Upendra Bhattarai

We’ve all been there—desperately reaching out to strangers, hoping that one of them will be kind enough to vouch for us and help us land that perfect job. But let’s face it: It’s not working. Seriously, think about it for a second. Would you  trust for someone you’ve never met before? Probably not. And that’s okay! Because here’s the reality: when you ask someone to refer you without building a relationship first, you’re asking them to put their reputation on the line for someone they don’t know. That’s a big ask, and it’s likely going to fall flat. So, what does work when it comes to getting referrals that actually land you a job? Let’s break it down. 1. Tap Into Your Existing Network Forget cold emailing strangers or randomly reaching out to people you’ve never interacted with. Start with the people who already know you and your work ethic—your existing network. Think former colleagues, classmates, or even that barista at your local coffee shop who remembers your complicate...

The weekend is the perfect time to reflect on your career and plan for the future. Whether you’re on the job hunt, navigating a career transition, or looking to sharpen your leadership skills, I’ve got you covered with these top career tips. 1️⃣ Job Hunt Tactics: Stand Out in the Crowd If you're applying for jobs but not hearing back, you might just be blending into a sea of applicants. So, how do you stand out? Katie Mok, a leading author and expert in career development, has a few tips on how to stop being just another resume in the pile. Her unique approach can help you get noticed by the right people. Ready to take the next step? Learn more here. 2️⃣ Smooth Transitions: Navigating Career Changes Transitions can be tough, especially if you’re shifting industries or roles. But they don’t have to be overwhelming. Career coach Yina Han offers practical advice to help you manage your career transitions with ease. The right mindset and tools can make all the difference. Want smoo...

  Cervical cancer, a disease that develops in the cervix—the entrance to the uterus—continues to be a major public health concern, affecting hundreds of thousands of women worldwide. In fact, cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women globally. Yet, despite its prevalence, we have the tools and strategies necessary to eliminate it as a public health problem. The Link Between HPV and Cervical Cancer Almost all cases of cervical cancer—99%, to be exact—are caused by infection with high-risk human papillomaviruses (HPV). This common virus is transmitted through sexual contact and, while most HPV infections resolve on their own without causing harm, persistent infection can lead to cervical cancer over time. Cervical cancer remains a leading cause of death among women, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where access to screening and treatment is limited. In 2022, an estimated 660,000 women were diagnosed with cervical cancer, and approximately 350,000 women...

In today’s fast-paced world, the greed of pursuing an MBA while continuing a full-time job has made distance education a popular choice for many professionals. The flexibility of online learning, combined with the promise of career advancement, makes it seem like a perfect fit. But what happens when the reality doesn’t align with the promises? Sanika Sandeep Walavalkar, a current student of the UpGrad x MICA x Deakin University distance MBA program, recently shared a sobering account of her experience—one that resonates with anyone considering a similar path. Here’s a detailed look at what she went through, and why it serves as a cautionary tale for others thinking about distance education, particularly with UpGrad. The Dream vs. The Reality In 2023, Walavalkar was motivated by the desire to boost her career and enrolled in the MICA x UpGrad program. While juggling a ₹45,000 salary and the pressure of a ₹40,000 EMI, she found the program to be rewarding, gaining valuable knowledge whil...

My friends and I climbed to the top of Dharan Clock Tower this Tuesday. Here are some glimpses of mine epic ascent to the summit 😂😂 The Dharan Clock Tower is located in Bhanu Chowk, Dharan, Nepal. Constructed as part of the city's twenty-year plan, the tower cost NPR 5,639,000. The financial support was provided by The Dharan Hong Kong Manch, a forum of Nepal immigrants (mainly from Dharan) residing in Hong Kong and Mac. The tower was opened to the public in 2062 BS (2005-2006). The design of the tower is inspired by the Clock Tower in Hong Kong. It stands at 76.5 feet tall and has five stories. At the top, there is an observation platform that can accommodate around 50 people at a time, offering a panoramic view of the city. Additionally, a memorial has been constructed around the tower to honor the victims of the 1988 Nepal earthquake (2045 BS (1988-1989)). We visited there but forgot to take the photo of clock tower 😂😂. By the way, you can easily access the image of tower by...