Networking matters more than I expected: An Indian student on finding jobs after a US master’s degree

Studying abroad is an exciting idea for many Indian students, but it also brings a lot of nervousness. Along with the excitement of living in a new country and studying at a world-class university, there are many worries. Students often wonder how they will manage daily life on their own. They worry if the academic system will be very different and hard to understand. Many also think about how to manage money, adjust to a new culture, and plan their careers at the same time. For students like Deeksha, who completed her Master’s at the University of Chicago, these questions were real — and so was the learning that came with finding answers.Deeksha’s journey shows what life is really like when you study far away from home. From handling tough coursework and adjusting to a new way of learning to managing money, dealing with culture shock, and looking for career opportunities, her experience is honest and relatable. Her story highlights the challenges, surprises, and personal growth that come with studying abroad, including the small, everyday realities that students often understand only after they arrive.

Finding the right program

Deeksha is part of the MAPSS (Master of Arts Program in the Social Sciences) program, where she focuses on psychology. MAPSS is a one-year program that prepares students for PhD programs or careers in the industry.Talking about how she chose it, Deeksha says, “Picking a university and a program is a deeply personal decision. For me, it was about the course structure, the reputation of the university and program, and hearing about alumni experiences.”Shortlisting universities wasn’t easy. At first, it felt overwhelming, but conversations with undergraduate mentors and friends helped her clarify what she really wanted. The application process — including statements of purpose, recommendation letters, and writing samples — was intensive, but Deeksha found it reflective. “It made me really think about why I wanted to study abroad in the first place,” she recalls.

Adjusting to academics abroad

Once she arrived at UChicago, Deeksha realized that even with a US bachelor’s degree, things were different here. The quarter system — 10-week-long classes — kept her focused from start to finish.“The biggest difference was how classes were taught,” she explains. “In India, it’s often about memorizing and repeating ideas. Here, it’s about questioning, analyzing, and thinking for yourself.” Even quantitative courses are applied rather than just theoretical, and the sheer number of courses at UChicago allowed her to build a very unique academic journey.For MAPSS students, a thesis is a big part of the program. Deeksha says, “Working on a thesis pushed me to think quickly and balance efficiency with quality research work.” She adds that many of her peers have found that UChicago expanded their horizons in ways they didn’t expect.

Managing finances

Money is usually one of the first things students worry about. Tuition, rent, and living expenses are obvious, but there are small surprises too — setting up a room, buying weather-appropriate clothes, or administrative fees. “Budgeting becomes a survival skill very quickly,” Deeksha says.Like many international students, she worked part-time and full-time jobs. “Finding a job took some effort, but once I understood how things worked and started applying consistently, it became easier,” she says. Scholarships and university funding can also help. Deeksha received a $10,000 merit-based scholarship, and UChicago offers dean’s scholarships and fellowships for graduate students.

Cultural and emotional adjustments

Moving thousands of miles away is not only about studies. Deeksha describes her first few weeks as “a mix of excitement, confusion, and surrealism.” She says it is important to stay connected to her Indian roots while also adjusting to life in a new country. Simple things like cooking Indian food for neighbours or taking part in cultural events helped her feel more settled and at home.Practical life skills like cooking, grocery shopping, and figuring out living arrangements early made a big difference. Over time, routines like commuting, budgeting, and daily chores became natural, helping her settle into life in a new country.

Exploring career opportunities

Career development is a big part of the experience abroad. Deeksha explored internships, part-time jobs, and campus roles. “Not all roles pay, but they teach teamwork, networking, and help you build a community,” she says.UChicago’s career centre also helped with resume building, interview preparation, and networking. She advises patience when looking for jobs: “Opportunities that seem perfect may not always work out, and sometimes a ‘just-because’ application can turn into something extraordinary.” She also highlights the value of the alumni network in opening doors.

Words of advice for future students

Looking back, Deeksha has some practical advice. “I wish someone had told me not to compare everything to India; it only slows down the adjustment,” she says. Learning to cook, doing basic chores, and handling small daily tasks before leaving home can save a lot of stress.She also clears a common myth: life abroad isn’t always glamorous. “It’s challenging, independent, sometimes lonely, but also incredibly empowering. You grow a lot — often without realizing it.”Her advice for prospective students is simple: research carefully, know why you are choosing a particular program or country, and trust your instincts. The first few weeks may feel overwhelming, but with patience and adaptability, you find your rhythm quickly.

The takeaway

Deeksha’s journey is a reminder that studying abroad is more than earning a degree. It’s about building independence, resilience, and a global perspective. From navigating academics and finances to managing culture shock and exploring career opportunities, the experience pushes students to grow in unexpected ways. For Indian students dreaming of studying abroad, her story offers both guidance and encouragement — showing that while the path can be challenging, the rewards are immense.