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Global Graduate: Payal Ashtankar

Payal Ashtankar, Masters of Industrial and Systems Engineering

Tell us about yourself.

I’m an Industrial and Systems Engineering Graduate from NC State University and I take the greatest pride to be able call myself an NC State Alum. Other than a successful completion of my master’s degree from NC state, my another big accomplishment is to realize that I have tremendous potential and I can reach much greater heights than I was initially planning to. After graduating from NC State, I will be joining Western Digital as a Senior Industrial Engineer in Milpitas, California. I will always be grateful to NC State for providing me with best opportunities.

How was your experience at NC State University?

NC state is a great place to discover your abilities and enhance them towards personal and professional growth. The resources provide by the university such as Carmichael Gym, NC State libraries and lots of cultural activities make this journey even more joyful. I really like how OIS is always working hard towards making every international student feel like home here at NC state.

What would you say is your biggest accomplishment during your time at NC State?

Other than a successful completion of my master’s degree from NC state, my another big accomplishment is to realize that I have tremendous potential and I can reach much greater heights than I was initially planning to. Every time I go to study in the Talley student union, I look that the big NC state bell tower mural right in the center of the 2nd floor and tell myself, “If I can come all the way from India to achieve what I really deserve, then I withhold all the strength and potential to go beyond my goals and bring all my dreams to reality.”

“The most rewarding things in life are often the ones that look like they cannot be done.” —Arnold Palmer

What are your plans post graduation?

I will be joining Western Digital as a Senior Industrial Engineer in Milpitas, California.

Do you have any advice for current or incoming international students?

NC state is all what you need to discover yourself in this competitive world. Believe in our school, follow the curriculum and you will get to where you always wanted to reach.