Insights From an Insider: Bharat Gangwani
Bharat Gangwani, a graduating student from the SMU School of Economics, says the University's unique pedagogy offers immense opportunities for students to have their voices heard. This has helped him to be more proactive in discussions during his internship. As a Resident Senior at Prinsep Street Residences, Bharat also relished in going for midnight strolls to places such as the Merlion Park, after a night of studying at the library with his friends.
As a Resident Senior at Prinsep Street Residences, an unforgettable memory of living on campus at SMU for Bharat Gangwani was studying late at night, before going for a midnight stroll to places like the Merlion Park.
“The world is a massive place filled with diverse people who think very differently than you. Being able to live, learn and laugh with them over the course of my stay at Prinsep has been a wonderful experience,” shares the SMU School of Economics graduating student.
Besides taking scenic midnight strolls, Bharat relished in the flexibility of arranging his schedules, allowing him to pursue his passion in data science outside the classroom. This led him to take leadership positions such as the President of SMU Data Science and Analytics Society, as well as the Research Head of the Economics Intelligence Club.
Read on to learn more about Bharat’s transformative experience at SMU!
Q:
Describe an unforgettable experience at SMU.
A:
Studying at Li Ka Shing library late at night with my friends, and then walking over to the Merlion Park, Clarke Quay, or even Fort Canning on a midnight stroll. SMU’s location definitely created unique experiences.
Q:
What did you like about being an SMU student?
A:
Through its unique pedagogy, SMU offers immense opportunities to have your voice heard and questions answered in classrooms. This has helped me to be more proactive in regular discussion sessions during my data science internship at UOB.
I have also enjoyed the flexibility students are given to arrange their schedules, which has allowed me to take several internships in research and data analysis roles.
Q:
How has SMU challenged you both personally and academically?
A:
I think SMU offers many rigorous academic courses which I am grateful for. Professors were always open to questions, which they addressed in stimulating ways, while encouraging me to look for my own answers.
Outside of the classroom, I’m glad to say that I have gotten better at learning how to commit my time to sports, CCAs, academics and my social life during my time at SMU.
Q:
Which module has left the greatest impact on you?
A:
Computational Thinking! The course is literally one of the best introductions to algorithms and making computers do things more efficiently. I took it in my first semester, and it has changed the course of my four years at SMU.
It taught me skills I could directly use in my daily and professional life. In my opinion, if you have the time and willingness to put in the work, this module is one of the most comprehensive introductions to good programming.
Q:
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to your freshman self?
A:
Be a risk-taker, but don’t forget to be kind to both yourself and the people around you.
