Career Center News
International Student at GVSU Finds Success Through Career Center Guidance
April 13, 2023
By Madelynn Lutenski
Moving from Southern India to West Michigan, Satya Veni Lekkala sought to gain her second advanced degree.
Choosing Grand Valley because of its integrated approach to education, the Health Informatics and Bioinformatic Masters program aligned with Satya’s goals of combining her healthcare experience with her curiosity for data analysis.
“I used to analyze samples for clinical trials. The clinical trials sparked my interest in data analysis because I wanted to learn how vast information is analyzed, in order to understand clinical trial results,” said Veni Lekkala. “I wanted to learn data analytics and apply it to my role in the healthcare industry. It will help me better understand how things work in my field.”
By requiring students to complete an internship prior to graduation, Satya’s program pushed her to branch out and find an internship in West Michigan.
“Internships really prepare students and make candidates stand out. Having past experience can be applicable to full-time jobs and can open up a lot of doors. Internships can even turn into full-time positions later on,” said Veni Lekkala.
Seeing the value in internships, Veni Lekkala began her search with her brother's encouragement. After hours of researching internships in her field, she reached out to employers. Facing a lack of responses, Satya was encouraged to make an appointment with a career advisor at the GVSU Career Center to improve her application.
Meeting with Chris Babbitt, Veni Lekkala received vital feedback on her resume and made necessary improvements. Former Career Connector, Bhargavi Balagam, pointed Satya in the direction of Streamline Healthcare Solutions. After connecting with the employer on LinkedIn, Satya landed an interview and was offered a position as a Project Management Intern.
“Before my interview, I met with the Career Center again and Chris offered valuable insights that proved to be quite beneficial,” said Veni Lekkala. “Now whenever I go past the Career Center, I stop in and say hi.”
For international students, The GVSU Career Center can be an important tool for exploring, navigating, and advancing career aspirations. The guidance that career advisors can offer sets students up for success.
“The Career Center definitely increases your chances of getting the interview call by strengthening your network. I would recommend the Career Center for everyone, especially international students,” said Veni Lekkala.
Outside of her many educational accomplishments, Satya has a passion for music and dancing, and she would describe herself as a person that embodies patience.
“Whether you’re in the workplace or in a personal setting, patience keeps you grounded,” Satya said.
Patience can go a long way when it comes to searching, applying, and interviewing for internships, jobs, or degree programs. International students looking for career opportunities and guidance can stop by CareerLab or make an appointment with their Career Advisor through Handshake.
To become more connected with the GVSU community and receive career content related to specific industries, students are encouraged to join a Career Community. More career resources are available on the Career Center website.