From Odisha to the USA: Prachi’s inspiring MBA journey into tech

Studying abroad is often described as life-changing. But behind every success story is a journey shaped by courage, sacrifice, and resilience.

In this episode of the International Student Podcast, Prachi Mahapatra shares her path from a small town in Odisha to becoming a product manager at a leading tech company in the USA. Her story is honest, emotional, and deeply motivating — a reminder that where you start does not define how far you can go.

Meet Prachi: A dreamer with determination

Prachi grew up in a defence family, moving between cities and learning how to adapt quickly. Living in different parts of India helped her connect with people from all backgrounds and build confidence early on.

Before starting her master’s, she worked as a business analyst at Amazon. The role sharpened her problem-solving skills and exposed her to data-driven decision-making. But over time, she realised she wanted to go deeper, specialise further, and challenge herself in a global environment.

Why she chose to pursue a master’s abroad

For Prachi, studying abroad was not just an academic decision. It was a leap into the unknown.

She wanted to:

• specialise in business and data analytics,

• strengthen her technical and strategic skills, and

• learn in a global classroom that pushed her to grow.

After months of interviews, uncertainty, and waiting, she received her offer letter on 14 February — a date she now calls her “love letter from destiny”.

She chose the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) for its strong balance of technical and business-focused courses, offering exposure to coding, analytics, leadership, and communication.

Facing the biggest challenge: Financing her education

Coming from a humble background, Prachi faced one of the most common challenges for international students: proving finances.

With no collateral, no family abroad, and no clear guidance, her dream felt fragile. She researched endlessly, spoke to multiple institutions, and faced repeated dead ends.

Everything changed when a friend recommended Prodigy Finance. Within days, she was able to secure funding and move forward with her plans to study in the USA.

She describes that moment as finally “arriving” — stepping into a future she had worked tirelessly to build.

Making her first friends through Prodigy Finance

One of the most unexpected highlights of Prachi’s journey came right at the start. During student induction, Prodigy Finance connected students from the same university, helping them form friendships even before arriving on campus.

Those early connections became a support system. Many of her peers are still close friends today, and some have even become family through weddings and lifelong bonds.

For Prachi, this sense of community made a huge difference during the most vulnerable phase of her transition.

Adjusting to life in the USA: The real challenges

Moving abroad is exciting, but Prachi speaks candidly about the realities students don’t always see.

Returning to student life

After years of working, getting back into study mode was tough. Heavy coursework, long nights, and constant deadlines demanded focus and discipline.

Learning to live independently

From cooking and budgeting to buying her first mattress, independence came with a steep learning curve. Every routine task became a lesson.

Financial awareness and the ‘don’t convert’ rule

Like many international students, she initially converted every US dollar back into rupees — until she realised it only added stress. Eventually, she adopted the universal rule: stop converting.

Emotional loneliness

Being away from family was the hardest part. During COVID and Texas snowstorms, isolation hit deeply. Some classmates returned home, but Prachi stayed. Those moments shaped her resilience in lasting ways.

Why studying abroad was worth it

Despite the challenges, Prachi calls her international degree one of the best decisions she’s ever made.

Studying abroad helped her:

• build global networks,

• find mentors who still guide her today,

• develop resilience and leadership,

• learn how to think on a global scale, and

• gain confidence and independence.

Most importantly, it opened doors she once thought were out of reach.

Why she chose the University of Texas at Arlington

UTA stood out for its holistic approach to learning. Prachi valued the combination of:

• technical training in Python, coding, and data analytics,

• business strategy and communication, and

• leadership courses focused on emotional intelligence.

One day she’d be solving a complex coding problem. The next, she’d be presenting solutions to a room full of peers. This balance prepared her for a career that blends technology with strategy.

Landing six job offers after graduation

One of the most remarkable parts of Prachi’s journey came after graduation.

In a challenging post-COVID job market, she received six job offers within a single month.

This was the result of consistent effort:

• attending conferences,

• applying for internships early,

• staying resilient after rejections,

• preparing relentlessly, and

• networking with professors, alumni, and industry professionals.

She eventually accepted her dream role as a Product Manager in cybersecurity at Cisco.

Her advice for international graduates seeking jobs

Prachi emphasises one word: networking.

But for her, networking isn’t about asking for jobs. It’s about:

• listening with genuine interest,

• sharing your story authentically,

• attending conferences like SWE, NSBE, and WiCyS,

• building relationships over time, and

• staying proactive.

One of her roles came simply because someone noticed her CV at a conference. Her takeaway is clear: opportunities often appear when you show up and connect.

Being a woman in tech

Prachi is proud to be part of a generation where women are increasingly visible in global leadership roles.

She strongly believes in:

• equal opportunity,

• salary parity,

• earning respect through skill,

• advocating for yourself, and

• building workplaces where gender is never a barrier.

Her career reflects this belief — she has always let her work speak for itself.

Going viral in India: A moment of pride

When an article about Prachi’s success went viral in Odisha and across India, the reaction was overwhelming.

Her father, a disciplined defence officer, cried with pride. Her mother celebrated late into the night. Their village shared the news as a collective achievement.

It became more than a personal milestone. It was a moment of pride for an entire community.

Would she recommend doing a master’s abroad?

Without hesitation, yes.

For Prachi, a master’s degree:

• deepens expertise,

• opens global opportunities,

• builds practical experience,

• strengthens mindset and confidence, and

• helps you stand out in a competitive world.

She believes that if you’re willing to take the leap — and fully commit — it can transform your future.

Final thoughts

Prachi’s journey is a powerful reminder that your circumstances do not define your destiny. With resilience, courage, and the right support, it’s possible to create opportunities far beyond what you once imagined.

Her story isn’t just about studying abroad. It’s about believing in yourself enough to take the first step, even when the path ahead feels uncertain.