GOPIO-CT's 'College and Beyond' Event

Enlightens Students with Expert Insights

The Global Organization of People of Indian Origin - Connecticut Chapter (GOPIOCT) hosted a highly engaging networking and panel discussion event titled ‘College and Beyond’ on Saturday, December 23rd, at the Hampton Inn and Suites in Stamford, Connecticut. The event, aimed at high school and college students returning home for holidays and young professionals, was a resounding success with total attendance.

The panel discussion, adeptly coordinated and moderated by GOPIO-CT Board Member Nandu Kuppuswamy, Managing Partner at Ambrosian Sun Advisors, featured speakers who shared their wisdom and insights on various aspects of college and professional life. The goal was to equip high school students with a roadmap to navigate the challenging college admissions process, prepare for the transition from high school to college, where support systems shift, and understand how to leverage academic and non-academic opportunities to achieve professional goals.

The panellists were Mr Shubin Jha, CIO of Menai Financial Group, a crypto hedge fund; Ms Ruchi Bhalla, VP of

Global Talent Management at Pitney Bowes; Mr Adarsh Sushanth, S/W Engineer at Vanguard; Mr Kabir Chavan, Analyst at AQR’s Global Trading Dept.; Mr Shouri Akarapu, a Senior at Brown University; Ms Veda Swaminathan, Sophomore at UChicago; Mr Gourav Bansal - Junior at UChicago; Ms Himani Narayan, a Sophomore at Pace

University and Mr Aryan Maheshwari - Freshman at Binghamton University.

Ms. Bhalla provided a comprehensive overview of industry hiring and human resource trends. She emphasised the growing importance of technological literacy in an AI-dominated age. Menal Financial Group CIO Shubin Jha highlighted the significance of qualifications beyond degrees, focusing on what employers seek in recent graduates. Every panellist emphasised the critical role of strategic and consistent networking in uncovering educational opportunities and forging future professional paths.

UChicago sophomore Veda Swaminathan and Brown University senior Shouri Akarapu, a senior at Brown University, reassured high school students about the college selection process. They stressed that students often find their rightful place and highlighted the importance of a supportive social structure during their undergraduate years.

AQR’s Global Trading Analyst Kabir Chavan and Pace University sophomore Ms. Himani Narayan spoke about students needing to find a college that fits their personality, going beyond brand recognition to ensure emotional well-being and passion.

UChicago junior Gourav Bansal and Vanguard Software Engineer Adarsh Sushanth pointed out that while most undergraduate courses have similar curriculums, the real differentiation lies in the effort students put in and the benefits they draw from the college's resources, including infrastructure, faculty, opportunities, and alum network.

GOPIO officials graced the event, including GOPIO International Chairman Dr. Thomas Abraham, GOPIO-CT President Dr. Jaya Daptardar, Executive Vice President Mahesh Jhangiani, Vice President Prachi Narayan, Treasurer Srinivas Akarapu, and Associate Secretary Ashvini Persaud. Dr. Daptardar, in her welcoming address, spoke about GOPIO-CT activities and urged the youth and young professionals to get involved in the chapter activities. After the panel discussion, Dr. Abraham discussed GOPIO International and the various chapters' roles in community service and activities of broader interest to the local society. Mr. Jhangiani concluded the meeting with a vote of thanks. Board Member Kuppuswamy put the program together.

The panellists also spoke on how one could promote oneself for college admissions, a career, internships and summer jobs. Many students benefitted by getting contacts at the event. This successful event underscored GOPIO-CT’s commitment to supporting young people's educational and professional development in the Indian American community.

Over the last 18 years, GOPIO-CT, a chapter of GOPIO International, has become an active and dynamic organisation hosting interactive sessions with policymakers and academicians, community events, youth mentoring and networking workshops, and working with other area organisations to help create a better future. GOPIOCT – Global Organization of People of Indian Origin – serves as a non-partisan, secular, civic and community service organisation – promoting awareness of Indian culture, customs and contributions of people of Indian origin through community programs, forums, events and youth activities. It seeks to strengthen partnerships and create an ongoing dialogue with local communities.