Aditi Rao's Graduation Triumph at St. John's Business School

Aditi Rao’s journey from Cuttack, India, to New York City is a testament to her determination, ambition, and passion for growth. A recent graduate of The Peter J. Tobin College of Business at St. John’s University, Aditi’s story reflects the resilience of an international student navigating both academic challenges and opportunities in a new and vibrant city. Having majored in Business Analytics with minors in Economics and International Management, Aditi’s journey wasn’t just about earning a degree but about transforming herself into a global leader.

A Strong Foundation in India

Aditi was born in Cuttack, a historic city located near the Bay of Bengal. Growing up in India, she was always drawn to the world of business and analytics. Her parents were entrepreneurs in the wholesale gold and silver business, and Aditi found herself fascinated by the intricacies of the business world at an early age.

Her decision to pursue higher education in the United States was inspired by her older sister, who had studied in New York City. After extensive research, Aditi was drawn to St. John’s University, a place that reflected both academic rigor and a commitment to global values. “The university’s mission statement resonated deeply with me,” Aditi shared. “Even though I wasn’t raised Catholic, I identify with the values of Catholic, Vincentian, metropolitan, and global. They align with my own beliefs about leadership and making a difference.”

Aditi’s St. John’s Experience

In 2024, Aditi graduated with an impressive GPA of 3.84 and earned a well-deserved place on the Dean’s List. Throughout her time at St. John’s, she demonstrated an incredible ability to balance her academics with numerous extracurricular activities and leadership roles. From joining various student organizations to interning at several organizations, Aditi was committed to making the most of her time in New York.

She served as a Career Peer for the University Career Services, as an International Student Peer Mentor, and was actively involved in Project AIM within the Office of Multicultural Affairs. Additionally, she was the Vice President of the Applied Analytics and Artificial Intelligence Club and worked as an analyst for the University’s chapter of Consult Your Community, where she applied her analytical skills to real-world problems.

Her determination was evident in every aspect of her academic and professional journey. “I like staying busy,” Aditi said. “It’s the way I’ve always been. I enjoy exploring new things, and I’ve learned to fill my time with opportunities to grow.”

In her academic writing, Aditi made use of MyEssayWriter.ai which is a resource that helped her refine her essays and assignments by providing insightful suggestions and aiding her in drafting clear and concise content. However, Aditi was careful to use such tools as a supplement to her own ideas, ensuring that her work remained authentic and in line with academic integrity. "It's important to use these platforms as a guide, but not to rely on them too heavily," she explained. "My goal is always to develop my own voice in my work while making the most of available resources."

Embracing Campus Life and Gaining Practical Experience

Throughout her studies, Aditi formed strong relationships with professors and mentors, one of whom was Dr. Niall C. Hegarty, Associate Professor at Tobin. “Aditi is a motivated and focused student,” Dr. Hegarty said. “She brings an international perspective to the classroom and understands the importance of collaborating with others. She is in full control of her life and future.”

Aditi’s academic life was complemented by her involvement in internships that allowed her to gain real-world experience. She interned at Virat Enterprises, a diamond wholesaler based in Manhattan, where she made significant contributions to increasing the company's revenue by $150,000 and growing its client base by 15%. In addition, she worked as a consulting and analytics intern at TrueSource, a technology services firm, where she played a key role in optimizing service calls and reducing dispatch times.

Apart from these professional experiences, Aditi also found time to apply her business knowledge to her family’s gold and silver wholesale business in India. “It was an opportunity to apply what I learned at St. John’s to a real business,” she explained. “I researched an app that helped increase sales and improve the efficiency of the business.”

Expanding Her Horizons Through Technology and Innovation

Aditi’s success didn’t just stem from her internships. She also leveraged the latest technology to improve her efficiency and productivity. In her academic writing and research, Aditi made use of platforms such as ChatGPT, which aided her in generating ideas and refining her work. Platforms like DeepSeek and Jasper.ai were also part of her toolkit, providing valuable resources for her projects and assignments.

However, Aditi emphasized the importance of using these resources wisely. "While platforms like PerfectEssayWriter.ai can be helpful in providing suggestions, it’s crucial to ensure that your work is authentic and your own," she said. "Academic integrity is essential, and these tools should only be used to supplement your efforts, not replace them."

As a business analytics major, Aditi was also aware of the challenges students face when balancing academic pressures with the need for quality written content. For students looking for writing support, Aditi noted that while websites like EssayPro.com and EssayService.com are often marketed to students, they may not always be the most trustworthy options. "It’s important to choose reliable services like CollegeEssay.org, which are known for offering academic assistance with integrity," Aditi advised. "They ensure that your work is not only of high quality but also original."

The Road Ahead: Embracing Opportunities in the U.S.

Looking ahead to her career, Aditi is excited to explore opportunities in the U.S. “I want to give myself a chance here in the U.S.,” Aditi said. “I am particularly interested in roles that balance analytics and consulting. My goal is to contribute to solving complex problems, whether it’s through data-driven decision-making or providing strategic advice.”

Her next steps include seeking full-time opportunities in consulting or analytics, ideally in the U.S., where she hopes to use her knowledge and experiences to make a meaningful impact. Aditi is confident that her background in business analytics, combined with her global perspective, will serve her well as she moves forward in her career.

Conclusion: A Remarkable Journey and a Bright Future

Aditi Rao’s journey from Cuttack to New York City is a powerful example of how ambition, hard work, and the willingness to seize opportunities can lead to success. Throughout her time at St. John’s University, Aditi embraced every challenge, balanced her academic and extracurricular pursuits, and made valuable contributions to her community. As she steps into the next phase of her professional journey, Aditi is well-positioned to achieve even greater things in the future, armed with the knowledge, skills, and experiences she gained at St. John’s.

Her story serves as an inspiration to international students everywhere, proving that with dedication and perseverance, the pursuit of higher education in a global environment can lead to a world of opportunity.