iNDICA NEWS BUREAU-
The Global Organization of People of Indian Origin – Connecticut Chapter (GOPIO-CT) hosted a networking and panel discussion event titled ‘College and Beyond’ at the Hampton Inn and Suites in Stamford, Connecticut on Saturday, December 23. The event was aimed at high school and college students who were back home for the holidays, as well as young professionals.
The panel discussion, coordinated and moderated by GOPIO-CT Board Member Nandu Kuppuswamy, Managing Partner at Ambrosian Sun Advisors, featured a diverse group of speakers who shared their insights on various aspects of college and professional life. The goal was to equip high school students with a roadmap to navigate the challenging college admissions process, prepare for the transition from high school to college where support systems shift, and understand how to leverage academic and non-academic opportunities to achieve professional goals.
Over the last 18 years, GOPIO-CT, a chapter of GOPIO International has become an active and dynamic organization hosting interactive sessions with policymakers and academicians, community events, youth mentoring and networking workshops, and working with other area organizations to help create a better future. GOPIO-CT serves as a non-partisan, secular, civic, and community service organization – promoting awareness of Indian culture, customs, and contributions of people of Indian origin through community programs, forums, events, and youth activities. It seeks to strengthen partnerships and create an ongoing dialogue with local communities.
The event was attended by GOPIO officials including GOPIO International Chairman Dr. Thomas Abraham, GOPIO-CT President Dr. Jaya Daptardar, Executive Vice President Mahesh Jhangiani, Vice President Prachi Narayan, Treasurer Srinivas Akarapu, and Associate Secretary Ashvini Persaud.
During the panel discussion, Ruchi Bhalla, VP of Global Talent Management at Pitney Bowes, provided an overview of hiring and human resource trends across industries. She emphasized the growing importance of technological literacy in an AI-dominated age. Menai Financial Group CIO Shubin Jha highlighted the significance of qualifications beyond degrees, focusing on what employers seek in fresh graduates. Every panelist emphasized the critical role of strategic and consistent networking in uncovering educational opportunities and forging future professional paths.
University of Chicago sophomore Veda Swaminathan and Shouri Akarapu, a senior at Brown University, reassured high school students about the college selection process. They stressed that students often find their rightful place and highlighted the importance of a supportive social structure during their undergraduate years.
AQR’s Global Trading Analyst Kabir Chavan and Pace University sophomore Himani Narayan said that the students should find a college that fits their personality, going beyond brand recognition to ensure emotional well-being and passion.
University of Chicago junior Gourav Bansal and Vanguard Software Engineer Adarsh Sushanth pointed out that while most undergraduate courses have similar curriculums, the real differentiation lies in the effort students put in and the benefits they draw from the college’s resources, including infrastructure, faculty, opportunities, and alumni network.
