Student Spotlight: Karan Goyal
Karan Goyal is a current Master of Science in Management (MSM) student. The international student, originally from India, tells us why he chose the MSM program, what he likes about UF and about his love of adventure sports.
Q: Tell us about yourself.
Goyal: “My full name is Karan Goyal. I am an international student from New Delhi, India, enrolled in MS in Management program at Warrington College of Business, University of Florida. I joined the program in Fall 2021. I completed my Bachelor of Technology degree in I.T. from Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University in 2019. I have a nuclear family, including my parents and an elder sister, living in India. Before coming to UF, I was working in my family business, owned by my father, as an assistant product manager. I have always been an active person with many hobbies which includes basketball, travelling, adventure sports and EDM festivals.”
Q: Why did you decide to come to the University of Florida? What is the best thing about being at UF/Gainesville?
Goyal: “I decided to come to University of Florida because the MSM program was in line with my career goals. The high ranking was one of the factors that I considered while deciding. I got to know, from a friend of mine, that the alumni network of UF is among the best. After I graduate, I will be heading my family business. The MSM from UF will give me tools to manage the company. Living in Gainesville has been a great experience for me. People here are very polite and friendly which makes this place a positive environment. I love the campus of UF and especially the football culture. This town gets extremely exciting on a Gator’s gameday. I am glad I chose to come here!”
Q: What was the most difficult process/thing in getting to where you are today?
Goyal: “I applied and got accepted during the pandemic where there was uncertainty about everything on a daily basis. I almost deferred my courses until 2022, which would have ruined my plans. Since the U.S. embassy in my city was partially operating, it was a great difficulty to get a student visa appointment. Lastly, travelling during the pandemic was extremely stressful.”
Q: Tell us about your home country.
Goyal: “My home country is India. It is a big nation with a lot of diversity. There are a lot of different languages, different cuisines, different attires and different lifestyles in general. The thing I love the most about my home country is the food. Every part of the nation has their own cuisine which all are equally flavorful. Travelling across India is itself a life-changing experience.”
Q: What do you miss the most about your home country?
Goyal: “I miss my family a lot. This is the first time that I am not at home for such a long time. India has a rich diversity of flavors when it comes to food. That is the second thing that I crave sometimes, especially food prepared by my mother.”
Q: What other languages do you speak? What other countries have you been to?
Goyal: “I am bilingual with my native language being Hindi and the other language being English. I also learned beginner level French when I was in my middle school. I have travelled solo to Switzerland and Belgium which was an amazing experience.”
Q: Tell us something really cool about yourself.
Goyal: “I have done adventure sports including skydiving, Scuba diving, bungee jumping & river rafting. I went to EDM festivals like Tomorrowland, EDC, UMF and will be going to Coachella 2022. I like to be close to nature too, so I spend my time trekking & camping in mountains. I prefer experiences over material.”
