GOPIO-CT Hosts Networking Event for New UConn Indian-Origin Students

Featured & Cover GOPIO CT Hosts Networking Event for New UConn Indian Origin Students

On October 4, 2024, the Connecticut Chapter of the Global Organization for People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) organized a special event to welcome Indian-origin students who have recently joined the University of Connecticut (UConn). The program aimed to connect these students with experienced business professionals, leaders, and members of GOPIO, creating a platform for networking, mentorship, and guidance. The event attracted students from various parts of India, all of whom are pursuing their higher education at UConn, and it provided them with essential insights on how to maximize opportunities and build careers through networking, social media, and the development of both technical and soft skills.

Since 2018, GOPIO-CT has been holding these welcome networking dinners for new students enrolled in UConn’s Business School, specifically those attending the Stamford and Hartford campuses. One of the key goals of this initiative is to create a strong bond between the students and the local Indian community. To further this objective, the chapter organized a panel discussion focused on how to market oneself and succeed professionally in the U.S. This panel was chaired and moderated by Manish Maheshwari, a Board Member of GOPIO-CT, who is also a CFA and a Portfolio Manager at Victory Capital.

The panel of experts featured prominent professionals from a variety of industries: Akshay Chand, CTO and Partner at MKP Capital; Gitika Jain, VP of Shipping and Digital Experience at Pitney Bowes; Hitesh Mittal, Founder and CEO of BestEx Research; Joe Simon, Advisor at Activate Consulting; Ravi Tulsyan, a former CFO of XPO Logistics; and Vinod Addidam, Managing Director at a hedge fund. These seven panelists brought decades of collective experience from the worlds of financial technology, hedge funds, and tech firms, sharing invaluable guidance and practical advice with the attending students.

As moderator, Maheshwari led the discussion by asking insightful questions about networking strategies and career development, which in turn prompted a lively exchange between the panelists and the students. During this interactive session, many students asked specific questions about navigating their professional journeys in the U.S., especially regarding the challenges and opportunities ahead.

One of the major highlights of the event was the takeaway advice provided by the panelists. Their key points included:

– Specialization over Generalization: Instead of being a generalist, focus on becoming an expert in a particular area.

– Networking as a Critical Skill: The importance of networking cannot be overstated. It is essential for initiating and advancing a career.

– The Power of Giving in Networking: True networking isn’t just about what you can take; it’s about offering value to others as well.

– The Need for Lifelong Learning: Networking is a skill that must be continuously practiced and improved throughout one’s career.

– Embrace Failure and Experimentation: Be open to trying new things and don’t be afraid of failing quickly in the process.

– Seek Out Mentors: Having mentors can greatly impact your career trajectory.

– Effective Communication: In today’s fast-paced world, strong communication and collaboration skills are crucial.

– Maximize Every Opportunity: Whether big or small, give your best effort to every opportunity that comes your way.

Following the panel discussion, students had the chance to continue networking and engage with the panelists during a dinner, extending the opportunities for building professional relationships. The event not only provided students with valuable career insights but also opened doors for further mentorship and guidance from seasoned professionals in their fields.

When interviewed, the students expressed that they found the program to be highly beneficial. Many of them highlighted the importance of the networking skills they learned and the value of the advice provided by the panelists. The event was especially valuable for students new to the U.S., as it offered them a chance to connect with people who had already succeeded in their respective industries, providing them with real-world guidance on how to navigate their own career paths.

The program began with a warm welcome from Dr. Jaya Daptardar, President of the GOPIO-CT Chapter. The event was made possible by the sponsorship of BestEx Research, a company founded by one of the panelists, Hitesh Mittal. This initiative is part of GOPIO-CT’s ongoing efforts to serve the Indian student community in Connecticut. The chapter has earned a reputation for being one of the most active branches of GOPIO International and has been an integral part of the Connecticut Indian community since its establishment in 2006.

In addition to its student-focused events, GOPIO-CT is known for its broad range of activities and services that benefit the Indian-origin population in the area. The chapter regularly organizes programs that foster cultural connections, offer career development resources, and provide networking opportunities, all while promoting the welfare and advancement of people of Indian origin in the region.

This recent program is yet another testament to GOPIO-CT’s commitment to supporting the next generation of Indian-origin professionals. By connecting students with successful figures in business and technology, GOPIO-CT is playing a vital role in helping these students chart their future paths. The knowledge and connections gained through such events not only prepare students for the challenges ahead but also empower them to make informed decisions about their careers.

The event concluded on a positive note, with students and panelists alike expressing their appreciation for the platform that GOPIO-CT had provided. For many of the students, this was their first exposure to the level of expertise and insight that the Indian-origin professional community in Connecticut has to offer. The connections made during the event will likely continue to grow and serve as an essential resource for the students as they progress through their studies and into their professional lives.

As GOPIO-CT continues its work, events like these highlight the importance of community engagement, mentorship, and collaboration. Through initiatives such as this, the organization not only strengthens the bond within the Indian community but also ensures that the next generation of professionals is well-equipped to succeed in the ever-competitive global landscape.

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