Across Continents, Graduate Scholars are Thriving Abroad

By: M. Caroline Helms and Sandra Spiroff

Last Spring, we featured graduate alumni pursuing careers close to our mutual “home” of Oxford. This Spring, we introduce readers to some University of Mississippi Graduate School alums who thrive in dynamic international workspaces and make significant global contributions abroad. As shared from their respective posts in South Korea, Germany, and India, they reveal how working abroad fosters diverse experiences, expands professional horizons, and refines invaluable skills.

Dr. Seugho Ryu – 류승호

Dr. Seungho Ryu, who earned his Ph.D. in Health and Kinesiology in 2021, returned to his native South Korea as an assistant professor at Pusan National University. Reflecting on his University of Mississippi (UM) experience, he credited professors Kang, Loprinzi, and Bentley for their profound influence.

“Dr. Kang and Dr. Loprinzi were wonderful mentors who helped guide me in the direction of my research, while taking statistics classes with Dr. Bentley gave me inspiration on how to study and how I would teach my future students as a professor,” Ryu said.

Ryu believes he is in his current position because of the resources and experience he acquired at the University. Although navigating the challenges and demands of graduate study could be difficult, he trusted that good things would always come in the end.

Gayatri Gopal

Next, we turn to Gayatri Gopal, an alumna who received her M.S. in Pharmacy Administration in 2007 and now works as Director of Product, Life Sciences at SAP in Germany. Gopal utilized the University of Mississippi’s robust network of graduates to find career opportunities abroad. Her advice for others interested in working abroad is to “…leverage [the University’s] alumni network to find individuals who worked abroad, look for internships or job openings or simply apply to an international grad school to gain some additional experience living abroad and working in multi-cultural environment.”

She also expressed the importance of keeping an open mind during the job search process. Despite common stereotypes and misconceptions about working internationally, for many, including Gopal, working abroad often proves to be a transformative and enriching experience.

Pankhudi Srivastava

Our graduates are also making waves in South Asia, including Pankhudi Srivastava, Senior Manager for the Arvind Group, who handles the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Program in Bangalore, India. Her work with the CRM encompasses operations, analytics, and campaign management for brands like Tommy Hilfiger and the U.S. Polo Association.

Srivastava earned her MBA from the University of Mississippi in June 2017. The program’s extensive curriculum, distinguished faculty, and ample opportunities drove her to select UM for her MBA. In addition to advancing her education, during her time at the University, Srivastava also developed meaningful relationships with her professors, which helped her flourish in both her knowledge and career opportunities.

“I would specifically like to highlight the impact of the Program Director Ashley McGee. She was truly someone who you could turn to for help, and she helped guide the students to reach their full potential in the program,” Srivastava said.

She encourages all recently graduated students to explore the international job market, emphasizing the many valuable lessons gained from working internationally, including cultural immersion, expanding networks, and becoming knowledgeable about other languages and perspectives. “Learning different perspectives for running a business is a definite plus for professional as well as personal growth…it helps expand on your current knowledge, think of creative solutions, [and] be aware of the socio-economic policies that have shaped the world which will help [you] handle clients not just in the United States but on a global scale as well. Plus, you get to travel the world,” Srivastava said.

Vikram Patil

Similarly, Vikram Patil, who earned his M.S. in Materials Science and Engineering in 2001, is also flourishing in India. He is in Pune, India, where he serves as Director of New Business, Specialty Materials at Envalior, one of the global leaders in Engineering Materials. Patil expressed how impactful his journey at the University was, enabling him to learn a new perspective and apply knowledge thanks to the resources and faculty at the University.

“I was privileged to be guided by my advisor Dr. Ellen Lackey and Dr. James Vaughn during my academic tenure and also during several projects we worked upon [while I was a] Graduate Assistant,” Patil said.

While cherishing his time at the University of Mississippi, Patil also encourages aspiring professionals to pursue opportunities abroad. He highlighted the abundance of prospects available in today’s global landscape.

“There are countries and geographies which are growing multifold in comparison to developed economies like the US…In my view if in one desires to explore global opportunities, the geographical boundaries are not limiting anymore. The internet and social platforms for networking professionally have further augmented this,” Patil said.

The journeys of Ryu, Gopal, Srivastava, and Patil showcase the transformative power of working abroad. Their experiences, rooted in the foundation provided by the University of Mississippi and the Graduate School, exhibit the importance of learning diverse perspectives, keeping an open mind to employment paths, and seizing opportunities beyond borders.

Are you interested in working internationally? If so, please visit the Career Center website for international jobs. It provides resources for Going Global.

Spring 2024 Newsletter

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