Niyathi Upadrasta
What originally drew you to the MILR program at Cornell?
What first drew me to the MILR program were the incredible faculty and the unique opportunities to connect with leaders in the field. I was especially excited about the various CAHRS events, where students can engage directly with top HR executives and gain real insights into current trends and best practices. I also really valued the people I met during the Discover MILR event, where I had the chance to talk to current students who were so passionate and welcoming, which made me confident that this was a community I wanted to be part of.
What is your favorite part of the MILR program?
My favorite part of the MILR program is the strong sense of community and collaboration. The people here are genuinely supportive and passionate about HR, which makes learning so much more engaging. I also appreciate how the program creates so many opportunities, whether through networking events or discussions in class, to connect what we’re learning to real-world situations.
How has the program prepared you for the next step in your career?
The MILR program has prepared me by combining theory with practice in a really intentional way. The classes are designed to make you think critically about current challenges in the workplace and how to apply HR concepts strategically. On top of that, the networking experiences and exposure to industry leaders have helped me better understand how to translate what I learn in class into real impact in my future career.
What is your favorite class, and why?
My favorite class so far has been “Human Resource Management” with Professors Kehoe and Hausknecht. They make the material very engaging through interactive group discussions and activities that connect theory to practice. I’ve learned a lot from hearing different perspectives from my classmates, and I’ve really enjoyed how the class helps us think about HR decisions in a broader business context.
What tips would you give to incoming MILR students to make the most out of the program?
I’d say take full advantage of the opportunities available, whether that’s attending networking events, joining discussions, or building relationships with professors and classmates. The classes are incredibly relevant and practical, so don’t just focus on recruiting, really engage with the coursework. The more you put into both the academic and community aspects of the program, the more rewarding the experience will be.
More about Niyathi:
Undergraduate Degree:
- University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
- Major: Industrial and Organizational Psychology