Written by: Shruti Gupta, MS MIS ’24
I hail from India, specifically Delhi, with my family residing in the historically rich city of Agra, often referred to as the “City of Seven Wonders.” In 2022, my father retired from his role as a Principal in a Kendriya Vidyalaya (KV), while my mother is a dedicated homemaker. In addition to my parents, I have a younger brother who works as a Senior Software Engineer at Microsoft in Noida.
My journey in the information technology (IT) field spans 7.5 years during which I have accrued diverse experience across various technologies and roles in multiple companies. It became evident to me that to elevate my knowledge and skills, including honing my management acumen, pursuing a master’s degree was the logical next step. I opted for the University at Buffalo (UB) for a Master of Science in Management Information Systems (MIS) program. UB’s allure lies in its relatively short duration, a curriculum that delves into techno-managerial subjects, cost-effective living, tuition and fees, and a distinguished faculty capable of broadening my horizons.
Shifting from a career to academia is not a decision taken lightly, but a deeper mission drives me. I aspire to launch a venture in India, and to accomplish this I recognize the need for experience and insights gained in the United States.
The primary purpose of my journey to the United States is to explore and immerse myself in the dynamic IT industry. My prior experience serves as a solid foundation upon which to build my understanding of emerging technologies and industry trends. Throughout this journey my parents have been my unwavering support system, guiding me from the initial college search to securing loans, finding accommodations and even packing my belongings. Their support and encouragement make them the strongest pillars in my life, and I am deeply grateful for their unwavering backing.
In conclusion, my decision to pursue a master’s degree at UB is not merely for personal growth, it’s a strategic step toward realizing my dream of launching a successful venture in India. It’s an opportunity to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and practical experience, supported by my family’s unwavering belief in my potential. I look forward to this exciting new chapter in my life driven by the belief that it will open doors to unparalleled learning and opportunities in the United States’ vibrant tech landscape.
Bio: Shruti was born into a middle-class family in the Indian copper mining town of Khetri, Rajasthan. Her mother worked as a teacher in a public school, and father worked for the central government and served in KV. Shruti majored in information technology while obtaining her bachelor’s degree from Rajasthan Technical University in Kota. She has 7.5 years of extensive IT expertise working for a number of businesses like HP, Wipro, NIIT, Accenture, Giesecke And Devrient, and Fujitsu in a variety of tech stacks. This experience motivated her to pursue a career in a more technical and managerial area, which ultimately persuaded her to enroll in UB’s MS in MIS program in order to further her talents and secure a Product Management position in the United States. Shruti enjoys working out in her spare time. Whether it be through painting, travel, Netflix, etc., her ability to succeed in her work and academic life has greatly benefited from taking the time to do these things.
Photo credit: Tom Wolf