Study story | Pulkit Verma
Inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs, MBA student Pulkit Verma is on a mission to help develop the next wave of innovative start-ups in the health and medical technology space.
Completing a Bachelor of Science in applied computing and software entrepreneurship in the UK, Pulkit was equipped with the essential skills to build lean technological start-ups but still sought to expand his entrepreneurial knowledge through further study abroad.
Starting his MBA (Entrepreneurship) studies online while still in his home country of India, Pulkit shares with us why he chose The University of Adelaide and reveals his tips for getting the most out of online study.
Why did you choose your degree?
In 2014, I was instrumental in setting up Entrepreneur Café, an international community for budding and veteran entrepreneurs alike, which is now present in around 100 cities across 6 continents. Through this venture, I met a plethora of entrepreneurs coming from diverse backgrounds. After that, I started a few ventures of my own, where I gained practical experience and realised what entrepreneurship really stands for - being able to solve problems in an elegant and innovative manner. Now I am pursuing my MBA, specialising in entrepreneurship, to learn all of the formal concepts and to become better at management and sharpen my existing skills.
Why did you choose to study at the University of Adelaide?
I wanted to be at a place where I can learn about management and practise entrepreneurship in a controlled environment. Adelaide is the headquarters of ThincLab, one of the largest start-up incubators in the southern hemisphere, where I can meet other like-minded people and collaborate; Adelaide being one of the very few universities in Australia that can provide me with such an innovative ecosystem, to nurture my ideas. On top of that, Adelaide is the only designated UNESCO city of music in Australia, which was very appealing to me as I produce music in my free time.
What are you enjoying most about your degree?
It has to be the active engagement with students and teachers. I have been a part of multiple group projects and worked in teams while being in different times zones. The course presents many avenues of engagement, such as forum discussions, group assignments, presentations, virtual zoom seminars, quizzes and tutorials.
How have you adjusted to online learning?
We are the students who never gave up, experimenting with new ways to work remotely, setting up new milestones and benchmarks. Despite the pandemic, we persevered and overcame all the challenges together. As a budding entrepreneur, I would say that being able to work in teams virtually, is a highly valuable skill in the coming age. University of Adelaide has done a fantastic job in adapting to the new circumstances as I always felt connected with my class.
What advice would you give to other students starting their studies online?
To the students commencing their studies online, I would like to say that, always be at your best and stay disciplined even if you are at the comfort of your home. Eventually, you will realise that consistency is key, so don’t slack off! You are studying at one of the best universities of the world, so get ready to challenge yourself and grow on a personal and academic level. The courses are perfectly balanced so the efforts you make in every class will eventually pay off.
What are the top 3 things you are looking forward to when you arrive in Adelaide?
- Meeting all the amazing people, that I have met online, in person.
- Exploring the beautiful city of Adelaide and also identifying the opportunities available to me as an entrepreneur.
- Last but not the least, I want to meet creative musicians and artists that come to Adelaide and become part of the vibrant culture.
Looking to the future, Pulkit is hoping to use his degree to build further start-ups in the health and medical technology space whilst also contributing to the expansion of the international entrepreneurship ecosystem.
While starting his degree online was not Pulkit's first choice, in true entrepreneurial spirit, he has worked the situation to his advantage. Understanding that in the digital world we live in today, the skills Pulkit has acquired in connecting and collaborating virtually will greatly assist him in his future endeavours.
Want to hear more from other international students at the University of Adelaide? Head to our student testimonial website and browse testimonials from students all around the world.