From Kolkata to Midtown: How Akash Karmakar Found His Professional Voice Through The City Tutors

When Akash Karmakar left India to pursue a Master’s in Finance at Baruch College, he was chasing a dream that had taken shape from a continent away. Having worked two years as a data scientist after earning a bachelor's degree from Jadavpur University—one of India’s top engineering schools—Akash realized his passion was evolving. He was intrigued by the world of finance, drawn in by films, books, and stories of Wall Street. And where better to chase that interest than New York City?

But moving to a new country is never easy—especially when you’re starting over professionally.

“I knew New York was the financial capital of the world, but I didn’t know how to access the networks here,” Akash says. “I wasn’t confident in asking for help. I didn’t even know where to begin.”

Like many international students, Akash found himself navigating unfamiliar systems—job boards, networking expectations, resume standards—without a clear roadmap. He visited Baruch’s career services center, where he learned about The City Tutors’ mentorship program. Curious, he signed up.

That first click would spark a transformation.

Mentorship that Matters

Akash’s first mentor, Asher—a finance professional at Goldman Sachs—helped him reshape his resume and rethink his approach. “My resume was very tech-focused,” he says. “Asher showed me how to reframe it for finance roles, what certifications to pursue, and how to better position myself for opportunities.”

They met weekly for months. “It was my first time speaking with someone from a company I dreamed about. I wasn’t just getting career advice—I was learning how to think like a finance professional.”

From there, Akash was connected with Tony, a tech veteran whose energy and belief in him helped boost his confidence. “Tony was one of the most energetic people I’ve ever met. He constantly reminded me I was doing great, and that belief meant a lot.”

Even when some meetings got rescheduled—like with Badri from Bloomberg—Akash valued the intention. “Just knowing someone at that level was willing to speak with me was powerful,” he says. “These are people who want to help, and that’s not something you take for granted as an international student.”

More Than a Resume: Building Community

For Akash, the magic of City Tutors didn’t stop with one-on-one mentorship.

“The events? They’ve been the best part,” he says with a smile. “It’s where I’ve made real connections.”

The first in-person event he attended was at AIG’s corporate office—his first time stepping into a New York office building.

“I had only seen these kinds of spaces in movies. Looking out at Bryant Park through the office windows—it felt surreal. That moment made my dream feel real.”

That event led to a coffee meeting with a mentor who recommended three career books. It also marked the beginning of new friendships. At a later social event hosted at a golf bar, Akash met two peers who would become close friends. “We went out for dinner after. Now we hang out, grab food, talk about life. I didn’t expect to build friendships here, but I did.”

Growth You Can Feel

When asked how he’s grown since arriving in New York, Akash is clear: “Before, I was in a box. I didn’t talk to many people. I didn’t ask for help. Now, I’ve learned how to reach out, how to connect, how to grow.”

He describes the City Tutors community as a place that’s helped him come out of his shell. “Every time I talk to a new mentor, I learn something new—not just about the industry, but about myself.”

And he’s not stopping anytime soon.

Akash continues to attend events, meet mentors like Alicia from Oscar Health, and participate in networking sessions like the one hosted virtually with Paramount. “Even online, I felt like I could ask real questions and get honest answers,” he says.

Looking Ahead

As Akash continues building his career in finance, he’s also building something else—confidence, community, and clarity.

“The City Tutors program is one of the best I’ve seen,” he says. “Back in my country, there’s nothing like this. I’m so grateful to be part of it.”

And we’re grateful to have Akash in our community—a driven, thoughtful, and generous member of the next generation of global professionals.