I wanted to step outside my comfort zone

For Eileen Garikimukkula from Hyderabad, India, pursuing an MBA in business data analytics at Central Michigan University started with a decision to embrace the unknown. 

“I was inspired to study abroad because I wanted to step outside my comfort zone and experience a new academic and cultural environment,” she said. “I believe that business today is global, and gaining international exposure helps build adaptability, cross-cultural communication skills, and a broader perspective on how organizations operate in different markets.” 

That global mindset led her from India to CMU’s College of Business Administration, where she found more than just a degree program. 

“I chose Central Michigan University because of its welcoming campus culture, strong academic reputation, and supportive community for international students,” she said. “What stood out to me most was the sense of connection and opportunity available both inside and outside the classroom.”

Turning data into decisions

“The College of Business Administration particularly appealed to me because of its practical, career-focused approach,” she said. “I appreciated that the program emphasizes real-world application, collaboration, and leadership development rather than just theoretical learning.” 

She quickly found herself applying that approach in meaningful ways. Through coursework and competitions, she developed both technical and communication skills critical to a career in analytics. 

“One of the standout experiences during my time … was participating in a data visualization competition where I analyzed trends in the U.S. housing market,” she said. “I worked with real datasets to identify patterns in housing prices, demand, and regional trends, and then translated those insights into clear visual dashboards and presentations.” 

That experience helped her sharpen an essential skill: making data meaningful.

I strengthened my data analysis and storytelling skills by learning how to communicate complex data in a way that is easy for business decision-makers to understand.” 

Across her program, that balance between analytics and application remained consistent. 

“The courses are structured to connect theory with practical application through case studies, group projects, and presentations,” she said. “This has helped me develop not only technical business knowledge but also soft skills like teamwork, communication, and problem-solving.” 

Finding confidence through community 

Adjusting to a new country came with challenges—but also growth. Support from faculty, peers, and campus resources made a lasting impact. “One of my biggest adjustments was adapting to social norms that emphasize individualism and direct communication, I had to get used to expressing my opinions more openly, advocating for myself, and communicating in a more straightforward manner,” she said.

“However, I found strong support through Central Michigan University, especially from the College of Business Administration and the Office of Global Engagement, the Faculty members, advisors, and peers were also very welcoming, which helped me feel more confident and supported during my adjustment period.” 

That sense of community extended into the classroom, where diverse perspectives shaped how students approached business challenges. 

“In class discussions and group projects, I often share insights about business practices and cultural perspectives from my home country,” she said. “These exchanges have helped create a more inclusive learning environment and have prepared me to work in global and multicultural business settings.” 

Building a future in business analytics 

Through her experiences at CMU, Garikimukkula has developed a clear vision for what comes next. After graduation, she plans to apply those skills in a growing, data-focused field.

“The program has provided a strong foundation in business strategy, analytics, and practical problem solving, which are essential skills in today’s data-driven business environment” she said.

With a combination of technical expertise, global perspective, and confidence built through experience, she feels ready for that next step. 

“The combination of technical skills, teamwork experience, and exposure to real-world business challenges has helped me feel confident about entering the professional world.”