Success Matters - Sneha Sharma

Sneha SharmaSneha Sharma
Graduate Student, Columbia University School of Professional Studies
Analytics and Operations Analyst Intern, Investopedia, New York, NY

Southeastern BS in Mathematics, 2015

Originally from Nepal and now living in New York City as she pursues an actuarial science graduate degree, Southeastern alumna Sneha Sharma still considers Hammond her second home.

How did your Southeastern degree prepare you for a graduate program at an Ivy League school?

As a math major, I gained a strong quantitative background through my instruction, research projects, and Mathematics competitions. Southeastern gave me a great foundation to excel in my program at Columbia.

What’s special about Southeastern?

Since the first day I stepped on campus, I was helped by faculty and staff in every way possible. They always go out their way to meet their students’ needs. Each and every student is important.

What are most proud of from your time at Southeastern?

My best experience at Southeastern was being able to lead multiple organizations while still maintaining my academic excellence. I was a founding president of Southeastern Undergraduate Mathematics Society and served as President of Women in Technology. I also volunteered in community service activities on campus and was an advocate for the International Food Pantry program. I was honored to be recipient of several awards, including Most Outstanding International Student Finalist, Most Outstanding Graduating Senior in Mathematics, and Green S award for Leadership.

What are some of your best memories from your time at Southeastern?

I come from a very small country in South Asia, Nepal. This was my first time living away from my family so I was nervous, but thankfully Southeastern gave me plenty of reasons to not miss home. All of the campus activities, from festivals to Crawfish boils, were so much fun. I miss dancing at campus events!

Why should prospective students choose Southeastern?

  • Small classroom sizes for individual attention, which is extremely important
  • Provides tremendous opportunity to get involved and be a future leader
  • School works with you to make your dream come true.
  • Amazing college experience and quality education to prepare you for your future job

Southeastern was the perfect university for me because it gave me enough courage and confidence to go anywhere in the world and succeed. It brought the best out of me. Southeastern is the right place for you if you want to follow your dreams small or big. It gives you the perfect environment to thrive and fulfill your potential.  

What do you love about your life right now?

I live my life to the fullest and work hard to become better every day. Five years ago, it was my dream to be an Ivy League student and work in Manhattan, and now it’s my reality. I am extremely proud that I am able to stand out among a group of very talented people at Columbia. I have interacted with CEOs of Wall Street, Head of States and many world leaders. I owe it all to my beginnings at Southeastern.

What are your plans for the future?

Currently, I am interning at Investopedia as an Analytics and Operations Analyst. I will graduate with my Master’s degree in Actuarial Science in 2017 and I plan on continuing my career in the field of Data Science and Data Analytics.