Student Profile: Bharat Khanna
Bharat Khanna is a senior majoring in business information technology in the Pamplin College of Business. The 21-year-old from Washington D.C. will be the first of his immediate family to graduate from college.
The May 2009 graduate stays busy on campus by participating in Young Democrats and serving as president of the Business Information Technology Club for the 2008-09 school year. He made the dean’s list for spring 2008 and says he enjoys going to the gym and playing softball when not studying or working for Virginia Tech University Relations.
In his own words:
Why did you choose to attend Virginia Tech?
I applied to Maryland, the Pennsylvania State University, and others and was accepted, but Virginia Tech is the most picturesque and has a 'small-college-town' feel as opposed to a 'big-city' feel. I enjoy the neo-gothic look as well.
What’s your favorite thing about going to school at Virginia Tech?
I get season tickets every year to see the Hokies play football.
What are some of your favorite spots in Blacksburg?
I like going to Sycamore Deli, Sharkey’s Wing & Rib Joint and The New River.
Why did you choose to major in business information technology?
The curriculum nurtures the best combination of a foundation in technology and business and people skills. You are not just sitting in a dungeon programming; you are out there meeting clients.
How would you describe your experience at Virginia Tech?
It is the most educating and self-enriching experience in my life thus far. I have learned so much just living on my own and being in college.
What are your plans once you graduate?
I am going to work as a Data Quality Integrity Analyst at Deloitte and Touche, looking over company or agency financials and other data.
How do you balance these extracurricular activities with school work?
It requires an iron-clad will, the ability to organize and Google Calendar.
How has your involvement with campus activities contributed to your overall college experience?
It has taught me leadership skills as well as how to work in groups, which we have to do a lot in my major as well as the professional world.
What do you find to be most rewarding about your extracurricular activities?
The most rewarding aspect is the ability to network with peers and get to know them more outside of class.
What advice can you offer first-year students?
If you are living in the dorms, make sure you open up your door and meet your hallmates, because they are the friends you are going to keep for the rest of your life.