Aryan Mishra, Graduate Student in MSBA Program in the IEOR department of SEAS

Which program/department are you in?

MSBA Program in the Industrial Engineering and Operations Research (IEOR) department of SEAS.

What’s your primary area of research?

Business Analytics.

Which country (or countries) do you come from?

I actually come from a peculiar and multi-cultural background, spanning Asia, Africa, Europe, and North America. Specifically, I grew up and have lived across Nepal, India, Mauritius, Mozambique, Zambia, and Italy.

How long have you been in the U.S.? 

Since August 2021.

Tell us about how your past experiences led you to Columbia. 

As a person who grew up in many multi-cultural environments throughout my life, I have had the privilege to experience the significance of cultural values and harmony. I believe that allowing people in from different cultures and backgrounds enriches the emotional and social intelligence of a person, and consequently of the community. This manifests in the form of patience, good communication, and mutual respect - all of which are important components of teamwork. I am a firm supporter of these principles, and I’ve carried them with me throughout my life. This led me to Columbia -  an institution that values these principles in the same regard as I do. 

What do you hope to accomplish while at Columbia?

Based on the valuable lessons I stated previously, my hope is to contribute to the school community by promoting a student group that provides a space for diverse perspectives from international students - especially those students who fit the profile of a typical “third-culture” kid. As someone with this background, I have noticed that the common denominator that often binds us together is our struggle with defining our identity. Often, simple questions such as “Where are you from?” or “Where is home?” can be extremely difficult, and in extreme cases, somewhat daunting to answer. My goal is to provide a platform for such individuals to freely express themselves regardless of where they are from, while simultaneously not being constrained by one specific nationality or culture. I truly believe that when international students are given a space to freely share their ideas as they try to accustom to the new culture of the university, they offer valuable perspectives that collectively enhance the experience of the whole community. So if anyone out there feels lost or alienated, or just wants to talk, just know they can always feel free to reach out to me!

Connect with Aryan on instagram at @aryanmsr.

Are you (or do you know) an international student, scholar, or alumni?

We’re looking to spotlight stories of academic or professional work, leadership, or personal adjustment to life at Columbia and NY in particular and the U.S. in general.

Submit our nomination form and we'll contact you with the next steps!