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Quick Facts

Program: Industrial and Organizational Psychology, MS
Graduation Year: 2025
Hometown: India

Did you participate in OPT after graduation? If yes, where did you work during OPT?

Yes. Apex Logistics.

What is your current job title, employer and location?

HR Generalist at CAREonsite in Torrance, CA.

How did you first hear about CBU?

Personal Research and Social Media

What were the main reasons you chose to study at CBU?

• Academic Program
• Location
• Affordability

Overall, how welcomed did you feel as an international student at CBU?

Coming from a different country, Riverside鈥檚 small-town feel made the transition so much easier. It felt as though all the international students were living under one roof, creating a close-knit community where everyone felt connected, safe and supported. CBU and Riverside became my home away from home, shaping me through both beautiful memories and difficult challenges. I鈥檒l always be grateful for this journey, the growth it brought and the people and place that helped make it all worthwhile.

What resources, offices or communities at CBU helped you adjust to life in the U.S. or on campus?

The grants and support from donors at CBU helped make my journey worthwhile, and I am especially grateful for my on-campus job as a student worker with Conferences and Events. I never imagined that this job would shape me as much as it did. Working with people every day helped me improve my listening, speaking and communication skills, especially as an Indian student adjusting to life in America. What I once saw as just an on-campus job has become one of the most valuable parts of my journey. Today, these same skills help me in my HR career, where connecting with people, listening to their needs and communicating effectively are essential.

How did your education at CBU help prepare you for your career?

Some professors leave a lasting mark on your journey, and Professor McKinley, Joshua Fuller and Kristen Dunskey are among those I will always be grateful for. My education at CBU taught me more than what was written in textbooks. They helped me understand that sometimes, all a student needs is a little push, motivation and empathy to recognize their own potential. Their guidance encouraged me to believe in myself, approach challenges with confidence and grow both personally and professionally. Beyond academics, these lessons prepared me for my HR career, where patience, understanding and empathy are just as important as knowledge. I will always appreciate the impact they had on my journey and the person I am becoming.

Which CBU resources supported your career development?

• The Center for Career and Professional Development
• Networking / alumni connections
• OPT advising

What skills or experiences from CBU do you use most in your job today?

My experience at CBU helped me develop both the technical and interpersonal skills I use in my HR career today. Beyond communication and active listening, I learned the importance of organization, time management, problem-solving and handling multiple responsibilities efficiently. My academic background helped me build analytical thinking and attention to detail, while my student worker role with Conferences and Events taught me how to coordinate tasks, manage competing priorities and work with different people. In my current HR role, I apply these skills to onboarding, maintaining employee records, coordinating background checks and compliance requirements, managing documentation and communicating with candidates and employees. CBU helped me understand that succeeding in HR requires more than knowing processes and policies; it also requires accuracy, adaptability, confidentiality and the ability to treat every person with understanding and respect.

How would you describe the value of a CBU degree for students from your home country?

For students from India, a CBU degree is more than an education; it鈥檚 an opportunity to grow, gain confidence and discover your potential. Beyond academics, CBU offers a supportive community and experiences that prepare you for life and a career in a global environment. For me, it was a journey of learning, belonging and becoming the person I am today.

Would you recommend CBU to other international students? Why?

Absolutely! I would recommend CBU because it is a place where you can truly make the most of every opportunity. Coming to the U.S. from India challenged me in ways I never expected, but it also helped me discover strengths I didn鈥檛 know I had. From the support of grants and donors to the hands-on experience I gained as a student worker, every opportunity became a stepping stone toward the person and professional I am today. CBU taught me that thriving isn鈥檛 just about earning a degree; it鈥檚 about having the courage to step outside your comfort zone, embracing opportunities and turning them into something meaningful.