In conversation with Vikram Kumar who did his Master of Science in Information Technology and Management from the University of Texas, Dallas. He completed his degree course in fall 2020 and is currently working in a multinational company in the US as a Solutions Architect.

When asked about the beginning of his journey in the US, Vikram highlighted the fact that try to opt for cities where you have some relatives or friends who can be with you during the initial days. He was lucky to have his brother in this country who helped him settle down. When he landed in there, he experienced a completely different environment and people might take some time to understand, adjust and adapt to this new place. One of greatest advantages of staying with some known faces is that you will not feel homesick.

Prior to going to study at a university in US, Vikram pursued his Bachelors in Chemical Petroleum Engineering. He planned for his higher education while he was studying in India. He said that proper planning is a must if you wish to pursue your higher studies from abroad destinations. He thoroughly researched about the courses that he would like to pursue, the country and college that he should go to so that he could achieve his desired goal. Vikram is a man who believes in keeping a ‘Plan B’ ready so that nothing can create a hindrance in his journey. Whenever he faced any challenge, he tried to look for alternate ways to reach the same destination. This problem solving attitude of his helped him fulfil his aspirations.

• About Vikram’s course

The Master of Science in Information Technology and Management program consists of basic business courses, IT foundation courses, IT elective courses and other electives. The business courses give students a better understanding of issues that occur at the interface between IT and business. The IT foundation courses cover the essentials of IT. The IT elective courses provide in-depth knowledge of technology and technology management issues. In addition, students may select approved electives that maximize their goals. Graduates of the program seek positions such as IT manager, Information Systems Analyst, and other IT positions in various industries.

• Difference between Indian and US academic structure as per Vikram’s experience

At the university in US, Vikram got a chance to learn independently. While studying in India, his teachers and professors guided him throughout his academic journey. Howeve, while studying in US, professors give you complete freedom in terms of how you should study, learn and secure good grades. Vikram faced slight challenges initially as he took some time to analyse the method that worked best for him. He said that while being independent, you are bound to make mistakes. But the things that you learn while mending those mistakes will make you stronger and an improved individual. Similar to the Indian academic culture, Vikram had to take subjective, objective and assignment based exams. But the evaluation process in the US is more stringent and rigid.

• Impact of the pandemic

When the entire world was going through multiple challenges caused due to the pandemic, even Vikram was facing the impact of this difficult time. At one point he thought that it was time for him to pack his bags and return to India. His confidence was shaken to see other students do the same as that was the only option left for them. The main challenge for Vikram was that his work authorization was delayed for which he was not getting a job there. He had to survive in the US without a job for almost 5 months. When he was almost ready to leave the country, he luckily received his work authorization and a job on the same day. The 5 months in between was very difficult. But Vikram never lost hope. If he had to come back to India, he planned his way forward in terms of preparing himself to get a job in the US and was ready to go back to his dream destination no matter what.

• Vikram’s plan ahead

He has been aspiring for years to be in the position where he is right now. Vikram is completely focused on learning as much as possible from his managers and co-workers. The experience of working in the US with one of the well-known multinational companies is gratifying and challenging at the same. With the help of his dedication and hard work, Vikram believes that he will be able to achieve his goal of reaching the zenith of success.

• Piece of advice for all students who aspire to be where Vikram is today

Vikram is from a technology background and this is a dynamic space. You have to maintain pace with this ever-changing and ever-evolving sector. You will come across situations where you will meet challenges in terms of implementing new tools in your day-to-day work. Never get scared or take a step back. The best way to survive is to keep an open mind and learn new things. Try to draw inspiration from people around you. For instance, Vikram’s mother is a teacher. When the world was hit by the pandemic, the teacher fraternity had to shift to the digital way of teaching to maintain continuity.

If at her age, Vikram’s mother can learn the new normal way of teaching, then why can’t Vikram learn new ways of incorporating updated technology to take his work to the next level. While working in the US, he has realized the fact that you will get one chance to prove yourself. Never let that chance slip out of your hand. If you are asked to do something and you don’t know the exact technicalities of that work, never say that you will not be able to it. Take it up as a challenge to learn and do the task that you are required to perform. That’s how you will be able to gain trust and confidence of your employer.

• Vikram’s education funding route

Studying in US or any country abroad is an expensive affair. When Vikram planned for his higher education, he realized the fact that he would require financing solutions to fulfil his academic aspirations. To make his dream a reality, he researched about various ways in which he would be able to finance his education. That was the time when he reached out to Avanse Financial Services to avail customized education financing solutions to live his dream. He got information about Avanse from his brother who had also taken an education loan from the same organization. The education loan helped him earn a self-made badge and thus, made him an independent individual. Team Avanse guided him in terms of understanding the processes and the education loan offered helped him pursue his academic career without worrying about the finances.

Team Avanse will bring more such experience sharing articles exclusively for you. Stay tuned for more. You can reach out to us for any query or assistance. All the best!