International MBA Student Darshana Mahesh Patil from India Shares Her Journey of Studying at National Tsing Hua University, Taiwan

My name is Darshana Mahesh Patil, and I am originally from India. My journey has been shaped by a strong foundation in mechanical engineering, international industry experience, and a constant desire to grow beyond technical boundaries.

I began my academic path with a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, followed by a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering Design. During my master’s program, I completed a one-year internship at Cummins India Limited, where I worked on structural and dynamic analysis of IC engines and electric vehicles. This experience gave me hands-on exposure to ANSYS, MATLAB, torsional vibration analysis, and advanced dynamic simulation tools. It was my first deep interaction with real industrial problem-solving, and it strengthened my passion for engineering research and analysis.

After completing my master’s degree, I joined Michelin Tires as an R&D Product Engineer. Over three years, I worked on tire development projects for the Chinese market and collaborated with European teams on the new CC3 tire line. Leading cross-market coordination and technical validation gave me exposure to global engineering standards, design, design analysis, risk analysis (DOE, DFMEA), and product lifecycle management. That experience taught me how engineering decisions directly impact safety, cost, and customer satisfaction.

However, while working on international projects, I realized that technical expertise alone is not enough. To lead global innovation, I needed strategic thinking, data-driven decision-making, and management capability. That realization motivated me to pursue an International MBA at National Tsing Hua University (NTHU) in Hsinchu, Taiwan.

Taiwan Ministry of Education (MOE) Scholarship Details

When I applied to the IMBA program at NTHU, I was honored to receive two scholarship offers:

1. The NTHU University Scholarship
2. The Taiwan Ministry of Education (MOE) Scholarship

Receiving both scholarships was one of the proudest moments of my academic journey. It validated not only my academic background but also my professional experience and leadership potential.

After careful consideration, I chose the MOE Scholarship. The MOE award is a prestigious government-level scholarship that supports outstanding international students and represents Taiwan’s commitment to academic excellence and global collaboration. Being selected as an MOE scholar felt like both recognition and responsibility.

The scholarship provided tuition support and a monthly stipend (NT$20,000), allowing me to focus fully on academic growth, research, and professional development without financial pressure.

Were You Offered any Other Scholarships?

Yes. I was also awarded the NTHU Scholarship from National Tsing Hua University. Although I chose the MOE Scholarship, receiving both strengthened my confidence and reaffirmed that my profile was competitive at multiple levels.

Educational Background

My educational journey has always been built step by step:

1. Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering
2. Master’s in Mechanical Engineering Design
3. International MBA (IMBA) at National Tsing Hua University

During my master’s internship at Cummins India, I developed strong analytical skills in structural dynamics and vibration analysis.

At Michelin, I transitioned from theoretical knowledge to real-world product development, working on tire design, failure analysis, and risk management for the China and Europe markets.

During my IMBA at NTHU, my thesis focused on AI-related applications, combining technology with business strategy. Over two years, I gained knowledge in:

• Management and strategic decision-making
• Data analysis and business analytics
• Machine learning fundamentals
• Innovation and technology commercialization

The IMBA transformed me from a technical engineer into a technology-driven business professional.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to NTHU University?

How Did You Find Information About Taiwan Ministry of Education (MOE) Scholarship and Institutions?

I researched universities and scholarships online, explored LinkedIn, and reached out to students and alumni living in Taiwan to learn about their experiences and gather practical advice.

Did You Take Any Standardized Tests? If So, How Did You Prepare for Them?

Instead of taking standardized English tests like TOEFL or IELTS, I submitted certificates showing that my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees were completed entirely in English. This satisfied the language requirements and strengthened my application.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the Taiwan Ministry of Education (MOE) Scholarship?

My preparation started with clarity about my long-term vision.

I wanted to work in high-end equipment and semiconductor-related industries, fields where Taiwan is globally competitive. NTHU, located in Hsinchu Science Park, provided the perfect ecosystem.

For my application, I focused on:

• Highlighting my international R&D experience
• Showing measurable impact (cross-market projects, technical validations)
• Explaining why combining engineering + business was critical for my career path

For the scholarship applications, I emphasized not only my academic background but also:

• My cross-cultural work experience
• My ability to connect technology with strategic thinking
• My long-term contribution to global innovation ecosystems

How is (was) Your Experience at NTHU University?

My experience at NTHU was transformative. Studying in Taiwan exposed me to a global classroom environment with students from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds.

The IMBA program strengthened my leadership mindset and broadened my understanding of how technology, business, and policy interact in high-tech industries. Combining this education with my previous academic background in mechanical engineering and international R&D experience helped me successfully secure a role at ONANO (悅城科技股份有限公司) in Taiwan, where I now work as an R&D Engineer in mechanical design and project management.

Are Your Classes Conducted in English or Mandarin? 

All my IMBA classes were conducted in English. In addition, I took optional Chinese language classes to improve my communication and daily life skills in Taiwan.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe my application stood out because of my strong combination of technical expertise and international industry experience. I have over five years of R&D experience, worked with the China and Europe markets, and demonstrated measurable impact in my projects.

In addition, I clearly explained my career vision and how the IMBA would connect my engineering background with leadership and AI-driven innovation. This clear direction and real-world experience made my profile competitive.

What Would You Have Done Differently if You Were Going Through the Process Again?

If I were going through the process again, I would start preparing even earlier and apply to more international scholarship opportunities. I did strong networking before applying, which helped me a lot, but with more time, I could have explored additional funding options and refined my applications further.

What Advice Would You Give Those Looking to Apply for a Similar Scholarship?

1. First, build strong technical or professional expertise, which gives you confidence.
2. Gain practical work experience before pursuing higher management education.
3. Clearly explain how your past experiences connect to your future goals.
4. Show real results and measurable achievements in your application.
5. Apply with confidence, do not doubt your own potential.