Jo-Adam Saiful Mizra

Have you had any international experiences at SMU so far?

I have had three international experiences at SMU, including a Ski/Snowboarding trip to Japan as part of my CCA, SMU-X Alpine, a community service trip to Korea, as well as a self-sourced 9-week long internship at Iterative Scopes in Cambridge, MA, USA. As much as it was an internship, this was also a cultural exchange. From experiencing my first ever Baseball game to watching a Broadway show in New York City amongst many other memorable experiences allowed me to fully immerse myself in the melting pot of cultures that exist within the United States.

Please share your internship experience.

I’ve done 10 different internships at 9 different firms. I think all in all my internships have served two different purposes, they have given me greater insight into specific industries alongside helping me discover my passion in this life.

What advice would you give to prospective students who are thinking of applying to SMU?

Be brave in pursuing the path less travelled – In SMU, it is common to follow in the footsteps of seniors and alumni in hopes of replicating their success. However, this sometimes leads to you pursuing a path that deviates from your passion or does not adequately leverage your strengths. Have the courage to forge your own path, in new industries or fields.

In 1-2 sentences, summarize how SMU has changed you for the better!

SMU has helped to build my self-confidence, while tempering it with humility born from interacting with people whom I will continue to strive towards.