She didn’t come to stay comfortable

When Mounika Gunji decided to pursue a second MBA, she knew it meant leaving her home in Nellore, Andhra Pradesh, India, and pushing herself into new territory. “I did my [first] MBA in marketing and finance, but I felt there was still more I wanted to learn, especially in business data analytics,” Gunji said. “That’s why I decided to do a second master’s and push myself out of my comfort zone.”

The U.S. felt like the right fit, she explained, because of the exposure, diversity and opportunities it offered. At Central Michigan University, she found a program that combined her interest in analytics with supportive faculty and hands-on coursework, while also giving her the flexibility to explore new areas. “I’ve even been able to take a course in logistics management, which I’ve always been interested in,” she said. “It’s added a lot to my experience.”

Adjusting to a new home

Arriving in Mount Pleasant brought both challenges and moments of connection as Gunji adjusted to a new environment. “The weather was the biggest shock for me since I came during the spring intake—it was so different from back home,” she said.

Despite that initial adjustment, she quickly found support through classmates, friends and the broader CMU community, which helped ease the transition. “That made the adjustment feel less scary and more like an exciting new chapter,” she said, reflecting on how those early connections shaped her experience.

Learning by doing

What stood out most to Gunji in the College of Business Administration was the emphasis on applied learning and real-world experience. “I wanted a program that would give me more than just theory. I wanted practical learning, real projects and a chance to grow my analytical and leadership skills,” she said. “The CBA has given me exactly that.”

Through group projects, class discussions and faculty mentorship, she has developed skills she knows will matter in her career. For Gunji, learning is as much about collaboration as it is about content. “For me, it’s about being active in class—sharing ideas, learning from others and getting different perspectives,” she said. “Those interactions have helped me build teamwork, communication and problem-solving skills.”

Bringing experience to the classroom

Gunji also draws on her professional background in India, where she worked as a sales officer at ITC Limited. In that role, she gained early experience using data to inform business decisions while collaborating across teams. “I worked on sales strategies that were heavily data-driven and collaborated with supply chain and marketing teams,” she said. “That showed me how analytics supports real decisions in business.”

At CMU, she has expanded on that foundation through projects that combine data analysis with presentation and teamwork, giving her additional confidence in how she communicates ideas. “It’s given me practice in presenting solutions and working as a team,” she said.

Growth, goals and giving back

As an international student, Gunji has learned to navigate constant change, adapting to new cultural, academic and professional expectations. “Being an international student means constantly adapting, whether it’s to a new culture, a new education style or a new way of working,” she said. “It’s not always easy, but it gives me such a broader perspective.”

That experience has translated into meaningful personal growth. She has become more confident in speaking up, more open to sharing ideas and more comfortable working with people from different backgrounds. “I’ve become more confident in speaking up, more open to sharing ideas and more comfortable working on projects with people from different backgrounds,” she said.

Looking ahead, Gunji hopes to step into a management or leadership role that blends her background in marketing with her growing expertise in data analytics. She credits her experience at CMU with helping her build both the skills and confidence to pursue those goals. “The CBA has helped me prepare by giving me practical experiences and the ability to take initiative and guide teams successfully,” Gunji said.

Advice for others

For students considering CMU, especially international students, Gunji encourages taking that first step, even when it feels uncertain. “Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone,” she said. “The CBA community is welcoming and supportive, but you must take that first step to join discussions, meet people and get involved.”

Her favorite place to study on campus is near the library fountain—a quiet spot that helps her focus—and when she misses home, she returns to the motivation that brought her here in the first place. “My biggest motivation comes from my family,” she said. “They’ve always encouraged me to aim higher and step into new experiences, even when it’s uncomfortable.”