Vilas Jadhav: Stepped out, leveled up
Graduate Profile
For Vilas Jadhav, joining Governors State University’s (GovState) Business Analytics program was the beginning of his journey of stepping out of his comfort zone—starting with navigating a new country.
While daunting, Vilas feels that his choice allowed him to grow in ways he didn’t expect. With Commencement fast approaching, he’s looking back on his time at GovState with gratitude and looking forward to what’s next.
GovState Newsroom: What attracted you to GovState?
Vilas: I chose Governors State University because its Business Analytics program stood out for its unique balance of technical and management-focused courses. I was looking for a curriculum that would not only build my analytical and data-driven skills, but also help me understand how to apply them in real-world business environments—and this program offered exactly that.
On top of that, GovState made pursuing graduate education more accessible with its affordability, supportive faculty, and opportunities for hands-on learning, leadership, and community involvement.
When I first arrived at Governors State University, I was stepping into the unknown—new country, new people, new systems. I still remember those first few weeks. I was excited, but at the same time, everything felt a bit overwhelming. I kept asking myself, how will I adapt? Where do I start?
Coming from a small village in India where opportunities like international education are rare, this new beginning carried even more meaning for me. It was more than just starting grad school—it was about pushing past limits I once thought couldn’t be broken.
But one thing I knew for sure—I wanted to make the most of this journey. So I started saying “yes” to opportunities, even the ones that scared me. That one decision changed everything.
Over time, I not only found my place—I created it.
GovState Newsroom: What clubs and/or activities were you involved with? Any memories stick out with one of them?
Vilas: One of the things I’m most proud of is founding the GovState Gavel Club, a public speaking and leadership organization affiliated with Toastmasters. It started as an idea to help students grow their confidence and communication skills, but it turned into something much bigger. We built a supportive space where students could step out of their comfort zones and grow into leaders—and that growth included me, too.
I also had the honor of serving as the College of Business student representative in the Student Senate, where I worked to ensure that student voices were heard.
GovState Newsroom: What are your dreams for your degree?
Vilas: My time as a Graduate Research Assistant in the College of Business gave me hands-on experience in the analytical field, helping me better understand how data and insights can drive meaningful decisions. That’s the career path I want to pursue—solving problems, improving systems, and making a difference through analytics.
GovState Newsroom: What’s the silliest or most memorable thing that happened to you during your GovState experience?
Vilas: One of the most rewarding moments of my journey was winning the Pitch Party—a campus-wide competition hosted by the College of Business and the Library. I pitched an idea to increase student engagement, and it was selected as the winner with $3,000 awarded to bring it to life. That moment reminded me that our ideas are powerful, and that with the right platform, we can create real impact.
Another unforgettable experience was joining the Alternative Spring Break in New Orleans, where I spent a week doing community service—helping restore homes, cleaning up neighborhoods, and connecting with people who shared their stories of resilience. That trip reminded me why service matters and how small actions can mean the world to someone else.
Looking back, I started my journey here with a mix of nerves and hope. And now, as I prepare to graduate, I feel nothing but gratitude—for the challenges that shaped me, the people who supported me, and the opportunities that helped me grow.
GovState Newsroom: What advice would you give to current and/or future GovState students?
Vilas: To future GovState students, my message is simple: Take initiative. Don’t wait for someone else to start something—if you see a need, step up. Whether it's joining a club or starting one, raising your voice or listening to others, every action counts. GovState gives you the space to grow, but it’s up to you to take that first step.
I came here hoping to build a future in analytics—but I’m leaving with much more: a sense of purpose, lifelong connections, and the confidence to lead wherever I go next.