Fulbright Scholarship Scholar Shai Bejar from Argentina Shares His Journey of Securing a Fully Funded MSc at Stony Brook University, United States

My name is Shai Bejar, and I am from Argentina. I am an Industrial Engineer with a professional background in energy, environmental management, process optimization, data analytics, and digital transformation. Over the years, I have worked in different sectors, including oil and gas, public-sector environmental management, supply chain, renewable energy, and enterprise process transformation.

I decided to pursue further education abroad because I wanted to expand my technical and analytical skills in an international environment. My goal was to connect engineering, sustainability, data-driven decision-making, and systems thinking to address complex operational and environmental challenges.

Fulbright Scholarship Details

I received two important scholarships during my academic journey.

First, I received the Bec.Ar Scholarship, awarded by the Government of Argentina, to pursue my MSc in Environmental Engineering at the Polytechnic University of Madrid, Spain.

Later, I received a Fulbright Scholarship to study at Stony Brook University in the United States, where I completed my MSc in Technological Systems Management.

Were You Offered Any Other Scholarships?

Yes. In addition to the Fulbright Scholarship, I had previously received the Bec.Ar Scholarship from the Government of Argentina to study in Spain.

These two scholarships were awarded at different stages of my academic and professional development and both had a significant impact on my international education path.

Educational Background

I hold a BSc in Industrial Engineering from Universidad Nacional del Litoral in Argentina. I later completed a MSc in Environmental Engineering at the Polytechnic University of Madrid in Spain, supported by the Bec.Ar Scholarship. I also completed a Specialization in Data Mining at Universidad Tecnológica Nacional in Argentina, and a MSc in Technological Systems Management at Stony Brook University in the United States, supported by the Fulbright Scholarship.

My educational background helped me develop a strong foundation in engineering, systems thinking, operations, data analysis, sustainability, and process improvement. This combination was very useful when applying to graduate programs because my academic profile was connected to real professional experience in energy, environmental management, and digital transformation.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Stony Brook University?

I prepared by researching programs that matched both my academic interests and my professional goals. I was not looking only for a degree, but for programs that could help me connect engineering, sustainability, operations, and technology.

For each application, I worked carefully on my CV, essays, recommendation letters, and academic documents. I tried to make sure that my application had a clear narrative: where I came from, what I had achieved, why the program made sense for me, and how I expected to contribute after completing my studies.

I also invested time in understanding the culture and expectations of each institution. Applying to an international program is not only about meeting formal requirements. It is also about showing that your profile, motivation, and goals are aligned with the institution.

How Did You Find Information About Fulbright Scholarship and Stony Brook University?

I used official university websites, scholarship program websites, government sources, international education platforms, and conversations with people who had previous experience applying to scholarships.

For the Bec.Ar Scholarship, I followed official information from the Argentine government. For the Fulbright Scholarship, I reviewed the official Fulbright application information and prepared my materials according to their requirements.

My recommendation is to always verify scholarship information directly from official sources because deadlines, eligibility criteria, and required documents may change.

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

Yes. I took the TOEFL iBT and the GRE. I did not take the GMAT.

For the TOEFL iBT, I focused on improving academic English, especially writing, speaking, and time management. The exam requires not only language ability but also structure and clarity.

For the GRE, I prepared by practicing quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, and analytical writing. My engineering background helped me with the quantitative section, but I still needed practice to become familiar with the exam format and timing.

My advice is to start preparing early and use official practice materials whenever possible. Knowing the structure of the test is almost as important as knowing the content.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Fulbright Scholarship?

I prepared for the scholarships as a strategic process. I first tried to understand what each scholarship was looking for.

For Bec.Ar, I focused on showing the relevance of my graduate studies in Spain for Argentina’s development, especially in relation to environmental engineering, sustainability, and public-sector impact.

For Fulbright, I focused on my academic and professional trajectory, my leadership experience, and my interest in connecting technology, systems thinking, energy, and sustainability. I also tried to show that the experience would have an impact beyond my individual career.

Across both applications, I worked on building a coherent story. A strong scholarship application should not be just a list of achievements. It should explain why your background, your goals, and the scholarship opportunity fit together.

How is Your Experience at Stony Brook University?

My experience at Stony Brook University was very valuable. It gave me the opportunity to study in a demanding academic environment and to interact with professors, researchers, and students from different backgrounds.

I also worked as a Research and Teaching Assistant, which allowed me to support undergraduate courses and participate in research-related activities. That experience strengthened my academic, analytical, and communication skills.

Studying in the United States also helped me broaden my perspective on technology, sustainability, and socio-technical systems.

How Do You Rate Stony Brook University Academically?

I rate Stony Brook University very positively. The university offered a strong academic environment, access to qualified faculty, and opportunities to connect technical knowledge with real-world problems.

What I valued most was the possibility of combining technology, management, systems thinking, and applied research. That interdisciplinary approach was aligned with my professional interests and helped me strengthen my profile.

How Does Stony Brook University Support International Students?

Stony Brook University provides support for international students through orientation, academic resources, administrative guidance, and student services.

For international students, this support is important because studying abroad involves academic, administrative, cultural, and personal adaptation. Having institutional support helps students focus better on their academic goals.

What Did You Pursue After the Fulbright Scholarship?

After my Fulbright experience, I continued developing my professional career in process transformation, energy, data analytics, and digital transformation.

I currently work in business process analysis and transformation, applying tools such as SAP Signavio, Process Mining, Power BI, operational analytics, and Generative AI to improve traceability, governance, and decision-making in complex industrial environments.

The scholarship experience helped me strengthen my international profile and gave me tools that I continue to apply in my professional work.

Would Potential Students Have Any Problems Not Knowing English?

For programs taught in English, such as my experience in the United States, students can succeed academically without knowing another local language. However, strong English skills are essential.

In countries where the native language is different from the language of instruction, I still recommend learning at least the basics of the local language. It helps with daily life, networking, cultural integration, and building deeper connections.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I think my application stood out because it combined academic preparation, professional experience, leadership, and a clear sense of purpose.

My background was not only academic. I had professional experience in energy, operations, environmental management, and process improvement. I had also worked in roles where I needed to coordinate stakeholders, lead projects, analyze data, and solve practical problems.

I believe what helped most was showing a coherent trajectory: engineering background, public and private sector experience, interest in sustainability and technology, and a clear motivation to use international education to create impact.

Looking Back, Would You Have Done Anything Differently During Your Time in the Program?

I would have started even earlier. Scholarship applications require time, especially when they involve essays, recommendation letters, translations, standardized tests, and institutional documents.

I would also have contacted more alumni before applying. Talking to people who already went through the process can help you understand what the scholarship committee values and what the real student experience looks like.

I also would have spent more time refining my personal statement from the beginning. The essay is not just a formality. It is one of the most important parts of the application.

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

My main advice is: do not self-reject. Many people assume that scholarships are impossible to obtain, but strong applications are built through preparation, clarity, and persistence.

Start early, read the requirements carefully, and build a clear narrative. Explain why the program makes sense for you, why you are a strong candidate, and how the opportunity connects with your future goals.

Also, ask for feedback. A good application is usually the result of several revisions. Your first version will probably not be your best version.

Finally, be authentic but strategic. Scholarship committees want to understand not only what you have done, but also why it matters and what you plan to do with the opportunity.