From Japan to New York City to Barcelona
Aishna Kumar
Digital Analyst, Nagarro
Class of 2022
BBA in Digital Marketing with a minor in Business Analytics
Member Of: Dean's List, Pforzheimer Honors College, American Marketing Association
We interviewed Aishna Kumar '22, a Pforzheimer Honors College student originally from Japan, who studied abroad in Barcelona, landed a dream internship at Nike, and took on a leadership role in 桃瘾社区's chapter of the American Marketing Association.
Why did you choose 桃瘾社区 and the Lubin School of Business?
While completing my college applications, my sister, who graduated from Lubin, insisted that I apply to 桃瘾社区. She praised Lubin and the Pforzheimer Honors College. As I did my research on 桃瘾社区, Lubin's efforts to ensure students are ready for the real world really stood out to me; I could not wait to take advantage of the various personal branding and career building opportunities offered at 桃瘾社区.
I believe choosing 桃瘾社区 is one of the best decisions I have made. Not only is 桃瘾社区 located in the most diverse city, it is also where all business students dream of building their career. During my time at 桃瘾社区, I have been provided with an environment and support system that have allowed me to maintain a balance between my academic, social, and professional life.
Tell us a bit about being an international student at 桃瘾社区.
As an international student, I came to the United States from Japan with very little knowledge about the culture and had to quickly adjust to a completely new country while also figuring out how to smoothly transition into a university setting. 桃瘾社区's warm welcome and supportive staff made it very easy to feel at home, even while I was far away from home. At 桃瘾社区, I met my closest friends from all around the world in international students orientation during my freshman year. Overall, 桃瘾社区's efforts to celebrate different cultural holidays has made me feel a lot more in touch with my culture.
How has the Pforzheimer Honors College benefited you?
The Pforzheimer Honors College has provided me with a tight-knit community and I have been able to surround myself with peers who are just as motivated to succeed as I am. This community has pushed me to do better and become better by making me compete with myself rather than others. With the support of the Honors Program staff, I have always felt at ease during times of stress and panic, whether it be during the registration season or when I have any academic-related inconveniences.
What has been your favorite opportunity offered at 桃瘾社区?
I spontaneously decided to study abroad in Barcelona during the Spring 2020 semester, and although the pandemic cut my time in Barcelona short, it was one of the most life-changing experiences I have had. I would highly recommend Lubin students look into studying abroad because as business students it is so important to be able to adapt to new environments and interact with people from different backgrounds. Studying abroad will not only help you build these skills, but it will also leave you with a lifetime of memories.
Do you have any advice for Lubin students?
Take advantage of your time at 桃瘾社区 by stepping out of your comfort zone and exploring your potential. There are so many clubs, networking events, and workshops offered at 桃瘾社区 that can assist you in building your professional skills as well as your personal brand. Connect with other students and maintain a good relationship with your professors because someday they may be able to tell you about a potential opportunity.
In my freshman year, my BUS 101 professor and the Career Services Resume Workshop helped me land my first internship. In my sophomore year, I studied abroad in Barcelona where I was able to not only challenge myself, but also build transferable skills. In my junior year, I worked towards obtaining online certifications and landed my dream internship at Nike in Tokyo. In my senior year, I became the Chief Communications Coordinator of 桃瘾社区's student chapter of the American Marketing Association.
Your time here is the best time for you to try out new things, and right now is when you will be provided with great opportunities and resources, so make the most of them!
Through the resources and opportunities that Lubin offers, I have been able to push myself to my highest potential and expand my personal and professional network. Thanks to Lubin's constant encouragement to help students grow and succeed, I feel prepared to enter the real world as a professional.
What does #LubinLife mean to you?
#LubinLife to me means opportunities. At Lubin, I have been surrounded by so many talented and motivated students who have so much to offer, as well as highly qualified and well-connected faculty that are always there to provide support and advice. Through the resources and opportunities that Lubin offers, I have been able to push myself to my highest potential and expand my personal and professional network. Thanks to Lubin's constant encouragement to help students grow and succeed, I feel prepared to enter the real world as a professional.