Category: Applied Learning

Akash Pandey, a Master of Science in business analytics student at WSU, has embraced applied learning to build a strong foundation in data analysis and strategic decision-making. From his first job as a parking worker to his current role as a data analyst, he has seized every opportunity to grow professionally.

Through internships, student leadership and volunteer work, Akash has developed a passion for using analytics to drive meaningful change. With the support of WSU’s applied learning model and the Shocker Career Accelerator, he is poised to make a lasting impact in the world of business analytics.

Bella Neish, a Wichita State grad and current Master of Education in exercise science student, is putting her skills into action. As a personal trainer at Amplify, she works with athletes and teams. Beyond fitness, she’s part of the NASA SUITS program, developing software for lunar exploration. With hands-on experience and a passion for learning, Bella is proving that applied learning at WSU leads to career success.

Brendan Kohler’s journey at Wichita State is a testament to the power of applied learning experiences and the impact of a well-rounded education.

As a proud double alumnus, earning his bachelor’s degree in 2021 and his master’s degree in 2022 in sport management, he has taken the knowledge and skills acquired at WSU and applied them to his career as a Topps Senior Production Coordinator at Fanatics.

His story highlights the significance of hands-on learning, mentorship, and diverse educational opportunities in shaping a professional path.

Matthew Dixon, a psychology major, has gained valuable professional and personal growth through his applied learning role with HOPE Services (Health, Outreach, Prevention and Education). As one of the first recipients of the Wichita State, State of Kansas Applied Learning Funds, Matthew emphasizes how this opportunity has provided financial stability, allowing him to live off campus.

At HOPE Services, he supports mental wellness initiatives like Suspenders4Hope, helping organize events, update webpages and engage students. His experience assembling HOPE kits for individuals struggling with suicidal ideation was particularly meaningful.

Kaushik Avancha’s journey from student to professional is a testament to the transformative power of education and the opportunities available at Wichita State. As a proud alum, he attributes much of his career success to the resources, experiences and support he received during his time at WSU.

Recently, he secured a role as a production scheduler at Starport Technologies, part of MCC, a leading label manufacturing company. In this position, he is responsible for overseeing and optimizing plant operations, analyzing performance metrics and ensuring seamless coordination across multiple departments. “It’s a position that not only challenges me but also allows me to leverage the skills and knowledge I cultivated at WSU,” Kaushik said.

Nidhi Shenoy’s journey as an international student pursuing her Master’s of Science in economics and quantitative analysis reflects ambition, resilience and a strong desire for growth. Expected to graduate in May 2026, she arrived in the United States in July 2024 after earning her bachelor’s degree in journalism and economics in India.

The move marked a significant turning point as she sought to gain a global perspective on economics, blending her undergraduate expertise with new learnings to create a unique career niche. During her first semester, Nidhi demonstrated a remarkable ability to seize opportunities and multitask.

Daysha Bullocks earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism in 2020 and her master’s degree in sport management in 2021. During her time at Wichita State, she excelled not only academically but also athletically, competing in track and field. Daysha’s exceptional time-management skills allowed her to seize a variety of applied learning opportunities that paved the way for her future success.

One opportunity came through the Living Sport program, which enabled Daysha to participate in the NHL All-Star Weekend in 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Through this experience, Daysha engaged with fans, distributed merchandise and facilitated hockey-related games. Her journey continued in Las Vegas working as a Raiders ambassador. Describing this role as the highlight of her career, Daysha fondly recalls assisting with Raiderettes tryouts, organizing community events and working at the 2022 NFL Draft.

Wichita State senior Steven Soetjoadi was attracted to WSU because of the digital acting degree from the School of Digital Arts. Beyond his studies, he’s found a community at Shocker Studios that embraces inclusivity and ensures his needs are met with compassion and creativity.

Bhavani Ruthwik Goteti, a graduate student in management science and supply chain management (MSSCM) at Wichita State, is carving an impressive path for himself in logistics and supply chain management. Originally from Hyderabad, India, Ruthwik now interns at Union Pacific Railroad under Loup Logistics, where he applies his academic knowledge to solve real-world logistics challenges. His journey — from classroom to career — has been one of growth, innovation and inspiration.

The MSSCM program at WSU equipped Ruthwik with the skills needed to excel in his role. Courses such as Introduction to Business Analytics, taught by Murtuza Nasir, helped him understand the power of data in solving industry-specific challenges. Meanwhile, Global Procurement and Outsourcing, taught by Ashley Gerlach, sharpened his networking and negotiation skills. Ruthwik credits this coursework with giving him the knowledge to hit the ground running at Union Pacific.

As an intern, Ruthwik has gained invaluable insights into carrier operations, pricing strategies, and the impact of demand fluctuations. His role has underscored the importance of railroads in supporting the U.S. economy and maintaining supply chain stability. This experience has deepened his appreciation for the complexity and significance of railroad logistics.

Meet Paige Youngdahl, a senior at Wichita State majoring in information technology and management information systems. This past summer, Paige advanced her skills as a data analyst intern at Koch Industries.

Reflecting on the experience, Paige says her favorite part has been connecting classroom concepts to real-world applications. “I can’t explain how many things clicked that I didn’t fully understand from my classes. I have learned so much and have met so many amazing people.” Paige encourages other students to pursue internships, saying, “For me, it was like two puzzle pieces were coming together. I’m currently learning the textbook knowledge I need, while also seeing how this knowledge is used in a business.”