A junior industrial engineering major, Nibeer Dewan exudes optimism. Raised in Calcutta, India, as the only child of parents who encouraged him to seize the best opportunities, Dewan knew by the 10th grade that he wanted to study and pursue a career in the field of engineering.
His father, an electrical engineer, had visited the United States for a business-related tour in 1995. Dewan said his father envisioned sending his son to the U.S. for studies at some point, but that it was much more likely for him to come as a graduate student. However, as Dewan investigated the various engineering fields, he fell in love with one area in particular and decided that industrial and systems engineering was the right career choice for him.
Dewan said his father is a technical guy, but his mother is more the public relations type. "I like industrial and systems engineering because it's kind of a mix of technical and business fields," Dewan explained. His selection made it more appealing to study abroad in the U.S. as an undergraduate student, so he arrived at Mississippi State at the age of 19.
Since then, the honors student has immersed himself in academics, but not to the exclusion of extracurricular activities, including serving as a leader in several student organizations. He has been assistant director for the Student Association's International Student Affairs Committee; served with the Holmes Cultural Diversity Center; acted as both public relations officer and cultural secretary for the Indian Student Association; and served as president and public relations officer for MSU's student chapter of the Institute of Industrial Engineers.
Dewan said he has had a very positive experience as an international student, and he knows from personal experience why they call Mississippi the hospitality state.
"I have met amazing people who will be your friend when needed or who will be your mentor when needed," Dewan said. He advocates that all college students should open up and get out of their comfort zones when coming to college, especially when it comes to mixing and mingling with people from other cultures.
"The world has become small, so you need to enlarge your visions," he said, adding that he is pleased to see MSU moving in a progressive direction in terms of global initiatives and in building better experiences for international students. He has become such a devoted Bulldog that he has hosted an MSU-sponsored reception at his parents' home in India for prospective students considering the university.
Dewan said the university has many advantages to offer, including co-op opportunities. He has worked with two companies to gain experience in his field and has had other job opportunities on campus.
Looking ahead to the future, Dewan sees unlimited possibilities, but he plans to include advanced studies and travel. "I will go wherever the best opportunity calls me," he said.