Today we’d like to introduce you to Gaurav Shekhar.
Gaurav, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I came to the United States as a student seeking my Master’s Degree. Like millions, I also wanted to live my American dream of being successful in the States. I was a very engaged student in the Jindal School of Management, where I was pursuing my Master’s degree in Information Technology and Management. To me the meaning of the American dream was to broaden my horizons and do something that I felt I couldn’t. Apart from my engagement at UT Dallas, I was very strongly involved in the community through Toastmasters, a 96-year old Public Speaking and Leadership organization. I didn’t know that these two great organizations will open doors to something which I never thought I would get into so intensely – Servant Leadership.
After Graduating from UT Dallas, I had a successful stint in the IT Industry. Somewhere during this time, I also starting teaching as an Adjunct Professor at UT Dallas. What I discovered was my love for teaching and also how much I enjoy working with students. When the opportunity came by, I joined UT Dallas to continue my stint as a Full time faculty. I also was managing the Graduate IT Management program, something I was also an alum of. From my original plan of making it big in the IT industry, here I was working with students. Helping them achieve their dreams made me realize how gratifying the job is. I was sometimes working longer, but I was definitely sleeping better.
While all this was happening, I was letting my passion become my action, through Toastmasters. I was serving the North Eastern Texas District which spans over 50,000 square miles and has more than 4200 members in this District. From serving the clubs I was a member of, to leading the District as their District Director for 2019-2020, Toastmasters gave me the valuable skills of serving people. Skills that I often brought back to UT Dallas. Though the main objectives are to become better speakers and leaders, people eventually become more confident individuals. In my case however, I became more people oriented with each passing day.
Toastmasters was often the reason why I experienced a variety of successes professionally. The individuals I met through this association is one of the most valuable things I have. I recently took over as the Program Director for the Graduate Business Analytics programs, which I again feel was a result of a lot of factors which were put into motion several years ago.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Every achievement comes with own set of challenges. Mine also came with it. Some of the challenges were having the ability to amalgamate into the American society and contribute well. I had several mentors through all these stages that not only nurtured my ideas, but provided timely feedback and guidance in achieving my goals. One of the things I found over this period of time was how everyone’s opinion is unique and letting them find a place, helps augment the experience. It helped me connect well with my students and colleagues. My advice to the ones who have a customer centered role is to empathize with the people you are dealing with. Effective communication cannot happen if the element of empathy is missing. Success happens when people feel comfortable speaking or working with you. Care about people and things will fall into place.
The University of Texas at Dallas – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
The University of Texas at Dallas is a rising research powerhouse with eight schools and more than 140 academic degrees including top-ranked programs in business, engineering, science, audiology and arts and technology. The campus community is enriched by a commitment to the arts, service learning opportunities and an athletics program with new esports teams. UTD students, faculty, staff and alumni continue to rise to new challenges, proving that Comets shine bright.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
This was the year I was in my 1st Grade. I finished #20 in a 200 meter race. Yes, there were more than 50 kids who ran on the track. I used to be tiny and thin. I remember my father coming home and telling my mom to feed me cereal every day from then on as he cannot see me finish that far from the podium. I was amused at what was happening as I couldn’t understand why he was pained. I was happy with my #20 spot. My parents have been instrumental in helping me participate in sporting events, debates, poetry, arts competitions, etc. and my love for extra-curricular activities. Needless to say, the next year, I won the same race. And never lost another track and field event in my life.
Contact Info:
- Address: The University of Texas at Dallas
800 W Campbell Rd SM33
Richardson TX 75080 - Website: jindal.utdallas.edu
- Phone: 9728835147
- Email: gaurav.shekhar@utdallas.edu
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