St. John’s University graduate student Uday Kumar continued his studies this summer by participating in a three-week immersion program at Hult International Business School in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Kumar, who is pursuing a Master of Science in Enterprise Risk Management at The Peter J. Tobin College of Business, was selected from hundreds of global applicants to join the Hult Summer Bootcamp in Boston, which ran from August 4 to 22.

The boot camp gathered 50 students from around the world for sessions on business fundamentals, client consulting, networking, and skills workshops. “It was one of the best experiences of my life,” Kumar said. “I gained a broader perspective and learned to think in a more value-oriented way. I gained access to resources that can be put to practical use when I enter the business community full time.”

Originally from Utter Pradesh, India, Kumar has previous experience working for software development companies after graduating from college in Lucknow, India. He chose St. John’s University for its Queens, New York location and its extensive alumni network.

During his time at St. John’s, Kumar co-founded KnotHastags with fellow graduate students Prasoon Saha and Matthew Siegel. The company distributes ethically manufactured Indian clothing to U.S. consumers. The team won $750 in Johnny’s Innovation Challenge and placed second at the 2025 New York Business Plan Competition held at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

KnotHastags continues to operate, but Kumar is also focused on pursuing a career as a business consultant. He received a partial scholarship from Hult to attend the boot camp, with additional support from The Tobin College of Business and The Lesley H. and William L. Collins College of Professional Studies.

The Hult Summer Bootcamp’s curriculum included business presentation, pitching, and storytelling. By the end of the program, Kumar had delivered a sample TEDx Talk discussing his background, his decision to attend St. John’s, and his passion for entrepreneurship. He titled his talk “Never Give Up, Keep Smiling.”

“That platform reinforces your confidence that you can be an industry leader,” Kumar said. “It confirms in you a belief that you are a subject-matter expert. I gained courage doing that and now feel comfortable speaking in public.”