A Journey Driven by Growth and Determination: Meghana Sathi
Meghana Sathi earned a dual degree in Data Science and Management Information Systems in May 2026. She currently holds a full-time position as an Associate in Technology Audit at KPMG in New York.
Meghana’s Experience at UNC Charlotte
Meghana’s experience at UNC Charlotte was characterized by opportunity, impact, and determination. During her time as a 49er, she received a scholarship from the ISACA (Information Systems Audit and Control Association) Charlotte chapter and served as a Campus Ambassador for the Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (CEI) at UNC Charlotte. When asked about her motivations, Meghana provided a multifaceted response.
“I chose UNC Charlotte because of its strong sense of community and diversity. I was also drawn to its modern campus and its proximity to Uptown Charlotte, which provides great access to corporate connections and career opportunities.”
Although this major was not her initial choice, it enabled her to enter a rapidly expanding industry that has had a lasting impact on her post-graduate life.
“I actually started off as a Computer Science major, but after the first year, I knew this wasn’t the path I wanted to take. I learned that our college offers a dedicated Data Science major, which I found interesting, as it is a rapidly growing field in industry. I took the leap and wanted to major in that, as well as learn some business skills, which led me to pursue MIS. As soon as I started a few of those classes, I loved it, everything started to make sense, and I felt super happy I made the switch.”
Meghana also highlighted the significant influence of Professor Figu, who contributed meaningfully to her undergraduate experience at UNC Charlotte.
“Professor Figu is my favorite professor. I genuinely enjoyed his class, and he is one of the most patient and caring instructors I’ve encountered. Even though the course was online and covered many new concepts, he took the time to explain everything step by step and made sure every student felt supported. His dedication to student success really stood out to me.”
Meghana reflected on her personal growth during her time at UNC Charlotte, emphasizing the transformative nature of her college experience.
“I’ve discovered the level of persistence and dedication I’m capable of when I truly set my mind to something. Up until February, I was working part-time at LPL Financial as part of an extended internship while balancing my coursework and an on-campus job. Managing these responsibilities strengthened my time management skills and showed me that I’m capable of handling more than I once believed. That experience brought out the best in me and has become a key strength. I am now able to perform well under pressure and thrive in fast-paced environments. “
Final Advice
Meghana’s journey was defined by growth, determination, and her commitment to engaging with emerging industries within her community. She offers the following advice to incoming students:
“Step outside your comfort zone. It may feel difficult at first, but the more you put yourself out there, the more confident and comfortable you’ll become. It’s also the best way to discover new opportunities and understand what’s available to you. Attending both small and large events, such as career fairs, can make a big difference. Take those opportunities seriously; they can open doors you didn’t even know existed. Every small step can lead to big things!”