Chitkara University: An interaction with Emily Sakupwanya (B.Optometry Student)

Established in 2010, Chitkara University Punjab is a private university recognized by the University of Grants Commission (UGC). According to the latest NIRF ranking 2023, Chitkara University Chandigarh has been ranked 16th, 30th and 64th in the Pharmacy, Architecture and Management category respectively. The university offers undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral level courses in streams like Engineering, Management, Pharmacy, Commerce, Arts, Mass Communication & Journalism, etc. Careers360 brings you an interview with Emily Sakupwanya who is pursuing B.Optometry at Chitkara University. In her interview to Careers360, Emily shares her student-life experience at the university. What made her choose the B.Optometry at Chitkara University Chandigarh? And other things about the university like admission process, Chitkara University courses and fees, campus life, clubs, facilities and more. To know more about Chitkara University from a student's perspective go through the complete interview of Emily Sakupwanya.

Careers360: Tell us something about yourself.

Emily: My name is Emily Sakupwanya. I am from Zimbabwe, in Southern Africa. I am pursuing my bachelor’s degree in Optometry at Chitkara University as an international student. I am a novel enthusiast and spend most of my time enjoying the outdoors.

Careers360: How did you come to choose your institution/university and what factors were instrumental in your choice?

Emily: I first heard about Chitkara University from my aunt, who is also an optometrist. She also obtained her bachelor’s degree from an Indian institute. She emphasised the benefits of pursuing my course at the campus. The first factor I considered was language. I was looking for an institute that offered all classes in English. The second factor was the internship. Internship placements can be expensive and difficult to find, so I was looking for a university that would assist me in securing internship opportunities at recognised institutions. I was also looking for a clean and safe environment as I was from a different continent. I looked through the various social media platforms of the university to see what kind of setting they were offering. After extensive research, I discovered that Chitkara University perfectly aligns with all the criteria I sought in a university.

Careers360: What were the salient features of your admission process at your institution/university that struck you as unique?

Emily: Chitkara University admission procedure was straightforward yet thorough. The meticulous evaluation of transcripts and the comprehensive interview process left a strong impression.

Careers360: What is your take on the initial days at your institution/university campus considering that it is the time to build contacts, and understand the processes? Could you give details on the support given by the institute?

Emily: It wasn't an easy task to adjust to campus life. Everything was different, from the food to the customs. However, everyone, from mentors to students, were always ready to assist me. The international students department made sure I had everything I needed for a smooth transition and adjustment.

Various stakeholders constantly took feedback from me, which helped build a good relationship with all the involved parties. I loved how everyone had such a positive attitude, always smiling and offering words of encouragement. The whole process was magical and meaningful.

Careers360: Now that you are a part of your institution/university campus, what in your opinion are stand apart features of the institute that you think are really assets to building a student’s career and future?

Emily: I would say that the entrepreneurial spirit that is instilled in students is remarkable. The dedication and commitment put into making students dreams come true is also commendable. They provide us with different workshops and sessions and exposure to industry experts that help us make our dreams a reality. We are also blessed with the best faculty, who are always ready to assist us. I have aspirations and dreams of making it big that can be challenging sometimes but by coming here and experiencing and learning new things every day, I am now confident that with the university supporting us, I will be able to fulfil my dreams. The practical skills I have gained in Chitkara will hold me in good stead in my professional life.

The labs are fully equipped with the latest machines and equipment, which allows us to be up-to-date with recent advances in the field.

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Careers360: Could you give details on the industry connection that is inbuilt with the course at Chitkara University and its advantages?

Emily: Chitkara University is flourishing and this success can be attributed to the invaluable opportunities it provides its students through various connections. As an optometry student, I can personally attest that within our field we are assisted in acquiring knowledge from accomplished experts in both the medical and corporate realms. These experts, hailing from diverse backgrounds, generously share their experiences and wisdom and even offer us the chance to visit their workplaces. This process has enabled me to gain clarity regarding my career aspirations and determine the path I wish to pursue.

The educational environment ensures that we remain abreast of the ever-changing landscape of the market and healthcare policies, thus empowering us to stay up-to-date. We also have the opportunity to pursue short courses that culminate in certifications that significantly enhance our resumes and professional profiles.

Careers360: How advantageous in your opinion is your institution/university alumni network connection and in which ways?

Emily: The journey as a student at Chitkara University grants you an exceptional education but also initiates your lifelong connection to the illustrious Chitkara Alumni Network (CAN). Being a student at Chitkara automatically makes you a part of the ever-growing Chitkara Alumni Community. The alumni network is more than just a name; it embodies a supportive ecosystem that assists students. We gain access to a wealth of expertise, enabling us to seek valuable advice when needed. The alumni share their insights and knowledge, providing guidance and encouragement for us. Regardless of their locations around the world, the alumni actively engage in numerous programs and initiatives where they share their invaluable experiences with us from time to time. Being a part of such a well-connected and nurturing community fills me with excitement and pride. It is great to be associated with the CAN, where we explore our collective potential. Together, we are building a legacy of success.

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Careers360: Internships are an integral part of any student’s life. Please talk about the internship process at your institution/university and how they lead to students being placement ready.

Emily: Learning is an endless journey that unfolds across various stages. Having successfully completed my university education, I am now embarking on an internship, which promises to be an entirely new and exciting experience. The university is dedicated to providing us with exceptional opportunities. They identify and secure the finest institutions/organizations throughout the country and abroad and help us select an internship placement that aligns with our preferences and convenience. For an international student like myself, having access to such opportunities and the freedom to choose from among them is a dream come true. It instilled a sense of comfort and confidence.

Careers360: In a nutshell, could you sum up your experiences at your institution/ university?

Emily: Coming from a different background than my fellow students made everything, from the food to the language and customs, feel new and unfamiliar. It was challenging to adjust initially, as I did not have much in common with anyone here. However, with a proper support system, anything is possible. Everyone was patient and supportive and made a genuine effort to involve me in various activities, which boosted my confidence. The presence of different food options on campus has made my life easier. My favourite place is the classroom, where the professors are always ready to provide me with the best learning experience. I am immensely grateful to the faculty, classmates, and everyone else who has been a part of my journey, whether directly or indirectly. Overall, my time at Chitkara has been enriching, and if given the chance, I would do it all over again.

Disclaimer: This content was distributed by Chitkara University and has been published as part of Careers360’s marketing initiative.

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