With our Students Speak series, we intend to assist numerous study abroad aspirants in planning their academic journey. In this episode, we are in conversation with Arthika Venkatesh, who will be pursuing a Master of Science (MS) in Information Technology and Management from Florida Atlantic University (FAU), located in the US. So, let’s understand her academic journey so far, university, course, reasons for pursuing higher education, research mechanism and entrance exams.

Key Highlights:

• Let’s get to know Arthika’s academic background better
• About her university - Florida Atlantic University
• About her course: MS in Information Technology and Management
• Insights into her reasons for pursuing higher education in the US
• Her research mechanism
• About the entrance exams

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Let’s get to know Arthika’s academic background better

Her fascination with technology encouraged her to pursue her BTech from a prominent university in Tamil Nadu. Earning a master’s degree has always been her way forward plan after BTech, so she decided to pursue her MS in Information Technology and Management from Florida Atlantic University.

About her university - Florida Atlantic University

Established in 1961, FAU is a reputed university offering ~170 study programs, has more than 30,000+ students, and an impressive student-to-faculty ratio of 22:1. It is also popular for its 4,000+ internship placement opportunities that enable students to easily transition to their professional careers. FAU is widely known for its research facilities across disciplines. Arthika is fascinated by the learning opportunities this research-focused university will offer her. As per the U.S. News and World Report, 2024, FAU appears in the 112th rank on the Top Public Schools list.

Also Read: Complete Guide To Study In Canada

About her course: MS in Information Technology and Management

Master of Science in Information Technology and Management, also known as MSITM, is a multi-disciplinary course that includes management and IT subjects. This program imparts the necessary knowledge for students to take up managerial roles in the IT industry. Arthika’s passion for Information Technology, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning motivated her to pursue this course.

• Some interesting subjects:
• Business Innovation with Artificial Intelligence
• Business Data Communications
• Advanced Systems Analysis and Design
• Management of Information Systems and Technology
• Management of Information Assurance and Security
• Data Mining & Predictive Analytics

Insights into her reasons for pursuing higher education in the US

Over the years, Arthika has witnessed her friends and relatives going to the US for higher education. Since they have achieved great success in their lives, it prompted her to refer to them as shining stars. She observed their successful journeys and aspired to follow in their footsteps and become a shining star herself. Besides, the US is a land of opportunities and a popular academic hotspot, which will open several opportunities for her.
Also Read: A guide for pursuing an MBA abroad for Indian students

Her research mechanism

Although Arthika’s strong network in the US helped her choose this country as her study abroad destination, she conducted thorough research to find the right course and university. She attended a few counselling sessions with a couple of education consultants and shortlisted one. These education consultancies are experts who guide students in planning their higher academic journeys. Her education consultant meticulously detailed every aspect crucial to studying overseas, from the application procedure to the visa process. Her consultant shared the list of well-ranked educational institutions that offered her preferred course, which helped her find her dream university.

She further carried out extensive research about her chosen university and the accommodations available in the US. Arthika had also considered Canada for overseas education but favoured the US due to its student-friendly visa process. So, she shortlisted 5 US universities, including Florida Atlantic University and applied to all of them. She was ecstatic when she received offer letters from 4 out of 5 universities. She chose FAU because its course aligned with her expectations and due to its vibrant campus, security, and research facilities.

Also Read: What you must know about the band 7 IELTS score

About the entrance exams

To study abroad, you have to appear for English proficiency exams such as the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), Duolingo English Test (DET), or Pearson Test of English (PTE). You also have to take entrance exams such as Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) or Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT). Arthika appeared for IELTS, and because the entrance exam was not mandatory at her university, she did not take the GRE or GMAT. Before preparing for competitive exams, check the university-specific requirements, as some universities may not require these tests.

So, this is all about Arthika’s academic journey so far, university, course, reasons for pursuing higher education, research mechanism and entrance exams. In the next episode, let’s understand her IELTS preparation, SOP, her experience with her education loan partner, her career plans and some invaluable tips.