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In the previous episode of Students Speak, we gained some fascinating insights into Akansha Jha’s academic background, work experience, university, course, approach to research and research mechanism. In this episode, let’s understand her motivation to pursue higher education, her reasons for studying abroad, the application process, why you should apply to more than one university and her advice based on her experience.

Key Highlights

·         Her motivation to pursue higher education

·         Why did she choose to study abroad?

·         Application process

·         Why should you apply to more than one university

·         Advice based on her experience

Her motivation to pursue higher education

Akansha was aware of her strengths, such as communication skills, decision-making, organising and execution abilities, and she intended to leverage the same in her career. She wanted to explore the space beyond her tech-driven job to utilise her skills. Hence, she wanted to pursue higher education in the domain that offers a perfect amalgamation of Technology and Management.

Furthermore, her parents encouraged her to pursue her higher academic journey sooner so she doesn’t have to experience a big gap between her professional career and academics. Her passion for shifting a career to a certain degree and her parent’s timely advice set her on her current path.

Why did she choose to study abroad?

Her inspiration to develop her managerial skills to steer towards success encouraged her to pursue her higher education abroad. Highlighting the competition in India, Akansha suggested that it is easier to crack the entrance exams abroad.

Secondly, international varsities’ coursework is business-centric, comprising real-time study modules that focus on a practical approach rather than theoretical knowledge. For instance, the basic assignments in international educational institutions are 3,500 words long. So, students are compelled to think out of the box and get out of their comfort zone to meet new challenges.

Also, she credited the Vellore Institute of Technology, her previous education institution, which introduced her to excellent pedagogy and innovative learning platforms that will ensure a great learning experience at her current university.

Application process

After completing her GRE and IELTS, her next task was to draft engaging SOP and LOR to secure the spot in her coveted university. She believed that personal branding, a process of creating a positive impression, is the key to promoting herself through her application. Therefore, she reflected on her life and her parent’s viewpoints. Her father shared his experience about his successful career in the Management domain, which helped her create a strong narrative.

She incorporated all the relevant information to perfect her SOP and CV, which took her six months. She further suggested students should look at SOP as Unique Selling Proposition (USP). Soon after completing the application process, she received communication from the university, conveying that her application was accepted.

Why should you apply to more than one university?

Students utilise valuable time to prepare for the entrance exams and university applications. With high competition, getting through admissions can be challenging. Therefore, Akansha suggested that students should apply to more than one university to increase their chances of securing a university seat.

However, students should not blame themselves and avoid the downward spiral of self-doubt when they face rejection. Since rejections will be part of life, you need to learn to accept them and move ahead. At the same time, you must take conscious actions to achieve your goals.

Advice based on her experience

Akansha had shortlisted a few universities; however, she couldn’t submit her applications on time. Therefore, she shared her advice, especially for students who plan to apply to more than one university. According to her, you may miss the deadline since you have to refine your application, including your Statement of Purpose (SOP) and Letter of Recommendation (LOR). Hence, it will be helpful if you complete your entrance exams beforehand so you can dedicate time to designing SOP, LOR and CV.

So, in this episode, we captured her motivation to pursue higher education, her reasons for studying abroad, the application process, why you should apply to more than one university and her advice based on her experience. In the next episode, let’s take a closer look at how her industry experience added value to her academic journey, why she chose the UK as her study abroad destination, job prospects, her thoughts on education consultant and things to keep in mind while drafting an SOP. Meanwhile, if you have any queries, please feel free to connect with us.