Indian student Ganesh Singh calls decision to come to Wilson College of Business a ‘win-win’
Indian student Ganesh Singh calls decision to come to Wilson College of Business a ‘win-win’
When Ganesh Singh (‘24) first heard about the University of Northern Iowa and it’s top-ranked Wilson College of Business while working as a senior consultant at EY in India, he was immediately intrigued. It was the middle of 2023, and Singh was searching for his next career step, specifically a master’s program. About six months later, in December 2023, Singh arrived in Cedar Falls – marking the first time anyone in his family had come to the United States.
It was cold and a bit lonely at first [during winter break], but when the semester started, I had so much fun.
This was also Singh's first experience in a traditional college setting. In India, he took online classes and other professional certification courses while working full-time in consulting roles near his hometown in southern India. There was a learning curve at first, but the faculty at the Wilson College of Business have been nothing but supportive, Singh said.
Singh credits Amy Igou and Joe Ugrin for helping him adjust and plan out his schooling and schedule. Atul Mitra, a fellow Indian, periodically invites Singh and other international students to his house for homemade traditional Indian food, helping Singh feel closer to home. Igou in particular helped Singh learn some of the intricacies of college in the United States.
UNI takes great care in ensuring international students feel supported and equipped to thrive. From arranging airport pickups to assisting with class registration and housing, UNI provides resources to ease every step of the transition. This welcoming atmosphere reflects the college’s commitment to making international students feel at home while fostering a community that celebrates unique experiences.
At first, it was hard to adjust to the United States education system, but she helped me out with many things. How do I approach my assignments? How do I approach quizzes? How do I present papers? How can I be confident when presenting?
Another key for Singh has been getting involved in clubs, organizations and working on campus. He’s an active member of the UNI Accounting Club, volunteers with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, and has served as a graduate assistant within the college. He also participates in the John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center and works at on-campus dining centers.
“Getting involved helps you connect with a lot of people, people who are in my field,” Singh said. “I’ve made a lot of connections so far.”
Over the summer, Singh worked as a tax intern with EY in Des Moines, helping advise clients with tax questions and issues. He traveled to Cincinnati and Chicago for different trainings and events, which helped bolster his knowledge and network in the industry.
The internship was a success – EY offered Singh a full-time position after he graduates in December. Singh plans to obtain his CPA and stay in the United States for the foreseeable future.
“I would say UNI is not too big, so you can find the right professors who are so supportive,” Singh said about his decision to come to Cedar Falls. “The students are so nice; the lectures are great. I also see a lot of my fellow students getting full-time job offers after graduation. I think UNI is a win-win deal, for any students from India or another country who want to come here.”
