I am a student at UCLA pursuing my masters in quantitative economics. I take great interest in my academic pursuits, and often embark on research excursions and am a published author. Outside of my curricular remit, I am an avid musician. I play the guitar and the piano, and am also a basketball enthusiast. I enjoy reading fiction novels, and swimming as well.

Hometown

New Delhi, India

Major(s)

Quantitative Economics

Minor(s)

International & Monetary Economics

Clubs, organizations & involvement

Bruin Ventures ORG Music Club UN-UCLA Chapter Debate Club Basketball

Describe your college experience

Being an international student, my college experience after a full year of being enrolled at UCLA has been very diverse. Initially, the adjustment and acclimatisation to not just a different educational system, but also to an entirely new and fresh living environment came with its respective set of challenges. Figuring out accommodation, commute, meals, etc. in and of itself is taxing. Furthermore, being at UCLA offers students the novel opportunity to interact with a cohort coming from all walks of life. As one interacts with more and more people coming from varying backgrounds, our perception and the way we see the world around us also evolves. Rather than viewing this as a challenge, through my time here, I've learnt to appreciate it as more of an opportunity and a learning experience. Additionally, being in Los Angeles also allows one the opportunity to explore one of the most vibrant cities in the world. The most salient and imperative part of my college experience so far has been the personal growth that it has afforded me. Being in a research and academic environment, has not only allowed me to further my professional ambitions, but also take the moment to introspect. It has allowed me to make friends from all across the globe, and has helped me make memories that I appreciate for now, and will certainly cherish later in life as well.

Tip for future students

I would say the number one thing is to allow yourself to be surprised. Of course going into a new experience, everyone maintains certain expectations. But when things don't go as anticipated, one has the tendency to feel down or turn sour. Take the highs and the lows as they come, and try to look at them as more of an opportunity to learn. For more tangible advice, I would say for the first few weeks that you're here, try to get your day to day routine stuff handled. Once you get into the rhythm of going to classes, finding food, doing your laundry, cleaning, homework etc., it feels more like clockwork. Meet with as many people as you can, participate in different extracurricular activities, and take some time to figure out your interests for yourself. Everything else will come naturally.

Favorite class

My favourite class so far has been Incentives, Information and Markets. For me personally, the course content was already something that I was extremely enthusiastic and inquisitive about. But more than that, my professor for the class also had a very profound impact. Being able to develop a personal, receptive and simple dynamic of shared curiosity in the subject, allowed me to look at learning in a very distinct manner, and has made me appreciate my academic excursions even more.

Career goals

Right after graduation, I plan to work for 2-3 years as a quantitative researcher, at a bank or a hedge fund. After that, my plan is to further pursue graduate studies through a PhD.

Ideal way to spend a free night

Most definitely a movie or gaming night with friends.

High school or secondary school

Sanskriti School, New Delhi, India

Previous college

Delhi Technological University, New Delhi, India