Economics student Maheshwari Kammadanam finds purpose in persistence

For Maheshwari Kammadanam, studying abroad was about taking a chance on herself and the future she wanted to create.

“I’m originally from Hyderabad, which in my very biased opinion is the only place where you get the best biryani in the world,” Kammadanam said with a smile. “Growing up, I always heard people say that studying abroad could make anything possible if you’re willing to take the chance. I think I heard it at exactly the right time.”

Finding her footing in a new country

Arriving in the U.S. brought a mix of excitement and uncertainty. “My first few weeks at CMU were a mix of excitement and homesickness,” Kammadanam said. “Surrounded by people with so much experience, I kept thinking, ‘Will I be able to do this?’”

Those early weeks tested her confidence but helped her grow. “Every day felt like passing the hardest level of a game just to make it to the next,” she said. “But things started to change. I found amazing housemates who became my family here and friends who made everything feel normal again.”

Kammadanam said her professors in the College of Business Administration played a pivotal role in her success. “Coming from a double major in economics and political science, my background was less quantitative, so the beginning felt a little overwhelming,” she said. “But the professors in the economics program were very encouraging. They didn’t just teach; they guided me through the process and helped me build a stronger analytical foundation.”

That support, she added, shaped her confidence in and beyond the classroom. “It’s been incredibly helpful for internships and research work and really shaped how I approach learning and problem-solving now,” Kammadanam said.

Finding purpose through experience

Hands-on learning became the heart of her CMU experience. “My first on-campus job was with the Division of Student Affairs as part of the Content Strategy and Marketing team,” she said. “It was such a rewarding experience because I got to work on creative projects that connected me with the larger campus community.”

Later, she found another role that quickly became a favorite. “I never thought I’d say this, but I actually love going to work,” she said. “The people, the atmosphere, and the sense of purpose make it feel less like a job and more like something I look forward to every day.”

Creating her own opportunities

When jobs were hard to find early on, Kammadanam learned to be resourceful. “In my first semester, I couldn’t find any job, and while I managed with a student loan, after a few months it started to weigh on me. That’s when I realized that sometimes you have to create your own opportunities,” she said.

Determined to change her situation, she applied for—and received—the Michael P. Shields Graduate Research Scholarship. “Around the same time, I started walking around campus with printed copies of my résumé, personally dropping them off at offices,” she said. “I did that for three alternate days, and it worked. I got two interviews and eventually landed the library job.”

That experience, she said, taught her one of the most important lessons of her time at CMU. “When things don’t come to you, it’s okay to go and find them yourself,” she said.

Kammadanam has been active in student organizations and professional events that helped her grow beyond the classroom. “I’ve been the Vice President of the Economics and Data Analytics Club, and I also serve as a Student Government Association representative for it,” she said.

She especially enjoys the Employer Spotlight events hosted by the CBA. “They’ve been such a great way to meet recruiters, learn what companies look for, and understand how to present yourself professionally,” she said. “Those sessions helped me build confidence in networking and career conversations. I’ve probably spent half my time in Grawn attending those, and honestly, I’ve loved every minute of it.”

Strength, gratitude, and what comes next

Reflecting on her journey, Kammadanam said she’s proud of how far she’s come. “There were moments when I doubted myself, but I kept pushing forward,” she said. “Earning the scholarship, finding my place at the library, and managing coursework while working part-time showed me how resilient I can be.”

She credits her parents—her “best friends,” as she calls them—for keeping her grounded and optimistic.. “They’ve always had a simple philosophy that I live by: if it’s good, feel great, and if it doesn’t work out, learn and become great.,” she said. “That perspective keeps me grounded and optimistic even when things don’t go as planned.”

Carrying home wherever she goes

For Kammadanam, campus feels like home thanks to a few special spaces. “Without a doubt, Grawn Hall and the Mary Dow Reading Room,” she said. “Grawn has always been special because it’s where I’ve spent hours attending Employer Spotlights and meeting with professors. But the Mary Dow Reading Room is truly my comfort place on campus.”

From working on assignments and studying for exams to watching an episode of Friends after a long day, I’ve done it all there,” she said. “Even though I say I hate Michigan winters—and I really do! —I know I’ll miss how cozy everything feels inside during those snowy days.”

As graduation nears, Kammadanam is taking time to savor every moment. “It feels overwhelming, because it means leaving this little bubble that became home,” she said. “I know I’ll move somewhere new and chase big things, but a part of me will always come back to CMU–especially every time I see something maroon.”