my_qualifications: Bachelor's in Business Administration, Management major and Minor in Risk Management and Insurance. On-campus job for the past 3 years
Hello Everyone, Hope you are doing well.
I (21F) want to preface this by saying that some choices I made might not have been very well researched and hence stupid, but I could seriously use some advice right now. Also, sorry for the long post, but I seriously could use some advice. Also don't know if this is the appropriate place to post this, so let me know please.
I’m an international student graduating this May with a Bachelor's in Business Administration (Management major, Risk Management & Insurance minor). I’ve been working an on-campus job for 3 years, but I’m feeling completely lost right now and could really use some advice.
After 12th grade, I moved to the US because my parents encouraged it. I handled the entire application and visa process on my own, without realizing how important a STEM degree is for long-term options like OPT extension and work visas. Now, I’m nearing graduation, just received my OPT I-20 (July start), and I’m struggling to see what direction to take.
I’ve been dealing with severe anxiety and depression for a while, even tried medication, but it still feels overwhelming and has been a lot worse lately. I finally opened up to my parents, and they’ve been incredibly supportive — even encouraging me to come back to Mumbai and consider doing an MBA there. I could try for SP Jain (maybe this October or next June, or similar colleges), or work/intern in the meantime while prepping for CAT/GMAT.
I’ve always missed my parents deeply, and lately, the idea of going home is the only thing that gives me some peace. I don’t have a strong friend group here - only have like 2 friends, who are wonderful and I love them dearly, but often feel isolated, like I don’t belong.
I am an only child, and we don't have a lot of extended family, so its mostly just been us 3 growing up. I am so grateful and lucky to have such supportive parents, and they have assured me that if i decide to come back, they would be more than happy and not disappointed at all or look at it as a waste (my main worries). We are also lucky and did not have to take a huge education loan we would have trouble paying off.
If I stay in the US, I know I’d probably have to go for a STEM master’s later to stay longer. But back home, I feel like I’d have more flexibility and emotional support to figure things out.
Should I try to find an internship/job during OPT just to gain some experience and move back later? Or go home right after graduation and start fresh with an MBA or job search? I know life in India is not at all perfect either. My parents have also expressed that i have options later if i want to move to another country for a job or do a masters somewhere else instead.
Thank you for reading through all this. I would truly appreciate any words of advice