Skills needed to survive and thrive as a student in the USA

Swapnika, an ex-student and a working resident of the United States of America, shared her insights with team NSN about her experiences of living in a different country and the skills required to sustain in a new social and cultural outlook altogether. For her the prospect of just going to a different country and living by herself was very attractive.

Sports didn’t have to stop after school, sports are something that’s close to my heart and I still play and that is something I wish was more prevalent in India. Like anywhere, I think being open to change and the enthusiasm to learn are important.

All the variety of opportunities, freedom, exploration and self-development that came with it was her source of motivation. And for her, education was the easiest route to get there. Also, being a strong sportsman and the idea of being able to play multiple sports in the US was another factor that excited her. “Sports didn’t have to stop after school, sports are something that’s close to my heart and I still play and that is something I wish was more prevalent in India.” She believes that sports are a way to improve lot of skills that can align with jobs as well.

Swapnika has always loved to meet people from different cultures and backgrounds and as a student it was an easy encounter for her. She recalls that it certainly was a change, but not a shock. She believes that the more she welcomed that change the more she could blend with the community and she happily reflects that she enjoyed everything a diverse community had to offer.

She considers networking to be the key to everything, and knowing how to maintain professional relationships can get you where you want to be and all of this comes from developing good social and communicative skills. She says,   “Like anywhere, I think being open to change and the enthusiasm to learn are important.”

She feels that the best part of studying in the US is the flexibility and multiple options that the courses there offer. From her experience, the dignity of labor that exists is what she loves the most. The fact that everyone’s ideologies are encouraged and considered is what makes it an amazing atmosphere to study and work. Swapnika also tells us that, the emphasis on skills is phenomenally high in the US and in most cases it’s hard to find someone with exact qualifications or skill set for a particular position. They look for the candidate to be a team player, eager to quickly learn and they look for what skills can the candidate bring to the position that will help the company. Being a go-getter herself, it was all an easy and lovely experience for her.