The Road Ahead: Journey of a UB Graduation Candidate.
Guest: Mansha Chandna, MS Information Systems, Cybersecurity, University at Buffalo [@UBuffalo]
On LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/manshachandna/
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Host: Saman Fatima
On ITSPmagazine | https://www.itspmagazine.com/itspmagazine-podcast-radio-hosts/saman-fatima
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Episode Description
Are you from India? Wishing to come to the USA for your studies? Is your dream university the University at Buffalo? If yes, grab a pen, paper, and water, and you are all good to know everything. From researching the dream university to getting selected and beating the elephant in the room (i.e. the VISA process) to settling up - you need to know EVERYTHING because, at the end of the day, it is a foreign land with a lot of newness, loneliness, and self-dependency.
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Resources
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For more podcast stories from Off The Record With Saman: https://www.itspmagazine.com/off-the-record-with-saman-student-abroad-podcast
Watch the video version on-demand on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0954PDs3hFI&list=PLnYu0psdcllS96iavkI5nQsErJ3795ow6
Closing Chapters | Conversation with a soon-to-be UB Graduate Mansha Chandna | Off the Record with Saman — Student Abroad Podcast
17:55:13 Hi everyone, we're yet again back with another episode of Off the Record with Me, Saman, and I'm really glad that this year is turning out to be really great with a lot of different folks that I meet through this podcast and we're able to give out the maximum information that we could give out related to a college related to a degree.
17:55:34 And a lot of other things that we talk about. Good again, we're back. I hope so you're all ready with your cup of tea and coffee or juices and today we have a really special guest and this is a very special month so Women's History Month and all that things that goes around the month is something very important for me and my guest as well.
17:55:58 So I wish everyone Happy Women's History Month And with that being said, I have Mansha here and.
17:56:06 She is doing her masters. She is almost on the verge of getting graduated and that's the best part that she talk about a lot about University of Buffalo.
17:56:18 The course that she's doing, why did she pick up this course and a lot of other things that we pull up through the hour.
17:56:25 So welcome, Mansha, and I let you introduce yourself to the folks.
17:56:30 Thank you, Sam. Thank you so much for the wonderful introduction that you gave about me. I've done more about myself.
17:56:37 I am Mansha and I'm from India. I did my undergraduation in computer science engineering and after that I had 3 years of work experience with Deloitte in cyber risk services.
17:56:49 So I primarily worked on a lot of things in cyber risk when I was with Deloitte.
17:56:55 With Deloitte for about 4 months back in India. And after when I was in Deloitte and I was doing my job.
17:57:04 With those, within that span of 3 years of work experience, I realized that I should be going for masters and that's when I realize, okay, I should be going for my master's but which degree and I thought, okay, I would not want to go into computer science again.
17:57:20 So this is when I chose MIS management information systems in the track of cybersecurity and I'm here at university at Buffalo doing my masters in management information systems in the track of cybersecurity.
17:57:35 I came to Buffalo in July, 2023 and then I did my summer semester my fall semester and now I'm here in my spring semester.
17:57:47 Tech plus management. So when I say cybersecurity, it's more about the whole thing, the tech as well as the managerial part.
17:57:55 So we learn more about the cyber core cyber things as well plus more about the components and policies and auditing, risk management, all of these things.
17:58:04 So it has been really an amazing journey. Till now with the university at Buffalo. Of whatever I have learned with the Okay, and I'm saying it has been amazing.
17:58:18 Thank you so much for that, Mansha. And, We've heard a lot about lot good things about the MIS course at Buffalo and obviously we'll be drilling down more through you about the course but Before that, that's something the common thing between the 2 of us because I also did, My mom stills in information systems and that do a specialization in
17:58:43 Well.
17:58:41 cybersecurity and then do a 1-year course. So that's almost the similar one.
17:58:48 It's just we started at fall. So before actually go ahead drill down into the curriculum and you know Actually, that would have, been the main factor for you to choose that course, but before that, I just wanted to ask like were there any other universities or institutions that you Okay.
17:59:09 Apart from University of Buffalo as well and There were a couple of acceptance for you when you were planning up to come here.
17:59:19 Yes, absolutely. So I applied to 4 colleges, 4 universities university at Buffalo, Arizona State University, University of Texas and Dallas and CMU.
17:59:30 Carnegie Mellon. Of course, Carnegie Melon was my like dream university like any other student because it's that I will lead.
17:59:38 But at the same time I was hoping to get a scholarship but I could not and it was very expensive for me so I could not afford at that point of time to spend this much amount of money and I got admits from.
17:59:53 All the colleges but eventually I chose university at Buffalo. It's because of the flexibility in choosing the electives and the path in which I wanted to go it really helped me And I also talked to a lot of seniors from ASU from Arizona State University from University of Texas at Dallas and University at Buffalo after talking to a lot of seniors I got to know about their problems, their university issues
18:00:21 and how they are dealing with it, etc. And finally I chose University at Buffalo then.
18:00:28 That's great. I guess that's the factor where you actually, you know, pick out on a lot of things.
18:00:36 We'd come down to Buffalo and how buffalo stood out when we see ASU.
18:00:42 We see obviously, UD. Dallas and then obviously we have CMU as well because there are a lot of factors that comes in between one is the city.
18:00:51 Yeah.
18:00:55 Okay.
18:01:05 Thank you.
18:00:51 Or maybe the weather. Maybe they'll city expenses and, the level of scholarships that you get or the level of flexibility that you see in the course or maybe it's just the duration of the course that you know within 12 months this is 18 months.
18:01:09 So, what was your like? The criteria that you took and from which the first position then to buffalo.
18:01:17 Right, so if I compare all the universities, so CMU was out in the very initial stage because of the financial restrictions for me.
18:01:26 So I was left with your UT Dallas ASU. Right. So UT Dallas was also out in the initial stage for me because it was 2 year course.
18:01:37 I was prefably wanting a 1 year course so I was confused between ASU and university at Buffalo.
18:01:44 I read the curriculum, I talked to a lot of seniors about the curriculum and then the location was also a criteria for me.
18:01:52 I heard that Arizona State University is at, is in Arizona of course but it is at a place where it's too hot like too hot and it's like a deserted place also the campus is you just the campus is amazing.
18:02:06 A deserted place also the campus is you just the campus is you just the campus is amazing there are a lot of opportunities for students for undergraduates as well.
18:02:12 The campus is here, which is the campus is amazing. There are a lot of opportunities for students for undergraduates as well as graduates.
18:02:20 But, because it was too hot. I did not want to go there. That was one of the reasons, of course, plus considering the one year course, Arizona State University was a bit expensive.
18:02:28 Not a bit expensive, it was expensive than university at Buffalo. So, If I compare the expenses also university at Buffalo one here for me apart from this I know a lot of seniors with whom I talk that interacted the part what I wanted and when I see the alumni going in different different companies and doing the work that they are currently doing with their companies.
18:02:50 I would preferally want that kind of path for me. So when I talk to them about their experiences, their, the curriculum that they had, how did they go through the during their duration of their study.
18:03:07 So after talking to a lot of seniors about their scenarios, I got to understand their duration of their study.
18:03:14 So after talking to a lot of seniors about their scenarios, I got to understand, okay, this is something I would want and was because of the curriculum itself because we were given the flexibility to choose what we want to study and it was easy for us.
18:03:25 Coming to the overall other expenses like living expenses. So here in Buffalo, I would say, 700 to $800 would be something per room per house if you are living in a private room.
18:03:40 Is something that it's very okay for people to give but for ASU when I was talking to a lot of seniors it's the expenses go around $1,000 per month so it was also Okay, because I'm already paying a lot in the university and the living expenses would also level up.
18:03:59 So the overall expense rate was going very much in ASU. Compared to Buffalo of course and curriculum wise also for me Buffalo one over here I knew that Buffalo had its extreme temperature stories because when I was talking to seniors I got to know it gets.
18:04:16 What's supposed to be my next question. Did you actually weigh out like the temperatures as well because buffalo is pretty extreme and pretty brutal when we talk about the winters there.
18:04:27 True, true. So right now it's March, right? But sometimes it's like 20°C in sometimes it's like one degree Celsius.
18:04:35 Yeah. Okay.
18:04:38 It changes within the day. And when I'm talking to my parents about this, they also get shocked and I say, oh yes, certainly because I'm also getting shot.
18:04:46 I wake up every day and see very different temperatures. Over here, I'm also getting short. I wake up every day and see very different temperatures over here.
18:04:55 It sometimes gets really extreme, 20 degrees and then one degrees the next day.
18:04:54 Yeah, that's that's something that Julie hits a lot because. I've been just there as a tourist like not Buffalo but I've been to New Jersey, New York and I did my schooling from Atlanta.
18:05:06 So It's pretty like absolutely the the opposite side of everything and you know with temperatures. I felt like I can die with that weather because We haven't seen the pool side of winters in India.
18:05:26 For us, it's because we haven't seen the group side of winters in India. So, as it's now, now I understand that I can actually roam around in normal t-shirts or like just that I can actually roam around in normal t-shirts or like just sweatshirts in India but not here actually because it's pretty different and when you're actually because
18:05:41 it's very different and when you're actually because it's very different and when you're actually because it's very different and when you're actually because it's pretty different and but not here actually because it's very different and when we move to different areas as well we feel the brutality of the weather so we are always pretty brutal on those ends when 4, 5 h and then it's
18:05:54 it's near Niagara and everything so you know it's better than when we talk about the temperature.
18:06:00 So.
18:06:03 So yeah, I guess that would have been a difficult choice, Buffalo being that cold, but you know, somewhere some things have to be taken across.
18:06:11 Yeah.
18:06:11 See you. That's great. And to be honest, what you discussed about about the, housing that, you know, 7, $800, you get a private room.
18:06:21 That's pretty good. Like, I would say that's a great price. But because what I see in Atlanta, like what I have seen back in my schooling days.
18:06:29 It's pretty expensive that too, you know, if you want to live privately, that's more of 1,200 or $1,000 and also it depends on the place that you take up, that's more of 1,200 or $1,000 and also it depends on the place that you take up you know so that could be like unsafe areas.
18:06:43 You know, or they could be areas which are very expensive, but they're farther away from the college or there's no public transport.
18:06:48 So 7 $800 is a great bet. If I would have gotten it, I would have taken it.
18:06:54 Yeah, and also there are a few places in South Campus and Buffalo who I know my friends who pay $400 per month for their room and I also know people who pay $900.
18:07:09 So on an average it comes out to be 700. 800.
18:07:09 Yeah. That's great actually, and at least, because we also need a level of privacy that, you know, we're students and then we're searching for jobs and a lot of other things.
18:07:23 Hmm.
18:07:21 So, you know, that comes handy that, you know, at least like your own time and you can.
18:07:25 Go with that, but you know, everyone's perception is that you know that I will not go into that.
18:07:32 But that's great information that you shared about the curriculum and how you chose between the 3 other colleges that you put down and you took up upload.
18:07:41 Whoever in the cloud is actually wanting to choose they could have those elements as well but when we talk about your application in your selection process at you know, University of Buffalo.
18:07:55 And what was their criteria while you were filling up the application and any test code they needed, any essays they wanted any video introduced like if you could just walk us through the process of the selection and how did you apply the
18:08:11 Absolutely. So, I remember ASU waved on GRI from home. I remember it was COVID time and I gave GRE from home because we couldn't go outside right so DRE from home was my thing but as you said No, we are not accepting DRI from home, but you feel free to apply without GRE.
18:08:31 So for ASU, I applied without GRE, but for other 3 universities, CMU University at Buffalo and UT Dallas.
18:08:42 I had to provide my GR support to them. My GRI score was 3 1 5. So I had applied with my GR sport with DC University and for ASU I did not go with the GR support.
18:08:53 For the letter of recommendations. So every university has different criteria, right? So university of Buffalo wanted one letter of recommendation.
18:09:06 Arizona State University on the other hand I think it's required to similarly UD Dallas required 3 and I don't really remember about CMU.
18:09:14 But the good thing about CMU was that it also wanted the. So when I was selected. Like the first wrong was done they wanted my inter like the interview they would tell me the question I and I would have to answer that and I would send the video to them. And I would have to answer that and I would send the video to them.
18:09:35 So it was really my first time giving that interview to them. So it was really my first time giving that interview and it was but but it was really my first time giving that interview and it was but but it was really a very nice process to judge a candidate based on how he or she is able to articulate his words properly or not kind of that.
18:09:46 Yeah, I gave the same, with GSU as well. So along with the application process, they gave us 5 questions.
18:09:54 And they had their own video, like the the website where they want us to record and they give us 5 min the timer was running on the screen as part of that website and there were 5 questions listed and to answer them like while recording and then submitting that.
18:10:13 So you know that was something really good that I was across.
18:10:16 Correct. The same happened with me as well. So when I click that link to record my video, it just popped up and I could just see my video running over there and there was a timer running that I could only speak for like 3 min or 2 min and I had to finish everything in those 2 to 3 min telling everything about that question.
18:10:35 There were 2 questions for me. I think they were not 5 questions for CMU during my time.
18:10:40 But might have changed.
18:10:39 Okay. So what about you'll be like if we, if you can walk down what happened with your college, like the application process and everything, cut to cut out what happened with your college, like the application process and everything, cut to cut for the timeline probably if you can share us.
18:10:50 Yes. Right. So there were 3, 3 parts in which students could apply to you. We, like deadline one, dead line, 2 and dead line 3.
18:11:04 I was sure that I wanted to apply to you, so I applied by before the deadline one was ending.
18:11:09 So I was able to apply within the deadline one was ending. So I was able to apply within the first deadline duration and I got my acceptance.
18:11:15 For my application and then for the application I provided my VR score my SOP my LOR and I really want to mention this at this point of time that SOP statement of purpose is really important for all the colleges, right?
18:11:31 Because The course you are choosing what you have done and how it justifies that what are what is the code that you are choosing what are your future goals you have to articulate it very properly.
18:11:42 In a very efficient way. I should say so that it just tells the whole story. But it should not be feeling very monotonous and boring at the same time.
18:11:53 To make it more interesting. It couldn't be that monotonous. You can't write that.
18:11:59 Okay, I'm unchecked at my bachelor's room.
18:12:00 Yeah, because you just have to create a connection that you know. If you've done your bachelors, for example, in XYZ course and then you're coming here to do the management and then you come in here to do the management in information system. Why?
18:12:16 Correct.
18:12:16 Like How is your background falling in it into it or if not background but with your work X or your particular interest?
18:12:39 Yeah.
18:12:24 How do you align with that particular port? So they just want to read that rather They already have a resume is they know that we've done the bachelors from your or we've worked here and worked there but you know they just want to know us speak out loud that Why this course? Like why do we want to do it?
18:12:42 What is that push that we get up? So I agree to that point in. I don't know what is the scenario right now, but you know, we were the people who were like the COVID babies for master's degree.
18:12:56 So you know we were at that time like I did not write any sort of test except for my Yeah.
18:13:01 So, I wasn't exposed to that many examinations and that's how I could surpass that.
18:13:14 Okay.
18:13:07 So SOP became the hero. On the show of your application actually that has to stand out it has to speak for yourself if not though other schools that you.
18:13:20 Have been raised off. So.
18:13:21 Right, and especially for me when I was applying to ASU because I was applying without G in ASU, right?
18:13:29 So SAP, as you mentioned, played a very important role for me as well because it had to stand out and also would like to mention played a very important role for me as well because it had to stand out and also would like to mention, as well because it had to stand out and also would like to mention for ESU, because it had to stand out.
18:13:45 And also I would like to mention for ASU I had because I did not choose to go with GRI thing, right?
18:13:47 I had 2 essay questions that I had to write that's why I had because I did not choose to go with GRI things, you I had because I did not choose to go with GRI thing, right?
18:13:53 I had 2 essay questions that I had to more on the lines of about me. They wanted to know me on the personal level.
18:13:55 So as far as I remember the one of the questions were what happened in your life that changed you. Something around those lines so they wanted to know about some experiences.
18:14:06 On my personal end and the other is why did you not apply with GRE score so I had to write that okay I took GRI from home but since you are not accepting Okay.
18:14:17 Okay. Very life related questions like, I'm not. Tell all of them but with my application at Georgia state there was one question asking that if you can PIN down an incident from your life.
18:14:35 Where you were not able to speak up. And somehow you took all those things maybe at a personal end or a professional end.
18:14:44 And there was a second part to that question asking that. What if that's incident happened to you again now?
18:14:52 Hmm.
18:14:52 And how differently you tackle that situation now as compared to how you did it. That time. So.
18:14:59 You know, why for example we're sitting like this here and then you talk about that situation and then you right now think, okay, then I behaved like this and right now I would have dealt with the situation.
18:15:18 Yeah.
18:15:11 Like for example like this so those are the type of question they ask you they do not ask you anything regarding any go or things or the related.
18:15:24 It's more of life questions and they can be there can be different questions for different people. So it's not necessary that same set of questions go for one individual or all of the individual.
18:15:31 So it differs there. So that was a very good way to actually, you know, see how a person perceives in certain situation, how they act, react or anything of that sort.
18:15:44 So that was the best thing that I found when I was applying for colleges here. You with those.
18:15:46 Okay. Alright, and you know it actually makes you think, okay, so this is the question. The past was this, the present is this and the future.
18:15:57 So how would I tackle it differently? It really makes you think these questions are very good behavioral questions.
18:16:03 I truly feel that.
18:16:05 Yeah, so yeah, I like to complete,
18:16:07 Yeah, so coming back to the Buffalo application process. Yeah, so I applied with GRI, the office code.
18:16:17 And SOP, LR, I took Eloa from one of my senior managers from Deloitte, Adelaide.
18:16:25 Yeah, yeah, these were the 4 things. Though of course they also ask about transcripts and your passport-sized photo if they want .
18:16:34 The generic thing was this only Giotti and Torffle score. So I give PI did not give Iles.
18:16:45 So this was how the things worked out for me when I was applying to university at Buffalo.
18:17:05 Okay.
18:16:54 Things were a bit different with ASU as I mentioned because I did not apply with the GRE but the other 3 things SO let, no, SOP, LIKE, IT, IN, SCHOOL, yeah, that remains the same for all the other universities as well.
18:17:09 Okay, so if I may ask like if you could let the folks know that with you be what was the minimum score that they needed as part of GRE and to for your degree course so what was the benchmark for them that they gave on the website?
18:17:30 Okay.
18:17:25 Onto website I think it's 312 which is written but for for my class with what I have I've talked to a lot of students about this, what I have, I've talked to a lot of students about this, right?
18:17:39 Okay. I've talked to a lot of students about this, right? Got to know the 310 to 325 is something people generally have but on the website I think it's 312 or 315 as Yeah.
18:17:50 Okay. And what about office school?
18:17:54 Doffle score is not. I don't remember if it's mentioned on Hubi's website, but what I heard from seniors was that you should be able to pass all the benchmarks.
18:18:04 So in total we have 4 sections, right? Reading, writing, speaking and listening. So in all the sections you should be, there are the passing marks for all the sections.
18:18:13 Yeah.
18:18:14 So you should be passing all the marks. In order to get into the universities because sometimes what happens is that universities do have that as the normal benchmark that okay you should be able to score like 25 out of this 27 out of this.
18:18:34 So it's really important to score good and toyful, not only like the overall number, but also in all the sections.
18:18:40 That is really important. Yes.
18:18:41 Got it, got it. That's good that you could mention the score so that everyone is able to know it.
18:18:47 So, And once that is done, you get the off the letter and then that's the next process that you go ahead with the I.
18:18:57 Right. So once we are admitted, it also happens. I, I think it happened in the deadline one only that we had to give our financial documents also to prove that okay we are financially good.
18:19:10 Yeah, that's how they release the I. 20, from, so office. Correct.
18:19:13 Got it.
18:19:16 So probably we'll get hold of, before we get hold of I. 20 and the user process like after you get admitted I just wanted to complete all the before admit questions that were there any other like aspirations of your adventure like was it always the doing masters from US.
18:19:35 Or was it, you know, and a thing that you wanted to do masters from a different country, but who has happened, by chance or was it you were planning for some other course in your home country.
18:19:49 So were there any choices there in terms of countries if we talk about or picking up colleges.
18:19:54 Yes, absolutely. So I also gave Kara, I was confused between 2 things. Okay, I either wanted to do MBA from India.
18:20:02 Okay, I wanted to do my masters from India or US and there was no other country for me.
18:20:08 Somehow it happened like I just these 2 countries or nothing. So I gave my cat examination which is very famous in India for MBA.
18:20:17 I got my sport I got a good school but because I could not pass the cut off mask for DI LR I remember I was not admitted to the IM that I wanted to so It was because I've only wanted good colleges for my masters.
18:20:34 So that's the case, yeah.
18:20:42 Yeah.
18:20:35 I couldn't get in. Yeah, so I was not able to get my I am of the good I am that's at the same time you know when I was giving my cat I was also preparing we were preparing for .
18:20:50 So it's not exact similar slippers, but somehow it trains you, right?
18:20:59 Right, right.
18:20:54 Yeah. It still is in the same direction at least, but, already needs more brushing up as compared to, the others.
18:21:07 It's like, but yeah, it's still in the same direction. Because
18:21:14 Yeah.
18:21:18 Okay.
18:21:09 Got it. So I gave my GRI first and because Kat and GRE has a bit of an intersection that okay this part is the same so I gave my GR first and can't required more of extensive maths DILR, the same.
18:21:24 So I gave my GRE first and can't required more of extensive maths, DIAL, that thing.
18:21:25 So I've worked on my
18:21:25 Yeah.
18:21:30 Yeah.
18:21:24 I know I sat for myself so. Probably sailing in the same port, warning to my masters, but somehow COVID just turned the course of action.
18:21:35 But yeah, so It was either. MDA from India or like masters from US that those were the only 2 options.
18:21:42 Yes
18:21:43 Okay, that's great. That's great. So, Since we discussed everything on that and I just wanted to ask like the course that you've picked up, at UB, does it start in different semesters like does it only start in the summer semester or there is a flexibility that you can still pick it up in a different semester like fall or spring or is it strictly starting in summer
18:22:09 semester?
18:22:13 Okay.
18:22:09 So now starting our BAD starting 2023, it is only summer semester. Before, 2,000, and 23, it, there were 2 intakes, summer and spring, but now talking just about now from now onwards, it's only summer to in summer semester.
18:22:25 So you have to get enrolled in some semester.
18:22:21 Yeah. Oh. Okay, and.
18:22:29 Okay, so it's like summer fall and then spring and then you, graduate in May, right?
18:22:34 Perfect. Yes.
18:22:36 Well, that's great. That's almost we're almost ending March. And it's been April and May and you're almost done.
18:22:43 So I guess you'll just be wrapping up with your assignments, projects, exams and everything of that sort.
18:22:48 No.
18:22:48 Great. Those are the last few days I also remember of my time because I graduated in summer. Last year and it was pretty the one year course really runs first.
18:23:00 Hmm.
18:23:01 Just know everyone that you know you not get much of time to think and you know once you start thinking another semester would come up.
18:23:08 And you have to take up certain credits and other electives so everything goes by time. So that's there with a 1 year course that you don't get a load of student life like not to your student life sort of loan.
18:23:22 Hi.
18:23:23 So that's pretty quick. So without further ado, can you just walk us through? Once you got the admit.
18:23:31 Okay, so it's like a big dancing celebration day, with you be okay.
18:23:37 I chose this, this and that. So how did you proceed with your after admit activities would you be like maybe visa or i.
18:23:47 Twentys what were the things that you wanted to talk about.
18:23:48 Right. So after my admin to UB and the other universities, I was sure that okay, I got the admits from these universities and now I'm finalizing that okay I want to go ahead Now I got my I 20 for you, BI got the official letter basically.
18:24:06 Now I wanted to proceed with the visa for f 1 visa. Now I wanted to proceed with the visa.
18:24:12 Now I wanted to proceed with the visa. Now I wanted to proceed with the visa. For f 1 visa, okay, for fall semester it's It's relatively easy to get Vizas because when it's the onset of fall, a lot of people are applying and a lot of slots get opened.
18:24:21 So during the fall time you get a lot of slots but during the summer time because we had to land our course was starting on I think eleventh of July which was Monday.
18:24:31 So before eleventh of July, we have to get our slots right and they were not a lot of slots.
18:24:39 I know it was a hustle for all of us to get this law, especially for f 1 type because during that time a lot of students who were enrolling themselves at UV or A/C or any other university at f 1 status and joining their universities in fall they were also applying during that time.
18:25:00 It was really a congestion because the slots in spring semester would open very limited and there were a bunch of students applying for those lots even if they wanted to go for the fall but we had to come here early in summer semester.
18:25:14 So I was completely shocked when I was not getting my slots within 2 or 3 weeks and I thought okay I am not able to do it I should be taking a help from my agent who was able to help me with this loss.
18:25:28 There are a lot of agents who do help but I took a help from one of the agents who helped me with this slot booking.
18:25:36 Okay, so that became a pretty easy path. Okay.
18:25:39 Yeah, right. But you know, since I'm from Haryana and, Delhi was the nearest.
18:25:46 Okay.
18:25:46 Would happen in nearest lot for me but I chose whatever slower I got because they were as I told you there was a crunch of slots right so my one of the slots was in Delhi and other slot was in January so I flew to Chennai back then gave my interview came back it all happened like that and I think a lot of students from my badge who were enrolling themselves for MIS and who were
18:26:11 coming here had to fly different places to different to get their interviews and biometrics done so that they can proceed ahead and you know.
18:26:19 Hi, I understand that because I never took an agent but you know I was really relying on a lot of friends.
18:26:34 Okay.
18:26:27 And family you know they were trying to help me with the you know slots and then the telegram groups and everything came in handy but you know I firstly got my slots in the bombing, constituency.
18:26:42 And then later, somehow one fine morning at 4 a. MI could see us like a friend of mine.
18:26:52 Saw a slot in the Delhi consulate. And that's when I got it rescheduled and like changed to the telephones.
18:27:00 Oh, wonderful.
18:27:01 So that was the difficult portion for me and it just happened 10 days before my appointment. That. They could see like a consulate slot open for Delhi.
18:27:13 And I was like, oh my god, oh my god, it's 4 o'clock. It's okay.
18:27:18 Yeah.
18:27:15 I just woke up and I just changed my slot. So I don't know. Hi, Came in 2020, to fall and it was really a roller coaster right then as well.
18:27:28 Yeah.
18:27:27 And I could imagine how 2023 would have been. That slot but you know anyways it was a focus.
18:27:35 Good. Right. So when it is fall and students have a bit of a more time, right? Because students have to start from August end.
18:27:42 But if it's July.
18:27:46 Hmm.
18:27:42 No, I actually had to start August tenth. But still somehow I skip that because I wasn't able to secure a slot, so I am that student who skipped her orientation.
18:27:56 Oh.
18:27:56 It took like special permissions and even my first day of the class. So, you know, a lot goes on that and that how you actually put up those things and then I was pretty late with a lot of things.
18:28:09 So, but yeah, that depends on how your university wants to cater to those situations. But yeah, it usually their first differs for different universities.
18:28:20 So for me, the university, they like their orientation wasn't 12. A week or 2, 3 days before so that at least you settle up and then you start with your processes and the orientation and go around places.
18:28:38 So yeah. For a couple of them it used to start first week of September or August and but yeah.
18:28:45 Yes.
18:28:44 It just defaults. So that's great. And how was your likely to the visa process and then everything and then.
18:28:53 What was the day that you flew for Buffalo? Oh.
18:28:57 So the way once the visa process was done and I was very sure that okay now I'm going to buffalo finally the visa is approved right I booked my tickets I saw okay which flight I would choose and I chose Epihad for my very first flight from Derry to Buffalo.
18:29:26 Yeah.
18:29:15 It had 2 layovers in between. One was at Abu Dhabi and second was at JFK and my immigration was at Abu Dhabi in during immigration process also they ask you for the documents they see okay the documentation process the whole of just like they're doing the immigration.
18:29:31 Seeing the documents and just very few.
18:29:38 Yeah.
18:29:44 Hmm.
18:29:30 Yeah. Yeah. Yeah, you would just have to be prepped with your college and the address and everything has to be I also went from Delhi to Atlanta and I had one layover that was at And, my immigration happened at Atlanta, only, so I did everything at the Atlanta airport.
18:29:53 All sorts of pictures and the questions and all sorts of pictures and the questions and everything and then I was okay enjoy your stay in the United States and the master, so all that and then, you know.
18:30:04 They'll have.
18:30:04 Yeah, let me ask you very basic questions. Okay, where are you going to stay? Do you have an agreement and what are the measures?
18:30:13 Just very simple questions that.
18:30:08 Hmm. Yeah. Yeah, very basic questions and it's just after the long flight you have to remember those things that's the only catch there.
18:30:21 Yeah.
18:30:23 The ones to remember the names and the addresses of everything.
18:30:27 Yeah.
18:30:26 True, true. So once the immigration was done, I was all set to come to Buffalo.
18:30:36 Yeah.
18:30:32 It was a really long flight because I never had such a long flight from India to Buffalo and I was travelling for the very first time internationally so I was also a bit scared because I had to do it all over 2 big packages one gave in bag all of that and sometimes what happens with others This did not happen with me, but for some students what happened was during the layover they had to take their bags and
18:30:56 they had to give it to the other flight, the other flight that they are. Okay.
18:31:04 Yes.
18:30:58 Yeah. The connecting flight is operated by some other airlines. Yeah. I also checked up that like It was not me but a couple of my friends and seniors how you're mentioning right now they tell you and then you see those experiences that okay let's just see the selecting flights are of the same airlines or not.
18:31:17 Okay.
18:31:18 You know, that would save you sometime because Anyways, the layover place is also a different country.
18:31:23 So You have to manage that.
18:31:23 Cool. Right. And since if you are going alone for the very first time on an international trip like this, you just have to be a bit mindful and a bit aware about your surroundings so that you do not because no one wants to lose their bags, right?
18:31:40 Especially when you're
18:31:39 Yeah, I've heard a lot of cases of lost. So I just had like a, a, sticker on all of my bands.
18:31:46 Okay.
18:31:48 And it was all good and I was like thank God it's also a did at least I don't want to lose my bags.
18:31:56 So, and one of my seniors also suggested me to put my name and phone number and email ID on the back so that just in case if it gets misplaced and someone might call you, a good person might call you, or email ID on the back so that just in case if it gets misplaced and someone might call you, a, phone number and email ID on the back so that just in case if it gets misplaced and someone might call you a good person
18:32:20 I did that. I did that.
18:32:22 might Yeah, a lot of students do that.
18:32:22 So was there any sort of provisions that your university had when you landed and at least they had certain kind of transportation or anything that could drop you to your location, anything of that sort.
18:32:36 Or it was all your room. Both the transport and when
18:32:53 Yeah.
18:32:56 Okay.
18:32:41 Yeah, it was all me who did the transport and everything one of my uncles also suggested me that you know make an account on Uber and just transfer $100 into your Uber because here in the US they don't accept cash that much but in India it's different right but in the US they don't not accept cash so it's always good to have $100 in it so that you are good to go.
18:33:10 Yeah, exactly.
18:33:07 Because at that point of time, we do not even have a credit cards or I did have the forex card so I transferred a hundred dollars.
18:33:14 And, Colling Sky has different history altogether when it doesn't work. I at 9 out of 10 places.
18:33:23 Cool.
18:33:24 Oh, that was a bad time. We know, and my dad, my dad is, retired from a state bank of India and you know, getting that for X card in everything was just You know, just you click it and you get it, but the fourth side was pain in the ass when I was in US.
18:33:43 Okay.
18:33:45 And I'm more used to work. Add tons and tons of places. I don't know how like the merchant was not accepting or anything of that sort.
18:33:54 I just felt like, okay, I have money. Let's see. Yeah.
18:33:55 Hmm, but you cannot use it. You've heard a lot of these stories with my friends that they're trying to swipe.
18:34:13 I know.
18:34:04 So when we come here, we need some essentials on the very first of second daughter. So they go to our Walmart dollar to your tops of all these and this white pattern doesn't work and but luckily you know with me I had a SDFC forex card for me I'm not endorsing anything or anything but it
18:34:20 But it is it will come handy like for me. It's it's just how you know different experiences makes you learn.
18:34:32 The FC credit card works as like HTFC for X card worked for you. That's great that we put it out and people know more but I my personal experience that my SPA for it.
18:34:45 Okay.
18:34:45 Start was not walking at most of the places. So I will not say it wasn't working at all.
18:34:48 But yeah, you know, couple of places where the, you know, connections or the merchant or you know, some other other things did not work out.
18:34:57 Right.
18:34:58 So I would really suggest that, you know, if anyone's coming and if for mental HTFC for it's got worked up.
18:35:05 Yeah.
18:35:05 Go for it. Yeah, because you need it actually before you actually get your credit or debit cards.
18:35:11 You know, the 4 X card is actually online or you know maybe the cash you hold up but at least she needs some sort of cards for yourself to use it for the initial number of days.
18:35:18 Hmm.
18:35:22 So since since we are talking about, now we have landed into And, it all.
18:35:30 Into our rental places. So how is the transitioning pace like when we talk about the essentials like the initial days essentials and the bank accounts and you know exploring the place and you know I know it's and overwhelming thing.
18:35:48 And how how are you tackling things and I'm happy that it was summers for you at that time so still more to Jala, but yeah.
18:35:58 Focus down.
18:35:58 Hmm. It is really overwhelming because when you land here, sometimes you're so tired. I was so tired.
18:36:06 Luckily I did not have that jet lag. One of my friends was jet lagged like crazy crazy and she was sleeping like for hours and hours and hours one thing that I learned when I was having my international flight for a really long duration.
18:36:20 I read it somewhere, so I wanted to try. Whenever the lights are off in airplane, you should sleep and whenever the lights are on an airplane you should never escape.
18:36:29 So that is one thing I followed and it works for me. So when I was coming the very first time I followed that and during my winter vacation walk I went back to India and during my winter vacations I followed that and during my winter vacations I followed that and during my winter vacations work I went back to India and when I was coming back to India and when I was coming back from India to Buffalo I followed the same
18:36:50 thing. I went back to India and when I was coming back from India to Buffalo, I followed the same thing and luckily I followed the same thing and luckily I did not have any jet lag.
18:36:55 So I think it would be.
18:36:50 Okay. Yeah. Yeah, or it's things also bothered that piece that you know, whatever times you're reaching like US.
18:37:19 Okay.
18:37:01 Probably sleep that time like don't try to wake yourself up so I landed at 5 30 you know in the evening and it took me like a couple of hours to get my baggage, my immigration and also sort of things and I came out of the airport at around 7 like 6 37 o'clock and at 8 o'clock I reached my place where I was supposed to.
18:37:30 Okay.
18:37:26 I just showered. I ate what my mom packed for me. Because it was around 9 9 30.
18:37:33 Late in the night and I just slept and I woke up next day at 9 o'clock and I never got that jet lag feeling I was You know all good all happy that you know I took that sleep so probably Sleep around when you reach that place and don't try to wake yourself up and stuff like that.
18:37:50 Or else how she did it.
18:37:50 Hey, no, no, I think you're absolutely right. So I also landed in on 5 5 30 here here at Buffalo and I was here at my place by 6 or 6 30 but you know after that I was feeling very tired.
18:38:04 Okay.
18:38:05 I had to stop myself for sleeping at 7 PM. Because I did not want my cycle to get corrupted.
18:38:11 First waited till 9 PMI had dinner. I did my bad thing.
18:38:09 Yeah, yeah. Yeah.
18:38:19 Okay.
18:38:15 I had to pull my back from ground flow to the first floor. So I did that and after that I just waited for till 9 p.
18:38:25 Okay.
18:38:24 M. And I was all set to sleep. Oh, I had a wonderful baby sleeve.
18:38:29 I agree to that point and it was really nice because it's pretty quiet here when we see and.
18:38:38 It's all good. I also slept up really nice. It did not feel like that it's a new country or anything of that side and you know eventually after days it just hits you that you're not at home and this and that.
18:38:50 So how are the next couple of days?
18:38:52 Yes, so once this one or one day was done and we book up the next morning, I think a lot of people would have, reached Puffler at that point of time.
18:39:03 So the people who reached in Buffalo, we just made a group and okay, let's go to Walmart and buy something for us.
18:39:11 That was one thing. So during the whole day we went to Walmart, we went to tops to see what are we getting, what are the prices because everything is in dollars here everything is new right we are just moving down the island, in, in, and we are overwhelmed seeing so many products all at one place because Walmart is all at one place because Walmart is very big if we go there for the very first
18:39:36 time. Want to sleep if we do not have the mattresses we have to get a mattresses and pillows and Like the main essential things for the first and second day once we are all set up with these main things, I think the rest of the week was more about getting your bank account opened or going to the university and see how the university looks like and just enter the university to see because Okay, how, how.
18:40:02 Yeah.
18:40:05 how, looks and you know at university at Buffalo we have 2 different campuses. The South Campus and the North Campus.
18:40:09 Okay.
18:40:12 So the South Campus and North Campus are approximately 20 min away via drive. So, but there are buses connecting the South Campus and North Campus.
18:40:27 Okay.
18:40:21 So after every 20 min or after every 10 min there are buses universities buses which is free your cost we sit in those buses that from the south campus and they take us to the north campus so we are
18:40:32 So, like, sorry to cut you there, but how did you like a mute from your, like what other, okay, let me just, that how are the places that are most preferred or to stay if you are at you.
18:40:47 So like the most preferred living places for students.
18:40:57 Yeah.
18:40:51 Right, so I think a total 90% of the international students just talking about the international students. They stay at South Campus, the, because they're, they're South Campus and there are a lot of houses around South Campus okay and there are 2 bus stops the universities bus stops near South campus one is the good year bus stop and there are a lot of houses around Goodyerba.
18:41:19 A lot of houses around Good year burst up and there is main circle bus stop. And around the main circle desktop also there are a lot of houses.
18:41:26 Of course we have different streets over here. One is Niagara Falls Boulevard Street.
18:41:31 One is Inglewood Street, Calodine, Lisbon, Merimap, a lot of streets, right?
18:41:36 And every state has a different Okay. Duration, like the walking duration. So you just have to see you just have to choose the closest street to the bus stop so that it's easier for you when you because we have to work every day.
18:41:52 Yeah, walking is a, yeah, I guess. You'd know when you'll come here.
18:42:00 Yeah.
18:42:05 Yeah.
18:42:01 Working is actually a thing. And when we say like, 20 min walk, I have done that.
18:42:21 Yeah.
18:42:26 Hmm.
18:42:09 I can do it as of Obviously it depends from situation to situation when you have that. Take that drive as well but yeah as a student I've done that 1521 25 min of work and That's not, when you hear it for the first time, maybe it's too much that you know you walk sun or at night or whatever, but you're not 2025 min is basic to you know walk out
18:42:33 and see all those things and Like you were mentioning this places, how, how, how are your reactions?
18:42:38 Oh my god, okay.
18:42:42 Okay.
18:42:38 Like right now it's on the tip of your tongue that you know all these courses but they would have been really difficult to memorize and know it at the initial days as well.
18:42:49 No, do absolutely, you know when I was talking to seniors about, okay, I'm getting this house at this place, this house has this place and the lease agreement is about this and this.
18:43:03 Okay.
18:43:06 Yeah.
18:43:00 The first thing for me was to Active down in the initial phase because I could not remember. Okay, what is Merrymac?
18:43:14 I'll do what is. I'll do what is Merrymac. I'll do what, how do I write it on Google, right?
18:43:30 Because I had to search, okay, if it's like because eventually the rent and the walking distance are the 2 most important things when we are considering any house.
18:43:35 So.
18:43:43 Yeah. Yeah.
18:43:55 Hello.
18:43:35 You know that choices never when you are an international student, first you choose between college. Then you choose between where do I stay then you choose between okay should I get this cup from Walmart or should I get the same cup from target like which ones economical so you know Lord goes there when you you know right now after spending one year now you know, okay, target is the best place for these things.
18:44:07 Any other local supermarket stores or anything of that sort. But you know those were the times when you usually used to get overwhelmed to see the prices.
18:44:16 Okay.
18:44:21 Yeah.
18:44:17 Okay. Yeah, I was about to ask you like how about the grocery things for you and I guess we will be coming down to that but you know that's such an overwhelming thing for you and I guess we will be coming down to that but you know that's such an overwhelming thing to you know.
18:44:27 Keep in mind that a lot has to be catered for us, you know. So, how was your new student for us to?
18:44:31 Okay, absolutely. So, from my house, it's actually 7 min walk to tops.
18:44:49 Okay.
18:44:52 Yeah.
18:44:56 Yes.
18:44:42 So we used to walk to tops. For 7 min and we used to pull groceries all of all of the girls would go there get this groceries and stock up in our kitchen and this would happen every weekend I think because we were 5 girls living together and we could not get a lot of things in our hands because you know here the thing is you do not get those plastic poly backs to hold.
18:45:07 Oh, you don't? Oh, Atlanta does, Yes, we can get those brown bags, yeah.
18:45:09 No, we don't over here. No, back. Yeah, we get those brown bands, especially from dollar trees.
18:45:21 So we have to hold them like this and
18:45:26 Oh.
18:45:22 Policy is every student's favorite place. It is now I like doology like when I shifted here in Texas I went to Yeah, I guess once, but, dollars is the best deal you could get on anything.
18:45:36 And as the date sees, it's dollar and 25 cents for everything.
18:45:42 Hmm. Yeah.
18:45:39 Yeah, everything, right? But if you are having a birthday party or if you wanna pick up any kind of property, dollars is the best thing because it can cheapest over there right
18:45:50 Yeah. Yeah, it's the cheapest. I agree. I agree.
18:45:55 Yeah.
18:45:55 So. That being said, like that was a good discussion, I guess. Probably everyone could get an idea like where they could get all those things.
18:46:05 Distance what I could hear from you.
18:46:06 Yeah, and you know apart from tops also we have always at almost 15 min walk so if we did not want to go that ways we would want to go to all these because a few things are cheaper in tops a few things are cheaper in Which time you will.
18:46:19 Yeah, it's time you realize it that okay this bunch is you know like by $1 or $2 cheaper you have those specific setup that I'm going to get this from your from there.
18:46:36 So yeah, that's I guess normal human
18:46:37 And one thing I really want to highlight over here is going to Walmart. So we did not go to Walmart.
18:46:46 So we did not go to Walmart. So we did not go to Walmart by Gabs in the initial phase.
18:46:47 So our university on every Saturdays. So our university on every Saturdays, our university on every Saturdays, our university provides the shuttle bus in which all the university on every Saturdays our university provides the shuttle bus in which all the students can go to Walmart and it would just at Walmart you can just go out and there are timings.
18:47:07 That's nice.
18:47:00 So the bus would drop you at 12 noon then bus would pick up you at 2 new or 2 pm or 3 pm or 4 pm after active 1 h yeah bus runs to and fro so after every year you have the opportunity to hop in the bus.
18:47:17 Open one PM bus and you can go to Walmart and you can come back. Yeah.
18:47:29 No.
18:47:20 That's great. That's that's really great and thanks for sharing that at least and Walmart is one stop shop where you get everything you know from like and anything to everything it's it's you have the groceries and you have the bakery and you have clothes, you have the groceries and you have the bakery and you have clothes, you have a home and furnishing and you have the bakery and you have clothes, you have a home and furnishing and everything.
18:47:43 So, you know, I got my initial like, home and furnishing and everything. So, you know, I got my, home and furnishing and everything.
18:47:47 So, you know, I got my, initial like what desk and chat from Walmart.
18:47:52 So, you know, that has everything actually, out and about. So thank you for sharing that.
18:47:53 And with that being said, I know the first couple of days would have been a gigantic right for you to actually set up your place and you know being away from family and starting with school and obviously people like us who have experience and then they come back to college, it becomes a little difficult on that end to actually.
18:48:13 You know. Okay, get used to that atmosphere and the education system is really different from what we have seen in our bachelors.
18:48:18 Okay.
18:48:21 So, how was your, job search. I wanted to talk more about it regarding how was your job search and with the current times with the job market being really thin.
18:48:33 Hmm.
18:48:34 How what is your experience with the current job market?
18:48:39 So the job market as new always is not really great at this point of time. Even if the job profile matches your profile, the job description matches your profile.
18:48:50 It's not a short shot that you would get it. You would face some kind of rejection and you should be mentally prepared for it because it's not about the skill set.
18:49:03 Yeah.
18:49:03 It's more about the operations and business about the phone, right? But yeah, we all have been receiving a good amount of rejects and it's not just cyber security, it's about software engineering data, analytics, business and analytics, every domain.
18:49:20 Yeah.
18:49:29 Yeah.
18:49:17 So across all the domains, all the students because we all talk about this right now, right? Because we are going to get graduated in like 3 months from now and it's the high time we should be getting a good job but the job it is not really nice we all are trying our best we all are applying for like 2030 40 50 jobs as per we get time every day.
18:49:41 Yeah
18:49:55 Yeah.
18:49:41 Because I know your semesters are on and with that being said, you are searching for jobs and I did pressure that obviously, with international student, we have the bar that we have to keep for CGP of 3 dot O.
18:49:59 Yes.
18:49:59 One thing and oh yeah so if I may ask what are the job roles that you are specifically looking out for after you graduate.
18:50:08 Right. So I have 3 years of work experience with Deloitte and Cyber Research Services, wherein I worked on data classification, data loss prevention, information rule, sets management, as your information protection, all of that data protection and data privacy things.
18:50:25 I also have a chance to work on GDPR, CCP assessments and PCI DSS assessments also.
18:50:32 So right now, also I'm looking more towards these jobs because I bring that skills and assessments also.
18:50:39 So right now also I'm looking more towards these jobs because I bring that skill set and experience from Deloitte and I would love to go into the same direction.
18:50:41 I really like working on these things and so I really like working on these things and so I would I'm really open to GRC roles, governance, Compliance, Data Privacy, the Audit and Assurance things because yeah this is my porte and this is what I have been doing in Deloitte for 3 years. Yeah.
18:51:03 Yeah.
18:51:03 Thank you so much for sharing that and I wouldn't take a moment here to everyone watching. If you are hiding or do know of anyone who is hiring for GRC, if you are to everyone watching, if you are hiring or do know of anyone who is hiring for GRC roles, data classifications or data privacy or somewhere is, we'll have Munchausen, in.
18:51:21 link below in the description box and you could just reach out to her. Touch base with her have her as you may if all these skill sets actually match up with the job description at your organization it would be a great help.
18:51:33 For all of us to help her together in getting her first job after her graduation. So yeah, we'll have her link down in the description box below so that we will have her link down in the description box below so that you could keep the conversation going on the job part.
18:51:49 So I really wish you good luck and maybe things work out soon. For you and I know I've been into that place so I really want things to get better and better for everyone.
18:51:55 Hmm, definitely. Thank you so much.
18:51:55 So. No worries, no worries, you know, anything that we could do for people in the same community is something really important.
18:52:06 So with that, you see I said we're at the really last edge of the podcast discussion and I know by now everyone would have gone good feedback about you, be the rent, the groceries, the INSTEAD there's essential items how the college really helps you with the transportation and then with the curriculum with the selection process, the application process, the visa process and a lot of other things that Montra at her egg could drill down
18:52:36 and could share it with everyone. But yes. That being said, there could be certain situations where there could be more of personal questions and yes, as said, we'd have all of our social handles below in the description box below so that you can.
18:52:52 And
18:52:50 You Annoy her the most. And ask her a lot of questions on that end. So there's just couple of motives that I wanted to ask before we close off Mansha.
18:53:01 One is There are situations where we come up to a new country and where we think, okay, oh my god, how would we tackle these situations?
18:53:10 Or on the other hand, we are just really a confident about things that these are the things we'd be really good at confident about things that these are the things we'd be really good at.
18:53:18 So can you just walk us down through 2 situations where you thought things would go really south but it was a cake walk.
18:53:25 And thanks where you thought that, you know, it will be a cake walk. But it was.
18:53:33 Okay.
18:53:33 So something that went the opposite to what you thought of prep for.
18:53:38 Right. So I think there are a lot of things like this. So I did not. Oh, that job process would such be a very big thing and we had to apply because this is a very exhausting process, right?
18:53:51 We have to upload our resume, create a portal. I was not prepared for it honestly, I should say.
18:53:58 I was mentally prepared that, okay, I have to apply for jobs. I have to do this and that, but I did not know it's such a very exhausting process.
18:54:06 So yeah, you have to be mentally prepared for it that yes, it is going to be exhausting and yes, talk it like you came to US for this right so you should be prepared for it that's 1 thing and the other thing is there are a lot of times you feel that oh my god there are a lot of things to work on your assignments your research paper your and what not.
18:54:27 So just be prepared for those things and eventually everything flows and goes. If you have control over it, go ahead and do that thing.
18:54:37 And if you do not have control over thing that thing just I think just let it be things will flow and eventually everything will be good.
18:54:52 Hmm.
18:54:46 Yeah, I understand and there are times when you will actually feel like 24 h. Is not enough and there are, when you think, 24 h is more than enough for this and I can do it.
18:54:58 So you just have to multitask here with a lot of things. You know, handling your place, cooking, studying, applying for jobs and then getting things sorted for the weekend.
18:55:08 You know, you'll have a lot of task to do to get a lot of groceries and everything.
18:55:11 So it's like a vicious weekend cycle that we work on and it's a important for you to stay healthy.
18:55:19 Thank you that we work on and it's important for you to stay healthy as well. If you do not get yourself a glass of water, nobody will.
18:55:24 So you have to be all prepped up for all these things like we were talking about and it's not difficult to ask all of us have been doing this.
18:55:33 Yeah.
18:55:33 I have done this and are doing it still but you know it just takes certain level of motivation to do it because that's what we're here for, you know, it just takes certain level of motivation to do it because that's what we're here for, you know.
18:55:46 Yes.
18:55:42 Perfect. We just have to be mindful of with all these things that your death plays are like the super important role.
18:55:53 If our health is good, everything should be good.
18:55:52 Yes, I agree. And, before we head down with your one advice for people who wanted to come to you, can you just quickly talk about any sort of community contributions and essentials of networking and other things that you have seen it maybe the community contribution towards being part of your, towards part of your college that you've been part of.
18:56:18 Couple of activities. So what all things could a new student get, you know, exposed to as part of you be in terms of community work or any sorts of networking events or maybe how you got through like online like through your college any community work or maybe through LinkedIn or any other resources outside of college you were able to get.
18:56:44 You know connections networking or any sort of conference presence or scholarships anything like, any sort of conference presence or scholarships, anything like if you wanna talk about a couple of them.
18:56:54 Right, so university at Buffalo School of Management does not offer any scholarships. So I was sure that I wanted to apply for some of the other scholarships.
18:57:03 So that it becomes easy for me on the financial side so I applied to one scholarship there I know there are not a lot of scholarships that sponsor students but there are a lot of but there are a few scholarships right so just be mindful about the deadlines and apply for those scholarships it might be very difficult process back then because you know we are all stuck up with I 20 the timeline and the visa process and at the same
18:57:29 time these scholarships have their deadline too. So just keep a track of those scholarships on their deadlines because we would require for those scholarships.
18:57:38 So whoever you are asking about the LOI, just make sure you get a good LR for the scholarship as well.
18:57:46 That is one thing related to the scholarship. The next is networking. I think it's really very important to have good network.
18:57:53 Even if you do not have network right now, you can choose to build your network before coming to the US, interact with as many people as you can go to a few conferences nearby.
18:58:06 Sometimes it is paid, sometimes it is free. So you can choose to attend those conference. And you really get to loan a lot in these conference, conferences, right?
18:58:16 And the other thing is talk to professors about where I Are you standing right now? Where do you want to go?
18:58:22 What are you thinking? Professors over here are really very helpful. I tell you they are very helpful.
18:58:30 They listen to you if you are going through a down phase, they do listen to you and help you out.
18:58:34 Okay, this is something you can do. Yeah, something you can do. They give you options to open based on your profile and your requirement, which is really a good thing because you need that mental support sometimes.
18:58:43 You cannot call your family and friends at that point of time and share everything with them because they do not know the depth of it but your professors and your friends here in the US don't know it right so having a good circle and having talking to good professors is the really important thing.
18:58:59 Connections with the professors that ways also. Just keep on hard working I would say with your all the things like with your assignments and everything so that you learn also.
18:59:11 Yeah, that is something I would really like to tell people.
18:59:15 Yeah, you know, professors are really important because they have a huge network. With different professors of different other colleges or maybe you know in the city you know knowing a lot of organizations who work.
18:59:31 So it's very important for you to be as close to your professor in terms of you know knowing obviously academically where you are and also you know if they could help you in up your first.
18:59:45 Yeah.
18:59:44 Good year, after your graduation. And in any ways, they have a lot of opportunities in terms of, you know, getting students scholarships for a conference or maybe you know attending.
18:59:56 Hmm.
18:59:55 A local fair, there could be a lot of career opportunities as well. With that recommendation you could use to attend that particular event.
19:00:05 So that becomes really handy when we talk about professors and and it's not necessary that you only connect the professors of your department.
19:00:23 Right.
19:00:14 You actually can see a lot of professors through your website and then you know know what's that you know appointment hours and then you could visit them and and see what all the different projects they're working on and if you can contribute in any ways if it's just having a learning Yeah.
19:00:32 And number of possibilities that you can make up when you you know, have your professors in line.
19:00:39 So
19:00:49 Yeah.
19:00:38 Right. And just to add on to this, I think having good friends is relay important having good professors is really important but apart from this you know when seniors help you just connect with the seniors at the same time because they help you a lot.
19:01:03 Yeah.
19:00:54 I tell you with my case, there are a lot of seniors I'm connected to and they help me a lot whenever I'm stuck and the guidance that we get from them because they have been in the same boat right so they guide you with that perspective and it becomes really helpful.
19:01:09 Sometimes a professors are not able to help you that much with respect to some XYZ. With respect to some XYZ, that very peculiar thing, right?
19:01:15 Yeah.
19:01:17 And your friends who are in the same, that very peculiar thing right and your friends who are in the same batch they are also going through the same batch, right? And your friends who are in the same batch, they are also going through the same thing.
19:01:24 So you would want someone who has born through that phase and your seniors are your best friends then.
19:01:26 I know because they have seen the ground reality they have been there from day one and Like we were sitting together.
19:01:33 I'm from a different college and city or from a different college and city, but there are a couple of things that.
19:01:52 Okay.
19:01:38 I haven't done correctly that I have done mistakes on 2 and that's how I want to put it out that okay I did something wrong and my plans were my plan plans did not work out so I would want to suggest you go for this so you know there are things that you wouldn't mistakes on and probably you can give out the better versions of what you did to people who are coming after.
19:02:06 Got it.
19:02:03 And They are your only family here. When we just talk about a new country. So that goes without saying.
19:02:11 So Thank you so much for sharing that and with that being said, we come down to the last part, where any sort of any sort of advice, any sort of last words on this platform like on this podcast you want to give out to folks who are planning to come to UB for maybe the same course or for a different course or anything that you want to share.
19:02:35 Yeah, I think it's really important to have that patience when you are applying to colleges and getting your admits and once you have that admit just do not lose hope on getting the visas laws because one after the other you will have things to do and just be prepared for it mainly you have to be just mentally strong and just take care of your health everything else will fall in place.
19:02:58 Easier to save this but you know when you are in the board and when you are dealing with all these things.
19:03:05 You get to understand okay what patience actually means and when when it when we say patience it actually means okay just sit there and you don't have to do anything just be there and time will do its thing.
19:03:19 So yeah, being patient is the most important thing here.
19:03:22 I can be I agree and that really pays off with the time because it's not like you're here for a holiday and you know you'll chill and you'll go.
19:03:29 Yeah.
19:03:30 It's like you're here to Mika, of yourself, make a place for yourself and You know, not everyone situations the same, you know, everyone's coming from a different background and how they are tackling 2 things and That's how we actually push each other together in the to have that patience to have that perseverance.
19:03:53 You actually land up somewhere or the other with everyone, you know.
19:03:58 But you know, we should not. Interchange to us I mean we should have him we should be having the patience but at the same time we should be working really hard towards it.
19:04:07 Yes, yes. You don't have to stop it. Yeah, you don't have to.
19:04:09 Do the, it's not like, okay.
19:04:14 Know that every day is a challenge like it's not a thing that doing everything you can and the next day is a children.
19:04:23 Yeah.
19:04:23 Here everyday is a hard working day is a struggle day. It's just not With struggling with hard working, we do not entail to say it's just your studying or you're working on projects or you're applying for jobs.
19:04:37 It's also like walking for 2025 min going to a place getting your things for the week coming back setting up booking.
19:04:44 And you know, all sorts of things cleaning your space and setting up your place. So, you know, everything comes handy and support the parties for the going out, exploring the city and you know that's totally fine.
19:05:02 Yeah.
19:05:00 I might have guessed that you would have seen the Niagara Falls. Bye. And it's beautiful.
19:05:07 Absolutely. Yes, absolutely.
19:05:09 You would have seen the snowfall that would have been, but beautiful. So that's the thing, that's the beauty of this place that you have good and bad all balanced up.
19:05:17 No.
19:05:20 Yeah.
19:05:18 And yeah, that's how you succeed in life because somehow you have to feel your struggles so that you actually get hold of that place.
19:05:26 But yeah, thank you so much for, summing everything up for us and that was really a good.
19:05:34 Our word where we discussed everything about you be and other colleges as well briefly but yeah specifically you'll be about the curriculum and all other things and I hope anyone who is planning for this summer Probably it's late for this summer to watch this video, but probably somebody who's coming next year.
19:05:53 For summers offer maybe for all course, it would be great to watch this video and you know get through all the details and see the things through your eyes.
19:06:01 But And I would really want to thank again. For coming here, for taking out that time.
19:06:09 And yes, I really wish you luck. For the graduation obviously that's big big day that's why we were here for and then I really wanted to wish you luck that you get your first break.
19:06:20 Yeah. Yeah. Thank you so much again.
19:06:22 Thank you, and thank you for having me on this podcast. I was really happy to share my experience with everyone and I will be glad if this experience would help to share my experience with everyone and I will be glad if this experience would help students who are aspiring to come here.
19:06:37 I'm sure this would help them. So thank you so much for having me on this podcast.