New Delhi, India
MBA Candidate, Investment Science
Manas came to UNO in the spring of 2012 from New Delhi, India, to study investment science and portfolio management. After completing his master's degree, he plans to become an investment manager. Here's what Manas says about UNO:
Why did you choose to come to UNO?Finances were the biggest concern when I thought of pursuing higher education in the United States. I was looking for an institution that delivered value, was affordable, and had a great MBA program at the same time.
My concerns were addressed by my brother, who was pursuing his master's degree in Management Information Systems at UNO. He gave me invaluable feedback regarding the superior quality of education here. The fantastic facilities on campus, a great MBA program, helpful and supportive faculty and staff were some other factors in my decision.
I was sold the moment I saw online the beautiful Mammel Hall, home of the College of Business Administration.
What do you like about UNO and Omaha?UNO is an extremely diverse institution with a great culture. People from different cultural, geographic, and socioeconomic backgrounds come together and are encouraged to be themselves. This spirit of diversity and inclusion is apparent in every facet of the institution and a typical student's college life.
Another factor that makes UNO great is the city itself! Omaha is often referred to as the best kept secret of the Midwest – and it is! The first impression that I had of the city, coming from New Delhi, was that it was too small. I thought I had made a mistake coming here, that this city might not have much to offer and that I should get out as quickly as possible.
I could not have been more wrong. Omaha is the home of Warren Buffet and Berkshire Hathaway and many other Fortune 500 companies. As a result, there are ample internship and job opportunities for UNO students.
What are your favorite hobbies or pastimes?I enjoy meeting people from diverse backgrounds and discussing their views and opinions on a topic of common interest. I also enjoy playing tennis, reading, and watching movies.
You and two other students were awarded the 2013 Peter Kiewit Student Entrepreneurial Award. How did you feel when you got the award? What does it mean to you?
It was a great feeling! Winning the award for our e-learning startup — STEM-Direct — gave our venture a lot of credibility. We also won second place in the Maverick business plan competition, and that further cemented our faith in our idea. Awards and recognition for one's contribution to the community always make you feel good. It keeps you motivated to go on. I was deeply humbled by these honors.
What advice would you give to other students who are looking for a university in the United States?Choose UNO! This is a great place to be. But even if you want to look around to weigh your options, please do a cost-benefit analysis to understand the value that the educational institution you choose has to offer. Education is an investment, and we need to understand the long-term return on that investment. Being at UNO gave me the opportunity to pursue a career of my choice and graduate free of any debt at the same time.