My Personal States Journey

From India to Penn State and Beyond. After earning my Bachelor's degree in Engineering in India, I took a bold step and left a full-time job to pursue a Master’s in Business Analytics at Penn State's Smeal College of Business. Moving to the U.S. in 2022 was a significant transition, but I was ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities that awaited me.

At Penn State, I didn’t just immerse myself in academics—I actively sought out roles that would broaden my experience. As a Graduate Programs Admission Assistant, I guided prospective students through their application journeys. I also served as a Graduate Teaching Assistant for Business Intelligence courses and took on the responsibility of Risk-Management Exam Proctor. Additionally, I was honored to be a Graduate Student Ambassador, where I supported and mentored incoming students. Balancing these roles with my studies honed my time management, leadership, and communication skills.

In 2023, after earning my degree, I joined Airlift USA as a Product Operations/Business Analyst. In this role, I leverage the skills I acquired at Penn State to conduct competitor analysis, identify customer needs, and drive sales and business growth. It’s fulfilling to see how my academic background directly contributes to the company’s growth.

Despite the demands of a full-time career, I make it a priority to maintain a healthy work-life balance. I enjoy staying active at the gym, exploring new destinations, experimenting with different cuisines in the kitchen and practicing self-care through mindfulness, yoga and journaling. These activities keep me grounded and energized, allowing me to excel both professionally and personally.

Reflecting on my journey from India to Penn State and beyond, I realize it has been challenging, yet incredibly rewarding. I’m eager to see where this path will lead me next.