The Setting Sail Series is a collection of blog posts from graduating Career Captains that include their favorite Brandeis International Business School memories, as well as advice for incoming and returning students. In this blog post, Kajol Awasthi, MSF’23 “spells out” her journey to and through Brandeis.

Setting Sail with Kajol Awasthi, MSF’23

“Dream the dreams that have never been dreamt.” From Kajol Awasthi to Kajol Awasthi, MSF’23 — my dream came true! I’m eternally grateful, enormously proud and extremely happy to have had this opportunity. I am all set to begin my professional journey and our the International Business School has had a huge impact on getting me “WorldReady.” Looking back, I would love to share my insights with you on how to make the most of your time here.

Here is how to make the best of BRANDEIS: 

B is for Build Healthy Relationships

I cannot tell you how important it is to foster healthy relationships with your friends and peers around you. They are the people you interact the most with on a daily basis and you want to be a positive and motivating presence in their lives (and vice-versa). My friends helped me with my interview prep, were there for me in sickness and health and so much more! Be your own (and someone else’s) sunshine 🙂

R is for Reap the Rewards of your Resources 

We have amazing resources! Be sure to make the most of it during your time here. The Bloomberg Lab, Handshake, FactSet, access to WSJ and many more newsletters — get it! I learned a lot and got the help I needed for my final projects.

A is for Actively be a Member of the Community

There is such a strong sense of community here! I was a rather active member (Career Captain- CSE, Treasurer-GMIC, MSF Senator & Admissions Ambassador, and Teaching Assistant for Mergers & Acquisitions, Private Equity, and Launching Your Global Career) and it really made my time here memorable. We experience diversity in the best ways — learning about different cultures, experiences and cuisines. Most of us are far from home and this definitely gives a homely feel. 

N is for Navigate through Courses

With such a wide variety of courses offered it becomes difficult to pick the ones you want to take. What worked best for me was making an excel sheet with the courses I am interested in with their timings to best plan out my semester. This, in my opinion, will make your life easier! Take a mix of courses that are in and out of your comfort zone to make the best of the learning experience here.

D is for Do Your Part

Being a graduate student is generally an overwhelming experience. It is so easy to lose focus. Always remind yourself about your main goal and why you came here to pursue your esteemed degree. Working hard comes with its own set of challenges, but the end results will make you feel so proud of yourself! 

E is for Events are Your Friend

I had the privilege of attending some of the most wonderful events during my time here. Be it the Spring Formal, Global Gala, Painting & Mocktails, Asset Management Panel, New York City Industry Trek and so many more. Actively take part in the wonderful events organized by our school! 

I is for Interact with Everyone! 

Our faculty and staff are some of the most amazing people I have had the privilege to interact with. I learned so much from each one of them and they are all friendly and approachable. These can be your most important networks, which can help you now and in the future. Everyone is here to support you so just take the genuine initiative to learn more from the people around you! 

S is for Set Boundaries and Practice Self-Care

Take. Time. Off. Have some down time, have fun, explore new hobbies and just try to focus on yourself. I went on my very first hike here and it was breathtaking. All the new things you try will just enrich you as a person.

Finally, I would just like to sum up by saying that we all came to the business school for a reason, so let’s make ourselves proud! Be positive and kind, and push yourself out of your comfort zone to achieve your goals. It will all be worth it, I promise. 

I am going to miss the people I met here and the wonderful relationships I built with them. The beautiful campus will always feel like home. The blood, sweat and tears were all worth it! Cheers to my graduating batch and good luck to all! –Kajol

Modeling Brandeis International Business School Attire with my fellow Leadership Fellow and MSF’23

Fenway!

Last but not least, some of the CSE Team at the Winter Graduation Celebration!