Member Spotlight – Aarushi Sharma
Phi Kappa Phi member Aarushi Sharma counts service as a core value in both her professional and personal life. As a Research Fellow at the United Nations in New York, Aarushi is helping develop AI-powered tools to assist staffers in doing their work and creating a better world.
Away from the office, Aarushi has volunteered for numerous social causes, whether it be helping to sort donated items for challenged New York City infants or participating in groups that empower underprivileged and disabled people or advance humanitarian relief. Her service was recently recognized when Aarushi was selected to be a member of Alpha Sigma Nu, the international honor society for Jesuit colleges and universities. Community involvement and academic excellence are a must for admission.
A native of India, Aarushi was initiated into Phi Kappa Phi at Fordham University, where she earned a master of science degree in business analytics.
Let’s get to know Aarushi!
Why did you accept the invitation to join Phi Kappa Phi?
The society's motto, "Let the love of learning rule humanity," truly resonates with my core values and principles in life. Being a member of such a renowned community of academic and professional scholars is nothing less than a dream come true. When I received the invitation, I was more than glad to accept and begin the journey of actively contributing to this wonderful community.
What is your favorite meal to prepare?
I am a big foodie who loves exploring different cuisines and believes cooking is a great way to display my creative skills. My favorite meal to prepare is shrimp pasta with cheese garlic bread on the side. I often experiment with different flavors and ingredients to surprise my palate.
Where did your passion for analytics originate?
During my undergraduate study, I majored in computer science engineering and always felt pulled more toward analyzing data rather than developing software. This led me to take elective courses like R programming, Python programming, Big Data, Data Visualization, etc., which gave me the chance to learn more about the domain of analytics. I also had internships at Monster.com, Air India, and Outlook Group, which allowed me to explore the application of analytics in the marketing, advertising, and sales domains. These experiences helped me realize that I wanted to pursue a career in analytics because it is what I truly enjoy.
What is your favorite thing about your hometown?
Delhi, the capital city of India, is a vibrant and historically rich metropolis with a blend of ancient traditions and modern aspirations. My favorite thing about it is that it is a street food paradise and offers amazing cultural diversity. The city's street vendors offer a delectable array of flavors that tantalize the taste buds and make you crave more.
What’s the best vacation you’ve ever been on?
Although every family vacation has been memorable, traveling to Dubai with my parents and sister a few years back was the best vacation I have ever been on. We did several sightseeing activities such as visiting Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, going to Ferrari World, an adventure theme park with the fastest and longest roller coaster rides, shopping in Dubai Mall, enjoying the Jumeirah beach, taking a cruise, experiencing a desert safari and some amazing live cultural performances.
What do you enjoy most about STEM?
As a tech enthusiast, one thing I enjoy the most about STEM is being able to relate real-life experiences with technical concepts. Being able to create innovative solutions to solve complex problems that address global issues is what really excites me.
How do you unwind and reduce stress?
I like practicing yoga and meditation to calm my nerves; it really helps me connect with myself physically, mentally, and emotionally. Moreover, another thing that acts as a great stressbuster for me is cleaning and organizing my surroundings.
What did you enjoy most about your college experience?
My time as a graduate student at Fordham University in New York has been simply amazing. I got the chance to meet and become friends with people from diverse cultural backgrounds, and we were able to learn about each other's cultures and make some fond memories that I will always cherish.
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
Being an international student in the U.S. has been very challenging. Managing academics along with pursuing my co-curricular interests was not an easy task. I am glad that I was able to graduate with a 4.0/4.0 GPA while simultaneously serving as a board member in four graduate clubs, organizing wonderful graduate events, undertaking multiple graduate assistantships to support myself financially, and taking part in several competitions to put my learning into solving real-world problems. These experiences have helped me become more responsible, patient, and resilient.
What was your first job?
After completing my undergraduate studies, I worked as a data analyst at Publicis Sapient, a global digital transformation consulting company headquartered in Massachusetts. I worked for two of their Fortune 500 clients—Mercedes Benz and UPS. During my tenure, I worked with several analytical tools and technologies, which gave me a lot of hands-on experience and taught me the importance of continuous learning. One should always aspire to hone skills and keep up-to-date on the latest technological developments. This was also when the global pandemic began, so it taught me how to effectively use technology to work as a team rather than in silos and make it a point to take time to socialize with our colleagues so that we can be there for each other in challenging times.
To learn more about Aarushi and connect, visit her profile within our online member community here.
Is there someone you would like to see in the spotlight? Send your nomination to engagement@phikappaphi.org, and include background information for the nomination.
