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, Ariha Jain, MSBA’24, – affectionately awarded the superlative “Cap’ of All Trades” for her involvement in all facets of campus life, shares her own experiences at the business school, and what she learned along the way.
As I bid farewell to Brandeis International Business School, I’m filled with a mix of gratitude and nostalgia. Starting as a student from India, every day here was a new adventure, filled with learning, growth, and unexpected joys. From mastering small talk to building deep connections, and embracing diverse cultures, each experience has been a stepping stone. Here’s a glimpse into these experiences and the lessons I’ve learned along the way, lessons that have prepared me to step confidently into the future.
– Ariha
Learning the art of small talk
Adapting to small talk at the business school was a new experience for me, especially coming from India where we’re more into cricket debates. You wouldn’t believe how often I found myself discussing Boston’s unpredictable weather – a universally safe topic, it seems!
These lighthearted exchanges, whether about the sudden rain or the unseasonal sunshine, became gateways to more meaningful conversations with classmates, professors, and staff.
Sharing stories, listening, and even laughing about small everyday things helped me connect with people from different cultures. I learned that great friendships often start with easy, friendly chats.
Building relationships
It truly feels like everyone knows everyone here, creating a warm and collaborative environment that’s just perfect for building meaningful connections. Whether I was engaging in leadership roles, having conversations with my academic advisor, working on class projects, or attending events, every interaction was a chance to forge deeper bonds. These conversations were rich with mutual respect and genuine interest.
This close-knit community, where personal touches in relationships are the norm, has not only enriched my time here but also gifted me with a network of friends and professional contacts that I’ll treasure well beyond my graduation.
Expanding perspectives
Studying at the business school threw me into a sea of diverse cultures, way beyond my comfort zone. At first, like many international students, I stuck with folks who spoke my language and shared my background. It felt like creating a little piece of home.
But I soon realized, the real deal at business school is to mix and mingle with people from all over the globe. I started joining classmates from different countries for group studies and coffee breaks. Our conversations were eye-opening, mixing business talk with stories about their homelands. I learned about market trends in Europe, startup cultures in Asia, and so much more.
Embracing this diversity didn’t just enhance my learning; it prepared me for the global business arena, turning my time at Brandeis into a truly international experience.
Developing “Tips ‘n’ Tricks” for networking
Effective networking for me is all about genuine connections. A smile and genuine interest lay the foundation. When chatting, whether it’s a casual in-person meeting or a Zoom call, I focus on really listening to the person. It’s not just about their professional journey, but also the personal snippets they share.
Maybe they mention a favorite hiking spot, a recent cooking adventure, their child’s soccer game, or even their passion for gardening. I take a mental note of these details. Next time we talk, bringing up their child’s soccer tournament or asking how their tomatoes are doing in their garden shows that I was genuinely engaged during our last conversation.
This personal touch can turn a formal exchange into a lasting relationship. People naturally gravitate towards those who show real interest in their lives, and remembering these small, personal details has been key in making my networking interactions both enjoyable and successful.
For more insights, feel free to check out another blog I wrote specifically about networking.
Balancing internships, academics and on-campus jobs
Navigating through summer and fall internships, on-campus jobs, and maintaining a GPA above 3.5 during my 16-month program at Brandeis was like being a captain skillfully steering a ship through exciting but challenging waters, ensuring a steady course towards my academic goals.
My secret weapons? Google Calendar, an army of sticky notes, and a to-do list that was practically my best friend. Setting daily, short-term, and long-term goals kept me on track. Some days felt like a tightrope walk, but staying organized helped me balance it all without falling flat.
It wasn’t just about getting things done; it was about setting priorities and making sure each day had a mix of work, study, and a bit of me-time. This approach not only kept my grades up but also ensured I enjoyed every bit of my grad school rollercoaster ride.
Experiencing Professional Growth at Brandeis
My time at Brandeis was a whirlwind of ‘Yes!’ – saying yes to every chance that came knocking, from IBSSA elections to the Silicon Valley Trek, the Hassenfeld Israel Trip, leadership roles, and every networking event on campus.
But the real game changer? A class called “The Art Of Oral Communication: Public Speaking“. It was like unlocking a superpower I never knew I had. This class shifted everything – it turned my stage fright into a sense of excitement and confidence. Now, being invited to panels and sharing my experiences feels like a thrilling adventure.
It’s amazing how saying ‘no’ to fear and ‘yes’ to opportunities transformed me, pushing me to do things I once thought were impossible. It’s this spirit of challenge and exploration that shaped my professional growth at Brandeis, turning me into someone ready to take on the world, one confident step at a time.
Keeping Sane: Embracing hobbies
Grad school life is a marathon, and finding ways to stay grounded and sane is crucial. For me, it was all about diving into hobbies and trying new things. I devoured books and binge-watched TV shows like ‘The Office‘ (thanks for the recommendation, Natalie!), ‘How I Met Your Mother‘ (cheers, Bhavya Vishishta), and ‘Schitt’s Creek‘ (shoutout to Mai).
I joined the Outdoor Club for hikes, where every trail felt like a breath of fresh air away from textbooks. We also went ice skating and skiing, which were a total blast! I even learned to play foosball – talk about competitive fun.
Skydiving on my ALPFA conference trip? Check. And let’s not forget the cooking sessions with my international friends, where every recipe was a delicious adventure. These activities weren’t just pastimes; they were my lifeline to sanity, keeping me balanced amid the academic hustle.
In closing, my heartfelt thanks go to Brandeis. Every opportunity, every lesson, every connection I’ve made here has been a gift I’ll always cherish. Thank you, Brandeis, for an unforgettable journey.
