Scholarship Opens Doors: How Aarav Vora Maximized His Undergraduate Journey

For Aarav Vora ’25, the leap to chasing his dreams was made easier thanks to a generous support from Bentley University donors. The financial support opened the door to a transformative college experience.

Over four years, Vora excelled academically and grew both personally and professionally through leadership roles and campus involvement. In his own words, he reflects on how the scholarship empowered him to make the most of his time at Bentley.

How did your Bentley scholarship positively impact you?

I received a pretty generous scholarship, and I am grateful it gave me the opportunity to study at such a prestigious university. I would like to share my sincere gratitude to all the donors who made this possible — I would not be able to come to Bentley and graduate if it weren't for you.

What has been your favorite class?

As a Management major, I really enjoyed Career Success and Self-Discovery (MG 225) with Professor Effie Stavrulaki. This class gave me a great understanding of the skill sets and qualities required to be a good leader in the workplace.

How has Bentley provided opportunities for you to grow and excel?

Bentley has been a truly life-changing educational opportunity for me, not just because of the academic knowledge I gained, but because of the personal growth, professional readiness and global perspective it has given me. Coming to Bentley as an international student, I was initially unsure of how I would adjust, but the university’s welcoming community, dynamic learning environment and emphasis on experiential learning helped me find both confidence and purpose. 

Academically, Bentley’s strong focus on business fundamentals combined with data analytics, technology and communication has equipped me with a well-rounded skill set. My management major has taught me how to think critically, lead with empathy and adapt in fast-changing environments. Beyond the classroom, my involvement in various roles, from being a Bentley Ambassador to working in different campus jobs, gave me real-world experience in multitasking, communication and customer service. These roles taught me professionalism, time management and the importance of representing a brand with integrity. 

But more than anything, Bentley has helped me grow as a person. Courses like Managing Diversity in the Workplace (MG228) opened my eyes to the importance of equity, empathy and inclusive leadership. The university’s emphasis on ethics and socially responsible business has shaped my values and my vision of success — not just as personal achievement, but as impact. I now see my career not just as a means to an end, but as a platform to uplift others, build meaningful relationships and contribute to positive change. 

Moving forward, I know that my Bentley experience will influence how I navigate both my career and life. I will carry forward the work ethic, cultural awareness and leadership skills I developed here. Whether I’m managing a team, serving clients or launching a new venture, I’ll do so with a mindset grounded in lifelong learning, purpose and adaptability — all of which Bentley helped instill in me.

What’s one piece of advice you would give to a future Bentley student?

Take full advantage of networking opportunities — both inside and outside the classroom. Bentley offers incredible resources, from career services, alumni connections, and corporate partnerships to student organizations and networking events. Start building relationships early with professors, peers and industry professionals because these connections can open doors to internships, mentorships and job opportunities. 

What will you miss most about Bentley?

I’ll miss the sense of community and connection, especially through my experience as a student ambassador for undergraduate admissions. Giving tours to prospective students and their families allowed me to share my passion for Bentley while also reflecting on my own journey. I loved being able to guide future Falcons, answer their questions and help them envision Bentley as their home — just as I once did when I first visited campus.

Is there anything else you would like to add about your Bentley experience?

My Bentley experience has been shaped not only by my academic journey, but also by the diverse on-campus jobs that have allowed me to develop valuable skills, build meaningful connections and contribute to the campus community in multiple ways.

As a student ambassador for undergraduate admissions, I had the privilege of guiding prospective students and their families, sharing my passion for Bentley and helping them envision their future here. Working as an arena operations staff member, a customer service representative at Harry’s Bar and a front desk receptionist at the Dana Athletic Center further enriched my experience. These roles taught me time management, adaptability and customer service excellence, as I balanced my responsibilities while engaging with students, faculty and visitors.