
In this CSE Connect original blog post, Brandeis International Business School Captain, Tushita Shrestha, MSF’26, reflects on her experiences and shares valuable insights from her first semester journey.
Wow, what a ride! As I reflect on the past few months, I find myself thinking about the people I’ve met, the experiences I’ve had and the lessons I’ve learned. I can’t help but feel a mix of excitement and gratitude for how far I’ve come.
It feels like just yesterday I was arriving, nervous yet thrilled about the journey ahead and now, I’m already looking back at all the amazing moments that have shaped my path. Here are some highlights!
Utilizing Career Resources
I can’t talk about my semester without mentioning how valuable the career resources at the business school’s Career Strategies and Engagement Center (CSE) have been.
Honestly, my journey with the CSE started before I even stepped foot on campus. They were already reviewing my resume and LinkedIn profile, making sure everything was up to the mark. It was such a motivating feeling to know that Brandeis was preparing us for success before we even arrived!
From Handshake to Big Interview, from workshops to one-on-one coaching sessions, all resources have been incredibly helpful in building my confidence. My Career Coach has been amazing, offering personalized feedback and support.
I pan on continuing to meet with my Career Coach and taking advantage of the CSE’s resources as I navigate the remainder of my time at the business school.
Getting Involved: Clubs and Activities

This semester, I made it a priority to get involved in clubs and extracurricular activities. I am an active member of Global Markets Investment Club (GMIC), Real Estate Investment Club (REIC) and Brandeis Consulting Association (BCA).
Through various club meetings, I had the opportunity to connect with potential employers who shared insights about their companies and careers. These interactions have helped me build my network and gain a better understanding of different industries.
In addition to networking, the clubs also hosted a range of events and competitions such as GMIC Annual Stock Pitch Competition, where students get the chance to pitch stocks to an external panel of industry experts. It’s a great opportunity to engage with these activities and connect with like-minded individuals.
Overall, getting involved has been an enriching way to complement my academic journey and I’m looking forward to continuing exploring new opportunities.
NYC Finance Trek: A City of Possibilities

Finally, one of the most unforgettable experiences this semester was the NYC Finance Trek.
What could be more exciting than exploring the heart of the finance world in New York City? Through this trip, I had the chance to connect with Brandeis alumni and professionals who were working in BlackRock, HSBC and BNP Paribas.
We explored their work culture and daily operations and at HSBC we got to experience their trading floor firsthand. There’s nothing like stepping into the fast-paced environment of a real trading floor and watching professionals work at lightning speed and hearing the buzz of activity made me realize just how dynamic the industry is.
Another highlight of the trek was the student-alumni networking event hosted at The Penn Club of New York. It was a fantastic opportunity to connect with Brandeis alumni working across various sectors.
Hearing their career stories and advice gave me a deeper understanding of the diverse paths available in finance. It was inspiring to hear how these alumni had shaped their careers and how much I could learn from their experiences.
Wrapping Up: A Semester to Remember
As I look back on my first semester at Brandeis, I can’t help but feel proud of how far I’ve come. I’ve learned so much, not just academically, but about myself and the world around me. I’ve pushed myself to step out of my comfort zone, met a diverse range of people from all around the globe and learned from every conversation and experience.
I’m so grateful for all the moments, big and small, that have made this semester unforgettable.
As I continue on this journey, I’m excited to see where the next semester takes me and I can’t wait to keep adding more memories to this amazing Brandeis chapter of my life.