Raginee Kumari

Raginee Kumari is a management information systems graduate student from Warrenville, IL

Hometown: Warrenville, IL

Class Of: 2022

What did you want to be when you were growing up? Are you pursuing that as a major, or have you taken another path?
While growing up, I always wanted to be a teacher. I was so inspired by the teachers in my school that I wanted to be one of them. I privately tutored kids at home back then and I still love it, but my career aspirations have changed. I love technology and want to leverage it to help businesses grow. 

What is your major (and/or minor) and why did you decide on this course of study?
I am a huge believer that technology is a great enabler for our community. Due to my passion for it, I decided to pursue a master’s degree in management information systems.

What has been something you have found pleasantly surprising about your experience at NIU?
My experience at NIU has been great. Though the first two semesters were online, I was still able to engage with my professors and made some really awesome friends.

How have you connected with other students to study for classes, meet new people or form new friendships?
Yes, I made some really good friends while studying together for group projects, and now we go out on the weekends as well.

Are you involved in any student organizations, mentoring programs or extra-curricular activities? If so, which ones? How have they added to your experience as a Huskie?
I have been a part of the Experiential Learning Center at NIU, and it gave me so much experience working on clients’ real-time problems.

What NIU offices, departments or resources have helped you succeed? And how?
I have worked with the marketing department as a graduate assistant, and I got a chance to connect with so many undergrads who were specializing in international marketing, strategic marketing and digital marketing. 

Who has been one of your favorite instructors/professors and why? What course did they teach?
I loved Professor Amy. She is strict, but all her classes were very engaging, and she made networking class so seamlessly easy.

How have you benefited by attending class regularly?
Yes, I have been very regular with my classes, and it has helped me understand the basics pretty well.

Where is your favorite spot on campus or in the community? Why are you drawn to it?
Well, my favorite spot on campus is the Holmes Student Center. It’s very lively, and honestly, I love the vibe of that place. I always catch up with my friends there, and most importantly, when I miss my bus.

What advice would you give to a student who is applying to colleges?
I would suggest doing proper research to explore the subjects that interest you, and don’t be quick in choosing your specialization. Understand your career aspirations and see if your specialization is aligned with them.

Coming to college, what is something that you have had to learn to do differently?
I was already a working professional with five years of work experience before joining college. I have to be honest, the first semester was difficult since I just couldn't sit and study for even one hour at a stretch. Eventually, I started to get the hang of it, and with time I knew I could do it and loved every bit of it.

What do you do to relax or recharge?
I am a yogi and practice restorative yoga to relax on days I feel low on energy or don’t feel like doing anything. Yoga to me is therapy.

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your NIU Huskie story?
I am a proud Huskie. When the college opened for in-person classes, I was so happy to finally meet my professors and friends and attend classes in the classroom.