Samraggi Biswas is a graduate student in CWRU’s 1-year Masters of Engineering Management program and the Event Coordinator for WISER. Read on to see how getting involved in a student organization has helped Samraggi adapt to life in the U.S. and network with people throughout campus.
Tell us a bit about WISER and how you got involved. How can students benefit from involvement in WISER?
The Women in Science and Engineering Roundtable (WISER) aims to promote the inclusion and success of all women pursuing a Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, or Medicine (STEMM) -related careers at Case Western Reserve University through leadership, mentorship, and outreach.I came to know about WISER from a part-time on-campus job opportunity on Handshake. I looked more into the organization before interviewing with them and that piqued my interests. Having faced gender discrimination at work and school and knowing how it feels,I really wanted to be apart of WISER. I want to be able to do everything in my power to make things easier for the women who follow in our footsteps. Also, the WISER Office is a cool place to hang out;they have great snacks.I am a part of the Mentoring Vertical - I facilitate events for the Professional and Peer Mentoring program, handle communications and evaluations on mentoring and update the database.Everyone is welcome to WISER. You can just hang out and enjoy the company of people, volunteer for various outreach events like service Saturdays and samosa sales fundraiser,attend GBMs and panel discussions where we have guest speakers,and there is so much more. We update all events on our website.You can also subscribe to the mailing list for updates. The WISER center is all about the holistic development of all.
What made you want to study at a U.S. university and CWRU in particular?
The quality of higher education in the U.S. is the reason I chose U.S. over any other country. I wanted to broaden my worldview, to be an international citizen with a global mindset. The reason I chose CWRU is that it has an intense,one-year MEM program. It is rigorous, industry-based, hands-on with a very small class size.
What do you miss most about your home country?
The food and not having to do chores yourself.
How has your global perspective changed now that you have studied in the U.S.?
People are very efficient with their coursework, they smoothly balance it with extra-curriculars and part/ full-time jobs. Learning how to balance various aspects of my life has been my greatest achievement here yet.
Name one thing about studying in the U.S. that you had heard about before arriving and were surprised it was actually true.
I heard it is a lot of hard work,and it is, especially in my course. Attention to detail is needed. The rules for plagiarism are very stringent.
What advice would you give to other international students arriving to study at CWRU?
Get an international driving license before coming to the U.S. Trust me on that.
What is your favorite place to visit in the Cleveland area?
The Erie Lakefront.
What do you love about Cleveland?
The proximity to a lot of other cities and quick getaway like Niagara Falls, Put-in-Bay, Catawba Bay, Hocking Hills,etc. The city is not too expensive, and it proceeds at a moderate pace.
What would you like to do after finishing your studies at CWRU?
I would love to get back into the industry but as a consultant or a marketing representative.