Yashwanth Reddy Chitikala ’23
Age: 29
Program: MS in Business Analytics
Year of Graduation: 2023
Hometown: Mahabubnagar City, Telangana state, India
Graduate SHUdent Spotlight: An MS in Business Analytics Leads to Job Helping Others
An international alum shares his SHU experience and how that has shaped his work with students like him
In Yashwanth Reddy Chitikala’s role as Sacred Heart University’s associate director for graduate international admission & enrollment analyst, he brings professional expertise to his job, but also a unique perspective when helping prospective international graduate students through the admissions process. He’s been in their shoes.
“Having been an international student, I understand the challenges and adjustments that come with studying abroad,” Chitikala said. “I always approach my role with empathy and a strong desire to make the admissions process as smooth and quick as possible for prospective international students. I provide as much guidance as I can, based on my personal experience, regarding the application process, visa requirements and life at SHU.”
He is the first in his family to study in the United States. As with his experience, he expects international students to feel overwhelmed and possibly homesick, but he notes that there are many resources at SHU to address those concerns. “My advice is to not hesitate to reach out to faculty, staff or friends for support when you need it, personally and professionally, because the University has many resources to help students.”
With International Education Week (IEW) 2024 under way, Chitikala shares his story of his journey from India to the United States and his choice to attend SHU.
Why did you pursue business analytics for your master’s degree?
I earned my first MBA in India in marketing and operations and was working for a top financial institution, HDFC Bank, for three years. But I realized the immense value that data-driven insights bring to strategic decision-making. While the MBA I earned in India gave me a solid foundation in marketing strategies, I saw a growing need for technical expertise that would allow me to better understand and leverage data in marketing efforts.
In today’s corporate world, marketing is highly dependent on analytics to make informed and efficient decisions. I thought by acquiring a deeper technical knowledge in analytics, I could fill the gap between the creative and analytical sides of marketing, enabling me to design more effective strategies, measure their impact accurately and drive business growth.
Why did you choose Sacred Heart University?
I was looking for a university that offered strong academic curriculum in business analytics and had a reputation for providing good support for international students with affordable tuition cost. Given that my childhood dream was to visit and be close to New York City, I realized SHU satisfied all my needs. That’s why I chose SHU.
As an international student, how were you supported by SHU during admissions?
As an international student in 2021, it was difficult to get visa appointments because of COVID restrictions. The SHU admittance decision was very fast. It was the first university to give me a decision on my application. Being an international student, I had many questions. International admissions and International & Immigration Services at SHU provided great support and quick responses. With their constant support, I received the answers to many questions I had about the process, and I managed to get all the documentation completed before my visa interview.
The visa preparation webinars and open houses by program directors helped me to know more about university and to prepare for my visa interview in a more efficient manner.
In what ways did your education at SHU prepare you for your career?
My education at SHU gave me a solid academic foundation, whether through grad assistantship, group projects or on-campus events. The support from faculty members is amazing. They are incredibly approachable when looking for support, including academic and professional. Additionally, SHU’s career services were invaluable. They helped me with my resume building, job searches through Handshake (an online job bank and job search website exclusively for SHU students and alumni) and interview preparation.
You are now working in graduate international admissions. How has your personal experience shaped how you approach this role?
Having been an international student, I understand the challenges and adjustments that come with studying abroad. I always approach my role with empathy and a strong desire to make the admissions process as smooth and as quick as possible for prospective international students. I provide as much guidance as I can through my personal experience regarding the application process, visa requirements and life at SHU.
What are some of the challenges and opportunities that international students experience while attending college far from home?
The challenges I experienced in my initial days at SHU were getting used to the weather, figuring out everyday tasks such as buying groceries and identifying where I could find Indian food nearby. Mainly, I was homesick. On the flip side, studying abroad helped me with my personal growth, by providing opportunities to develop resilience, adaptability and cross-cultural communication skills.
What resources at SHU helped you to achieve your academic and career goals?
The support I received from my professors and academic advisers was crucial. SHU’s faculty members are highly approachable, and their willingness to guide students inside and outside the classroom has been instrumental in my academic journey. The Center for Career & Professional Development provided invaluable assistance, from resume workshops to one-on-one career counseling.
What would you hope an international student considering SHU knows about its academic environment, student support and career planning resources?
I hope they know how supportive and welcoming the SHU community is and that the faculty members truly care about their students’ success and take the time to provide guidance. The small class sizes foster meaningful interactions and help students maintain better relationships with faculty. There are cultural events such as Diwali and other holiday celebrations. In terms of career planning, the career center offers a range of resources, including networking opportunities, job fairs and workshops that help students gain the skills necessary for their careers.
Interested in learning more about SHU’s programs for international students?
At SHU, international students can achieve their higher education aspirations through many nationally accredited and ranked bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate programs. SHU also offers intensive English language instruction. As a SHU student, you’ll have access to career-advancing internships, enriching on-campus and off-campus opportunities and personal attention in small classrooms.
You can learn more about what SHU has to offer in this international admissions guide or by contacting International & Immigration Services to speak with a member of the admissions team.
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