For international students seeking a welcoming and nurturing university in the US, Cleveland State University offers a study abroad experience where students thrive academically and personally. One student who took full advantage of these opportunities is Rahul, a recent graduate in computer science and a former ambassador at Cleveland State Global.
Read more about how his passion for social media marketing, content creation, and student leadership led to his important role in enhancing Cleveland State University’s online presence and fostering a strong international student community.
Rahul’s Journey from India to Ohio
Having three years of work experience in data science and data analytics, Rahul wanted to learn more. Pursuing a master’s degree in computer science was the next step to further his expertise.
“I have a very positive approach towards solving any problem. While I was working in India, I figured to learn more and to [excel in] my field, I have to go further,” he said. “To excel at that achievement, I chose to [study in] the United States, as the United States is leading in the tech industry.”
Arriving at Cleveland State as an international student, he understood the challenges of adjusting to a new culture and educational system, but also knew that his determination and eagerness to connect with others would help him settle in and excel in his studies. Cleveland State University’s supportive community helped him adapt quickly.
Thriving in Academics and Campus Life
At Cleveland State University, Rahul embraced a hands-on approach to learning that was different from the more theory-focused education system he was used to in India. With fewer subjects per semester, he had more time to work on projects, capstone assignments, and research, which strengthened his problem-solving skills.
“In the United States, most of the classes are very interesting,” he explained. “Back in India, you focused on theoretical classes … but here, there’s a whole lot [of] practical approaches to problem-solving and academics.”
A defining moment in his studies came when a faculty member noticed his AI-based project and invited him to collaborate on a research paper.
“She [said], ‘This is the future right now. You help me with the research paper and help me to develop this project.’” This collaborative experience reinforced the strong support system at Cleveland State, where professors actively encourage students to explore innovative ideas.
Beyond academics, he participated in campus activities that contributed to both his professional and personal growth, making the most of his time at Cleveland State. He was an integral part of the Cleveland State Global team, where he turned his enthusiasm for social media into a meaningful role in content creation and digital engagement.
From Hobby to Career: Rahul’s Social Media Impact
Rahul’s interest in social media marketing started as a personal hobby, but quickly evolved into a professional strength. During his time at Cleveland State, he played a key role in growing Cleveland State Global’s social media presence, creating engaging content that showcased student life, academic programs, and resources for international students. His efforts significantly increased Cleveland State’s digital reach, making the university more visible to prospective students worldwide.
His journey into content creation began in 2016 with a YouTube channel called Top 10 India, where he analyzed and shared rankings on topics like the top 10 airports or must-try foods around the country.
“I gained a lot of knowledge about YouTube and analytics,” he recalls. Later, he ventured into vlogging and built a following on Instagram, which ultimately led to an unexpected opportunity at Cleveland State Global.
“One of the reasons I was selected as a student ambassador was because I had created a video about my first day exploring downtown Cleveland. That video went viral,” he shared. During his interview for the role, he learned Cleveland State Global wanted to create similar content for their social media platforms. “[My interviewer] showed me an example and said, ‘We need videos like this,’” he said. “And, I was like, oh, that’s my video.”
Rahul’s content creation skills, combined with his ability to engage an online audience, have helped Cleveland State strengthen its online presence, making the university’s story more accessible to students worldwide.
Leadership Through Orientation and Student Organizations
Rahul’s commitment to helping fellow international students extended beyond content creation. As a four-time orientation leader, he played a key role in welcoming new students to campus during orientation, meaning he ran workshops, gave campus tours, and ensured that incoming students felt at home. Orientation, an on-site introduction to university life, is an essential stepping stone for many students, and Rahul’s enthusiasm made the experience even more memorable.
In addition to his role with Cleveland State Global, Rahul also served as the president of the Indian Student Organization (ISO), where he actively supported cultural exchange and community-building efforts, such as organizing a Holi festival last year.
Around campus, the Cleveland State Global team actively organizes events that bring students together, from festivals and cultural celebrations to networking sessions. These gatherings create opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds to connect, share experiences, and learn from one another, fostering a strong sense of community on campus.
What’s Next for Rahul?
As a recent graduate, Rahul reflected on his time at Cleveland State with gratitude. His experience at Cleveland State provided him with a strong foundation in computer science while also opening unexpected doors in social media marketing and content creation. Now, as he steps into the next phase of his career, he is focused on refining his skills and preparing for the competitive job market.
Applying for jobs, he noted, is not the hard part: Getting hired is the real challenge. With a highly competitive landscape, he continuously works on improving his skills through additional courses and hands-on training.
“In India, I was competing with other Indian candidates, but here, I’m competing globally,” he explained. Standing out requires showcasing unique strengths and continuously adapting to industry demands.
Despite facing several job rejections, Rahul remains optimistic. Each rejection, he believes, is a learning opportunity that brings him one step closer to getting hired.
“I’m [making] different mistakes, but I’m getting closer [and] closer day by day to achieving my goal,” he said. His resilience and willingness to adapt keep him motivated as he moves forward in his career, along with the support he receives from the career services team at Cleveland State.
Cleveland State’s career services team offers a strong network of career development resources, providing students with resume reviews, career coaching, and interview preparation.
In addition to the university’s general career services, Cleveland State Global has also introduced career services specifically for international students, which Rahul finds particularly beneficial.
“They recently started offering career service advice, including mock interviews and tips on staying confident while talking to recruiters.” He appreciated the added support from faculty members like Dr. Tom, an academic advisor from Cleveland State Global, who helped him refine his resume and even introduced him to a company representative.
For Rahul, networking is just as important as career services. He emphasized the value of forming relationships with faculty, advisors, and industry connections, believing that international students can benefit greatly by expanding their professional network beyond the classroom.
Advice for Future International Students
For future international students, Rahul has three key pieces of advice: be punctual, start networking from day one, and learn to cook! By following these simple but practical tips, international students can ease their transition and set themselves up for success.
Through Rahul’s dedication to both academics and student engagement, he has left a lasting impact on Cleveland State Global and the broader campus community. As he embarks on his next chapter, his journey serves as an inspiration for future international students eager to explore their passions and make their mark at Cleveland State University.
Rahul’s experience at Cleveland State shows how with the right support, effort, and mindset, international students can turn challenges into opportunities and create a rewarding university journey.
