Growing up in Lahore, my academic path was fairly straightforward. I attended Government College University (GCU) for my high school years, a transformative period that made me realize how much I had been missing out on. Until then, I had been known only for my grades—I wasn’t involved in public speaking, sports, or anything beyond academics. GCU changed that. I learned to balance my academic ambitions with other interests, but I remained focused on my studies.
When it came to university, financial limitations played a huge role in my decision. My father wanted me to attend the University of Engineering and Technology (UET) Lahore, where my older brother was already studying. I had initially considered Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute (GIKI), known for its vibrant student life, but we couldn’t afford it. However, my sister encouraged me to apply for a scholarship. I did, and I got in—but my parents were hesitant about me living away from home. Ultimately, I chose UET, where I pursued electrical engineering. In retrospect, it was the best decision I made–I formed wonderful friendships, stayed at the top of my class, and actively participated in public speaking and student clubs. Despite my strong academic performance, I never considered pursuing a graduate degree. My plan was simple: graduate, secure a good job, and live a stable life.
The Reality of the Corporate World
After graduating, I joined ICI Pakistan as an electrical & automation engineer. The first few months were exciting—I was learning, managing a team, and solving real-world problems. But soon, the excitement faded. The learning plateaued, innovation was discouraged, and the work became repetitive. After a year, I was shifted into a semi-technical role that didn’t align with my skills. I had no control over my work, and it became clear that in the corporate world, you don't always get to decide what you work on.
For the first time in years, I felt trapped. I dreaded going to work, knowing I was wasting my potential. The dissatisfaction built up to the point where I started questioning my future. I knew I had to find a way out.
A Series of Rejections: Applying for Master’s Programs
Determined to change my path, I started applying for master’s programs abroad. My first choice was the Erasmus Mundus scholarship in Europe—a fully funded program that allows students to study at multiple universities across different countries. Given my strong academic record, I thought I had a good chance. I applied to several Erasmus programs, but one by one, the rejection emails came in.
Not willing to give up, I turned my attention to Japan and applied for the MEXT scholarship, a prestigious Japanese government-funded program. But again, I never heard back. The cycle of rejections was discouraging, making me question whether I was even qualified to leave my corporate job. At one point, I considered accepting my situation—maybe I had aimed too high. Maybe I needed to just make peace with my career and move on.
A Life-Changing Opportunity: The PhD Fellowship
Just as I was losing hope, a colleague forwarded me a Facebook post about a PhD position at Ohio State University. The post was from a professor looking for a PhD student in electrical engineering with experience in signal processing, machine learning, and imaging—areas I had touched on during my undergrad. My colleague insisted that I apply, but I was skeptical. I had no research experience, no published papers, and hadn’t even taken the GRE. Given my previous rejections from less competitive master’s programs, I doubted I had any chance at a PhD position in the U.S.
Despite my reservations, I sent in my CV, transcript, and a brief email expressing my interest. To my surprise, the professor responded within days, inviting me for an interview. We scheduled a one-hour call, during which I presented my past work, my problem-solving approach, and my interest in the field. A week later, he emailed me with the life-changing news: he had chosen me for the position and would fund my PhD.
In the U.S., PhD positions do not require a master's degree as a prerequisite; however, students can earn one along the way if they choose. These positions are typically fully funded through Graduate Research/Teaching Assistantships (GRAs/GTAs), supported by federal grants, private funding, or university fellowships. In contrast to Europe, where a master’s degree is often required for PhD admission My offer included full tuition coverage and a stipend, which was sufficient to cover my living expenses, housing, and even allowed me to send money back home. This financial security made the decision easy—I had to take the leap.
How the Application Process Worked
One of the biggest advantages of securing a professor’s backing before applying is that it makes the university application process significantly smoother. Normally, applying to U.S. graduate programs is highly competitive, and students need strong GRE scores, research experience, and multiple recommendation letters. However, many universities have now waived the GRE requirement, and securing a professor’s in advance support of funding can further strengthen your application, potentially reducing the emphasis on other criteria.
After my professor selected me, I formally applied to Ohio State. The application process itself was straightforward: I needed letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose outlining my academic journey, and proof of English proficiency. Fortunately, I had already taken the IELTS while applying to European programs, scoring an 8.0. Within weeks, my admission was approved, and my funding was secured. I paid a $99 application fee, though sometimes students can apply for waivers to avoid this cost. Given that many applicants apply to multiple universities, these fees can add up to thousands of dollars, making waivers a crucial option for some.
Moving to Ohio: The Cultural Shift
In December 2021, I left Pakistan and arrived in the U.S. to start my PhD at Ohio State in January 2022. No matter how much you prepare, moving to a new country is always a tough adjustment.. I had grown up in Lahore, surrounded by friends and family, never having to question how things worked. Suddenly, I had to figure out everything—from using public transport to understanding American grocery stores.
Thankfully, I had an uncle in Connecticut who helped me adjust during my first two weeks before I moved to Ohio. The biggest surprise wasn’t the cultural differences—it was the realization that America isn’t exactly how it’s portrayed in movies. Midwestern states like Ohio are deeply family-oriented, religious, and traditional in ways that Hollywood rarely shows. While the adjustment took time, I gradually found my footing and built a new life here.
Reflections on the Journey
Looking back, I never imagined I would be pursuing a PhD in the U.S. I went from corporate dissatisfaction to multiple rejections to securing a fully funded PhD position—all in the span of a few months. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that failures don’t define you–they guide you toward the direction you need to go. Every rejection, every obstacle led me to where I am today.
For anyone considering graduate studies abroad, my biggest advice is to take risks, even when the odds seem impossible. Sometimes, the right opportunity finds you when you least expect it—you just have to be ready to say yes.
