An MBA Student’s Advice on Embracing the College Experience

If you see Sumayya Sirajudeen walking across the University of San Diego (USD) campus, it’s likely you’ll catch her talking and engaging with other students. That’s because she’s chosen to be an engaged graduated student, creating a vast network of friends and colleagues to make USD feel more like home.

“I’m on campus from 9-to-5 every day,” she says. “I came to USD for that experience. Why wouldn't I make the most of it?”

Born in India but raised in Qatar, Sumayya spent her first 23 years in the Middle East before choosing to pursue her MBA at the USD’s Knauss School of Business. Her decision to study in San Diego began with a simple desire: to step outside her comfort zone and gain international experience. “Life back home was getting monotonous,” she explains. “I was doing the same thing over and over again. Qatar is amazing and rich in different cultures, but I wanted something new.”

Her biggest source of motivation? Her father, who recently passed away. “He was my biggest inspiration. When I got into the MBA program, he was the happiest — he used to proudly tell everyone, ‘My daughter is in the U.S. getting her MBA from the University of San Diego.’”

The Knauss School of Business offered exactly what she was looking for - a highly ranked MBA program with a strong sense of community and support.

What Sumayya didn't expect was just how friendly Americans would be. “Walking past someone and having them say ‘good morning’ was a culture shock,” she laughs. “Back home, strangers don't just strike up conversations.”

Before arriving in California, Sumayya was already busy making connections. She reached out to a future classmate through LinkedIn – “a perfectly MBA way to make friends,” she jokes - and arranged to share an apartment. “I’d never actually met this girl. She's from India, too. We had one Zoom call, and the first time I saw her in-person was when we moved in together.”

Two years later, they're still roommates, take most classes together and are working on their capstone project together. It’s just one example of how Sumayya transforms casual connections into meaningful relationships.

Many international students report struggling with isolation, so Sumayya  dove headfirst into campus life. She works 20 hours weekly at USD’s International Center, serves as vice president of the Graduate Student Government, works as a teaching assistant for two professors and helps with marketing for the university's Environmental Integration Lab.

“It gets crazy sometimes,” she admits of her schedule, “But I honestly love it. This is my last college experience - I'm not planning to get a PhD - so I want to make the most of it.”

Her academic journey has been equally fulfilling. Dr. Colin Campbell's marketing analytics course stands out as a highlight. “His course was very intellectually stimulating,” she says. “We had real case studies, data analysis, practical applications - not just theories.”

But perhaps the most transformative experience has come through her volunteer work at the Access Community Center in Linda Vista, where she helps low-income entrepreneurs develop their businesses. Her current client, a Spanish-speaking business owner with limited English, has given her a new perspective.

“Working with these entrepreneurs has been humbling. Here they are learning English, taking computer classes and still pushing to start businesses. It made me realize how many resources I take for granted - knowing how to use social media, having tech skills, being able to communicate easily.”

This realization drives her passion for supporting other international students. She knows firsthand the challenges they face, including homesickness, cultural adjustments and the stress of figuring out what comes after graduation.

With two months left, Sumayya is beginning to feel bittersweet about her time at USD coming to an end. She hopes to blend her MBA with her background in graphic design to find a career in marketing and branding post-graduation.

“I hope people remember me after I leave USD,” she says. “That’s my goal - to connect with as many people as possible and actually make a difference here.”

Her advice to future international students goes back to building community: “If you come to class, sit in a corner, don’t talk to anyone and just go home – that’s going to be a lonely experience. During that first orientation week, push yourself outside your comfort zone. Talk to people. Don't stay quiet.”

Sumayya’s advice extends beyond just making friends. It’s about maximizing every opportunity as a college student. “Once you graduate, you’ll be paying money for certain experiences that are free to you now,” she points out. “Take advantage of everything while you can.”

— Kelsey Grey ’15 (BA)