For Akash Pai, a fourth-year industrial and systems engineering student, involvement in cultural and student organizations has shaped his experience at The Ohio State University as much as coursework and career preparation.
“I’m part of Kannada Sangha, which helps me stay connected to my culture and feel at home on campus,” he said. “Getting involved in campus activities is important to me because it’s helped me build strong relationships, grow professionally and feel genuinely connected to the university.”
In addition to cultural involvement, Pai is active in several organizations, including the Ohio State Team Handball Club and the Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers.
“Team Handball has been a huge part of my college experience,” Pai said. “It’s helped me make friends for life and has been one of the main reasons I’ve been able to travel so much, both for tournaments and competitions.”
Pai said professional organizations have also played a key role in his development.
“Being part of IISE has been great for industry exposure, networking and learning about job and internship opportunities,” he explained.
For Pai, location and opportunity were the primary reasons he chose Ohio State.
“My main criteria for picking Ohio State was the location,” he said. “I came in as an industrial engineering major and saw the opportunities that were there and existed in and around Ohio State's campus, and it was a no-brainer. Not to mention, the sports culture of the university is very hard to pass on.”
He sought a university that balanced academic rigor with real-world experience.
“I was focused on finding a place that balanced strong academics with real-world opportunities,” Pai said. “I looked closely at the industrial and systems engineering departments and looked for ones that emphasized hands-on learning, internships and industry connections rather than just theory.”
Cost and long-term outcomes also influenced the decision.
“Return on investment, career outcomes and alumni networks mattered to me,” he said. “I also paid attention to campus culture and whether I could see myself growing there personally, not just academically.”
In the classroom, Pai described faculty and teaching assistants as accessible and supportive.
“My classroom experience has been nothing but fulfilling,” he explained. “The professors and teaching assistants are very approachable and very easy to talk to. I’ve had experiences where some of them went out of their way to help me out — some even stayed beyond their office hours to make sure I went back with all my doubts solved.”
Campus resources help him maintain balance between academics and daily life.
“I use dining services a lot, especially during busy weeks — Ohio State does not disappoint with the food options,” he said. “I also spend time at the campus gyms, which has been a great outlet for stress. I’ve worked with Student Life Disability Services as well, which has been really helpful in making sure I have the right academic support in place.”
Pai’s favorite memory at Ohio State came during the university’s 2025 national championship celebration.
“My favorite memory at Ohio State was when we won the national championship in 2025,” he said. “The vibes were very high, and the fact that I got to celebrate it with some of the best friends I’ve made at university, all while being decked in scarlet and gray, will be a memory I cherish for the rest of my life.”