectives on teamwork and culture. One memorable project involved collaborating with students from Finland on a case study in project management: an experience that taught her how cultural differences influence communication styles, timelines, and expectations.
Adapting to life in France
Although she arrived in France only a few months ago, the young student is already finding her rhythm. Still, the transition hasn’t been without challenges. She shares, “Adapting to a new country, language, and lifestyle all at once hasn’t been easy. Even small things, like reading a letter in the mailbox, can feel like a big task when everything is unfamiliar.”
In moments of uncertainty, she often draws strength from her mother. “She always says, ‘Nothing grows in comfort. Take one step forward, and God will take the next ten for you.’ That one line keeps me motivated.” Slowly, Sarah has begun to embrace the pace of French life. “Things are slower and more intentional here. People value balance, breaks, and quality. It’s taught me to slow down and be more present,” she explains.
Finding a community of her own
The communities she has found—both Indian and international—have eased her transition. “I have a few Indian classmates here, and they’ve been incredibly helpful, whether it’s paperwork, cooking together, or just being great people to hang out with,” she says. She also quickly discovered the Erasmus Student Network (ESN). “They organize events almost every day, and it’s such a fun way to meet people from all over the world,” she adds. “It helped me feel part of something bigger.”
With rising restrictions in the US and tightening immigration pathways globally, France is emerging as an appealing destination for young Indian students. She agrees, “France is becoming a lot more welcoming. The quality of education is strong, the support systems are good, and post-study work opportunities are improving. It really feels like they want us to stay and grow here.” For students interested in technology, digital transformation, AI, and engineering, France is increasingly on the global map.
Even as she settles academically, Sarah makes room for joy, curiosity, and exploration. She spends weekends wandering through Paris, discovering cafés, joining student activities, or simply enjoying peaceful afternoons in bookstores. When she’s home, she loves cooking: especially experimenting with Indian dishes using French ingredients: and singing, which she calls her emotional anchor.
Looking ahead
Sarah’s story rooted in Hyderabad and unfolding in France is still in its early chapters. Yet her clarity is unmistakable. She is building not just a career, but a worldview shaped by cultures, systems, and global experiences. For young Indians considering studying abroad, especially women, she offers simple but powerful advice: “Come with an open mind and a willingness to learn, not just academically, but about people, culture, and yourself,” she signs off.
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