Mukta Barad

My Journey with Woolf: From a Small Town to Global Ambitions in AI

I’m Mukta Barad, and I come from Amalner, a small town in Jalgaon, Maharashtra. But growing up in a small town never limited how big I dreamed. I’ve always believed that your location shouldn’t define your potential, and that belief led me to pursue a Master’s in Computer Science through Woolf, with a focus on Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning.

For me, Woolf was a turning point. I chose Woolf because it offered the best of both worlds: a rigorous, globally recognized academic experience that I could access from anywhere. The flexibility allowed me to continue learning without uprooting my life, and the quality of the program matched what you’d expect from top institutions. I got to learn from leading faculty and collaborate with peers across borders while staying in my hometown.

What really made a difference was the relevance of the curriculum. I wasn’t just memorizing theory; I was gaining real, applicable skills that aligned with the fast-changing world of AI. Every class felt like a conversation — thoughtful, challenging, and engaging. The seminar-style sessions gave me space to reflect, test ideas, and grow.

Being part of a global community also opened my eyes. I learned alongside people from all over the world, each bringing their own perspectives and goals. That environment pushed me to think bigger and helped me grow not only as a student, but as a future contributor to the field.

More than anything, Woolf gave me confidence in my knowledge, in my thinking, and in my future. It also expanded my professional network in ways that continue to open doors.

If I could share one piece of advice with future Woolf students, it would be this: don’t just show up, engage. Join discussions, ask questions, connect with others. The more you put in, the more this experience will give back.

Right now, I’m actively exploring opportunities in data science and machine learning, and I feel ready. Woolf helped me turn a quiet ambition into a clear path forward, and I’m excited to see where it leads.