From Hyderabad to Chicago, driven by a passion for Data Analytics and AI: How Nihal Chandra Achieved His Study Abroad Dream with Leap Finance!

I am Nihal Chandra , and I have been working as a Business Information Analyst at Elevance Health in the US for over a year. I earned a bachelor's degree in Computer Science from Hyderabad and later pursued a master's degree at the University of Illinois, Chicago. I began my master's journey in the fall of 2021 and graduated in 2023. Like many others, I took a loan for my education. My financier was Leap, and so I was glad to sit down with them and talk about my study abroad journey.

Q. How did you know you wanted to study abroad??

During my bachelor’s, I was certain that I wanted to specialize in Computer Science, particularly in data-related fields like Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence (AI). My interest in AI developed when I took several courses in the subject during my undergrad. I saw AI as a rapidly evolving field with immense potential, and I wanted to be part of that growth.??

I knew that the US was strong in AI research and Computer Science education. So I applied to various Universities that were ranked top in the field of Artificial Intelligence.? I specifically looked for universities that offered a strong foundation in Computer Science while providing flexibility to explore different domains. I applied to eight or nine universities and received admissions from seven of them, including George Mason University and the University of Houston, Ultimately, I chose UIC because the university offered a well-structured curriculum along with the flexibility to tailor my coursework, unlike some programs that require a rigid set of courses.

Q. Why did you choose Leap Finance for your educational loan?

When I was evaluating my options for master's applications and began the financial process, I explored multiple lenders. At the time, the major names in education loans were the national banks. However, these banks often required some form of collateral or didn’t cover the full cost of education, typically financing only 70-80%, leaving the remaining amount for students to manage on their own.

My priority was clear—I wanted a loan that would cover the entire cost of my education without causing any financial burden on my parents. Since pursuing a master's was my decision, I was determined to take full responsibility for the loan and its repayment.

What stood out about Leap Finance was that it did not require collateral. Compared to other options at the time, Leap Finance offered competitive interest rates—around 9%. Another major factor in my decision was the ease of communication. Other lenders also provided non-collateral loans and covered living expenses, but the challenge was accessibility.?

Leap Finance was highly accessible. They had an office in Bangalore, were available on WhatsApp, and offered seamless online processing without the hassle of handling physical documents like traditional banks required. This level of reliability and convenience made my choice clear.

Although Leap Finance was relatively new when I took the loan, I feel it has paid off in the long run.

Q. How was your student life in Chicago?

There was always something happening in Chicago, so you never get bored. But as a student, my primary focus was attending classes. My schedule wasn’t packed every day. I deliberately spaced out my classes across the week. This allowed me the flexibility to engage in extracurricular activities or take on part-time work when necessary.

On the days I didn't have classes, I worked part-time to help cover my living expenses. Most of my time revolved around either academics or work, but I made it a point to keep my weekends free. If there was an opportunity to explore, I would take it, whether that meant visiting new places in Chicago or simply hanging out with friends. Chicago has so much to offer, and even after two years, I probably only managed to see half of it, if not less. It’s a fantastic city for newcomers to the United States, offering a well-rounded "American experience." While some might debate whether New York or California is better, I found Chicago as an excellent place.?

Q. Was there any major difference you found between studying in India and the US??

Academically, my master's program was quite different from what I had been used to. Back in India, learning often followed a rote-based approach, whereas in the U.S., the system was much more interactive and hands-on. Professors were highly creative in their teaching methods, often incorporating surprise quizzes and encouraging open discussions. One of the most enriching aspects was the emphasis on projects—unlike in India, where we typically complete just one mini-project and one major project. Almost every course in my master's program required multiple projects. This was invaluable for building my resume and gaining practical experience.

What advice do you have for job hunting as a master's student??

For anyone pursuing a master’s degree, I strongly recommend leveraging your master’s projects. If you're uncertain about your career path due to market conditions, take diverse courses to gain exposure to different fields. That way, you’ll have relevant experience in multiple areas, which can significantly boost your job prospects. Waiting until after graduation to upskill can be time-consuming and stressful, especially given the pressure from family and the uncertainty of securing a job.

Job hunting as a new graduate is challenging, particularly when competing against experienced candidates. The job market is saturated with professionals specializing in specific fields, making it difficult for fresh graduates to stand out. That’s why it’s crucial to make the most of your time during your master’s. Gain as much experience as possible, build a strong portfolio, and stay persistent. It’s easy to feel discouraged, but keeping your focus and believing in yourself is key to success.

And what is your daily life right now?

I am working as a business analyst in the healthcare field, primarily dealing with healthcare data. My life is pretty satisfying here in comparison to the work culture in India where I could be pulled into the call anytime.?

I’ve realized that people respect your time, and I’m sure everyone has heard this before. Here, I can be sure that my work gets done between nine and five.

In the beginning, I did put in a few extra hours, but once I became comfortable with my work and got into the flow of things, everything started feeling much smoother. Over time, the process became easier and more efficient.

Would you say Leap played a small part in your success??

Yes, it did, of course.? I am very happy that I did not have to burden my parents with financing my education. I am also satisfied that I did my master’s from a reputed university. Leap Finance not only covered my entire tuition fee, but it also covered the entirety of my study abroad journey. The best part was that I was able to communicate with them whenever I wanted. I just had to WhatsApp someone, and they would reply immediately.? They would have all the answers to whatever I wanted. They have an online portal with all the necessary information consolidated.?

Would you recommend it to your friends??

Yes, If you want to take a non-collateral loan, please opt for Leap Finance.?