Santoshi Kotni, MSF ’22, is no stranger to orientation.
After earning her bachelor’s degree and MBA in India, she had grown accustomed to the tours and tutorials that typically serve as a primer for new students.
But this year is different. At Brandeis International Business School’s first-ever virtual orientation, students learned about life at Brandeis by participating in a series of interactive webinars. For Kotni, the unique experience eased her nerves heading into the fall semester and helped her make connections with new classmates.
“It got us ready for what the fall will look like,” said Kotni. “We can be a little more prepared. It will be a smooth transition.”
Spread out over more than a week, the orientation included a
Career Strategies and Engagement Center student panel, virtual hangouts hosted by the
2020 Leadership Fellows, meet-and-greet sessions with student club leaders and members of the
International Business School Student Association, and academic advising sessions with program advisors. Kotni also participated in Faculty Summer Series online lectures, getting to know several International Business School professors in the process.
Dean Kathryn Graddy greeted incoming students with a virtual welcome and introduction that included a Q&A session.
“This academic year will be like none other,” said Graddy. “We have been working very hard to deliver the best classes possible.”
True to the global outlook of the school, two-thirds of the new students are from outside the United States, Graddy said.
“We are in the fortunate position of once again having an excellent and accomplished class,” said Graddy. “It will be a really great year.”
