At Brilliant Read Media, it is our constant endeavour to identify and share some of the unique and compelling stories from the startup ecosystem. As part of this, we invited Anu Arora for an interview with Brilliant Read Media. To say further, Anu is an Entrepreneur, Chief Counsellor and Founder at UGrad Overseas Education Consultancy. Let’s learn more about her background, her inspiring journey so far and her advice for our growing community!
Excerpts from our exclusive interview with Anu:
Could you please talk us through your background and your journey?
I am a finance professional with a background in cost and management accounting. During my college years, I was a university topper as well as a class topper. Mentoring my peers after classes was something I genuinely enjoyed, and it gave me a sense of fulfilment.
I worked on a World Bank project for several years in a finance role. However, my career path took a turn when about 10 years back my son was in high school, and I was searching for a college counsellor for him. This experience reconnected me with my passion for mentoring.
I discovered that guiding high school students through the college application process not only helps them secure admissions but also enables them to grow as individuals, explore their potential, and address social challenges.
When I started college counselling, the work was incredibly fulfilling. I loved engaging with young minds, learning from their unique perspectives, and helping them shape their future. The joy I found in this role was so profound that it never felt like work—even on Sundays! Within a couple of years, I was able to achieve outstanding college acceptances for my students.
‘UGrad Education’ is such a unique name; talk us through more about it, please. Our audience would also love to know what kind of problem you are solving?
The name “UGrad Education” reflects our student-centric philosophy. The “U” stands for “You,” signifying our unwavering focus on the individual student. At UGrad Education, the student is at the heart of everything we do.
High school students today face immense pressure—from their personal aspirations, parental and societal expectations, and the demanding balance of academics, extracurricular activities, and college applications. It can be overwhelming, to say the least. My goal is to make this journey smoother, empowering, and even enjoyable.
Through UGrad Education, I aim to guide students in a way that not only helps them secure acceptance to their “fit” colleges but also ensures they thrive once they get there. I see college counselling as more than just admission guidance; it is a transformative process where students grow holistically, discovering their potential and building confidence.
By adopting this student-first approach, UGrad Education helps students not just achieve their academic goals but also develop as individuals ready to take on challenges beyond college life.
Despite the challenges, what keeps you going when things get tough?
What keeps me going, even during challenging times, is the sheer joy of seeing my students achieve their dreams—getting into their dream schools and helping families realize their aspirations by achieving scholarships and financial assistance for most of our students.
For me, college counselling isn’t “work” in the traditional sense; it’s a passion. I absolutely love engaging with high school students—their energy, curiosity, and unique ideas make every interaction rewarding.
Even during high-pressure times, like the busy October application season, I find myself enjoying the process. When you truly love what you do, challenges don’t feel like obstacles—they become part of the journey.
What are the three most important lessons you have learned in your life?
I’m no Gandhi, so I wouldn’t claim to have profound life lessons for others—haha! But if I had to reflect on my own journey, here are three important lessons I’ve learned:
Listen to Yourself and Stay Authentic – Staying true to your inner voice and values is key. It’s easy to get influenced by the noise around us, but knowing who you are and what you stand for keeps you grounded and purposeful.
Embrace Discipline, but on Your Terms – I find discipline to be a source of peace and creativity. For example, no matter how busy my day gets, I always end it with a walk-in Meghdootam Park, my little oasis of serenity. My evening walks not only help me unwind but also spark some of my best ideas. That said, discipline should work for you, not the other way around—I happily skip my walks on weekends to spend evenings with my family.
Cherish and Value Your People – The people in your life make it what it is. My family—my husband, my two children Sahil and Sanah, our 18-year-long house help and manager Susan, and my dog Lego—are my greatest support system. It’s important to recognize, value, and prioritize your people. Share time with them, no matter how busy life gets.
In your opinion what are the keys to success?
Success depends on what aspect of life you’re referring to—career, relationships, or life in general. In my opinion, success is determined by how effectively you solve your problems and navigate challenges.
When it comes to career success, the key is knowing your passion. Half the battle is won when you work on something you’re truly passionate about. It no longer feels like “work”; instead, it becomes a source of joy and fulfilment. When you’re doing what you love, success follows naturally, every step of the way.
At UGrad Education, we focus on helping students uncover their passions before they embark on their journeys. We believe that true success comes from aligning their goals with their inner aspirations, so they can thrive not just in college, but in life.
What advice would you give students and young professionals who want to have a successful career?
Authenticity:
– Stay true to yourself and your values. Success is sustainable when you build it on a foundation of honesty and integrity.
– Avoid comparing your journey to others’. Focus on what makes you unique and use it as your strength.
– In a professional setting, authenticity builds trust and helps create meaningful relationships, whether with colleagues, mentors, or clients.
Hard Work:
– There’s no substitute for hard work. Effort and dedication are what set you apart from the crowd.
– Be willing to put in the hours to master your craft, whether it’s acquiring new skills, completing projects, or achieving long-term goals.
– Remember, hard work doesn’t always mean working endlessly—work smart. Identify priorities and focus your energy on impactful tasks.
Consistency:
– Success is not an overnight phenomenon—it’s the result of consistent effort over time.
– Set small, achievable goals and stick to them daily. The habits you build through consistency will pave the way for bigger achievements.
– Even during setbacks, maintain discipline and keep showing up. The ability to stay the course through challenges is what truly defines success.
Last but not least, what about your journey makes it satisfying/exciting?
Watching my students grow and thrive is immensely gratifying. Being able to guide them in discovering their interests and strengths, and later seeing them develop those interests and uncover new ones, brings me immense joy.
The most fulfilling part is witnessing them use this self-discovery to present themselves as compelling candidates, ultimately gaining admission to their dream colleges—sometimes with financial support that transforms their opportunities.
This process of empowering students to unlock their true potential and achieve their aspirations is what makes my journey deeply rewarding and incredibly exciting every single day.
BrilliantRead is committed to bringing stories from the startup ecosystem, stories that reshape our perspective, add value to our community and be a constant source of motivation not just for our community but also for the whole ecosystem of entrepreneurs and aspiring individuals.
Note: If you have a similar story to share with our audience and would like to be featured on our online magazine, then please write to us at [email protected], we will review your story and extend an invitation to feature if it is worth publishing.
