Introduction
As I sit down to reflect on 2024, I can’t help but feel a sense of awe at how much I’ve grown over the past year. From stepping into the world of business analytics as an international student to navigating the challenges of leadership and networking, this year has been nothing short of transformative.
So, what exactly did I learn? What were the key moments that shaped my journey? Here’s a look back at my year, packed with milestones, lessons, and some surprising wins.
The Leap: Starting My Journey in the U.S.
January marked the beginning of a new chapter—my first semester as a master’s student in Business Analytics at Webster University. As an international student, I was diving headfirst into new cultural experiences and an unfamiliar educational system. The adjustment was challenging, but it was also incredibly rewarding. I learned how to adapt quickly, make new friends, and embrace a completely different way of thinking and working.
What could have been an overwhelming change became an exciting opportunity for growth. I was eager to make the most of it, and in many ways, it set the stage for the year ahead.
Early Wins: Turning Data Into Results
The first few months of the year were filled with valuable learning experiences, and some of my most exciting achievements came from applying theory to practice. February was particularly busy as I focused on creating and planning LinkedIn posts. The idea to start posting on LinkedIn stemmed from my marketing class, which gave me the opportunity to share my insights and strengthen my personal brand.
I also had the chance to attend the AMA Marketing Conference, which opened my eyes to new career possibilities and introduced me to some incredible industry leaders. Their insights were priceless and reminded me that no matter how much you learn, there’s always more to discover.
In March, I secured an on-campus job as a Gorloks Aware Student Ambassador which was tough as an international student. It had been a challenging time, as I had been job hunting without any income to cover my expenses. However, I was fortunate to land the position after successfully completing two rounds of interviews out of around 130 candidates.
The Power of Consistency: Building My Personal Brand
As the months went on, I became more consistent with my LinkedIn content. One of my proudest achievements was my 19-week streak of regular posts, which helped me engage with a growing audience and place myself in the top 0.026% of LinkedIn users globally. The key? Consistency.
My analytics showed that posts made during midday (CST) yielded the highest engagement, with September being a peak month for interactions. In total, my content received:
– 206 likes
– 40 comments
– 23 celebrations
– 9 ideas shared
– 3 loves and shares
These numbers weren’t just metrics—they were a sign that the content I was sharing resonated with others, and that my consistent effort was paying off.
Learning, Leading, and Impacting
By mid-year, I had found my rhythm. My academic performance was on track, and I was diving deeper into both statistics and marketing. A standout moment was my work as a Gorloks Aware Student Ambassador, where I had the opportunity to apply my growing skills while supporting a cause I deeply care about which were the raising awareness for sexual violence prevention and promoting community engagement.
Skills I Learned
This role taught me the importance of cultural sensitivity and effective communication skills that are critical both in academia and in the professional world. It reminded me that technical expertise alone isn’t enough to succeed; leadership, empathy, and the ability to communicate with diverse audiences are just as important.
Key Lessons from 2024
As I look back on the year, several lessons stand out:
1. Consistency Is Key – My 19-week posting streak wasn’t just about showing up; it was about creating value consistently.
2. Technical and Soft Skills Matter – Combining data skills with leadership and communication abilities creates a powerful professional foundation.
3. Timing Is Everything – Analyzing engagement patterns helped me fine-tune my content strategy and reach the right audience at the right time.
4. Growth Takes Time– Whether it’s in academics, leadership, or entrepreneurship, progress is often slow and requires patience and persistence.
Looking Ahead: Goals for 2025
As I move into 2025, I’m eager to build on what I’ve learned. Here are my key goals for the year:
– Surpass my 19-week posting streak: I want to keep the momentum going and continue to engage with my audience.
– Increase my average engagement per post: I’ll aim for even more meaningful interactions.
– Post consistently at peak engagement times: I’ll optimize my posting schedule to reach more people.
– Expand my content themes: While I’ll stay rooted in analytics and student leadership, I’m excited to explore new topics and share diverse insights.
A Message to Fellow International Students and Data Professionals
To my fellow international student and data professionals: Your journey may look different from mine, but I hope my story resonates with you. Every challenge is an opportunity to learn and grow. Stay curious, be resilient, and never underestimate the power of sharing your story. You never know who you might inspire along the way.
Here’s to another year of growth, learning, and making a lasting impact!