When Siddharth Sharma, M.S. ‘23, arrived in College Park from Delhi, India, his first impression came in a small but meaningful package—a welcome packet from the University of Maryland’s International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS). Inside were maps, a metro card, and tips for navigating life in the D.C. area. “That small gesture made me feel seen and supported,” Siddharth recalls. “I still have that metro card as a keepsake—it reminds me of the beginning of an incredible journey.”
Today, Siddharth is a Fire & Life Safety Engineer at HDR, Inc., one of the largest employee-owned firms in the United States. A proud alum of the master’s in Fire Protection Engineering program at the University of Maryland, he credits his time at UMD—and the guidance of ISSS—for setting him on a path of professional and personal growth.
Siddharth first learned about UMD through an online course taught by Dr. Jim Milke and UMD alumni, taken during his undergraduate studies in India. “That course…introduced me to the depth and impact of Fire Protection Engineering,” he says. “From that moment, I knew UMD was where I wanted to pursue my master’s degree—it was the gold standard in the field.”
After earning his undergraduate degree in Fire Engineering and gaining professional experience at an oil refinery for two and a half years, Siddharth came to Maryland drawn by the department’s global reputation and academic excellence.
In addition to pursuing a field he was passionate about, Siddharth also found a strong community. “UMD’s diversity is one of its greatest strengths,” he says. “Even within a small department like Fire Protection Engineering, I met peers from around the world, each bringing unique perspectives. That exposure helped me grow both academically and personally—it broadened my worldview and taught me how to collaborate across cultures.”
Throughout his student journey—from his first I-20 certificate of eligibility to study as an international student in the U.S. to his transition to an H-1B work visa after graduation—Siddharth says ISSS was a constant source of clarity and care. “Their resources and staff made complex immigration processes manageable,” he explains. “Even while on OPT, I found myself helping friends from other universities with their paperwork, just because ISSS had prepared me so well.”
During moments of uncertainty—like policy changes affecting international students—he found reassurance in ISSS’s timely updates and expertise. “Their expertise and empathy made a world of difference in helping me feel confident and informed. Thanks to the team’s knowledge, dedication, and professionalism, my student visa journey was smooth and stress-free,” he reflects.
Now based in Charlotte, North Carolina working as a Fire & Life Safety Engineer-in-Training, Siddharth says his UMD experience prepared him well for his career. “The program gave me the technical foundation and confidence to contribute meaningfully to real-world projects. Being a UMD FPE alum is a badge of honor—it’s recognized and respected in the industry.”
His advice to current international students? “Being an international student can feel overwhelming at times, but it’s also a privilege. Focus on your academics, get involved in your department, and build meaningful connections. Don’t hesitate to ask for help—UMD has incredible resources and people who genuinely care. Embrace the experience fully—it’s a journey that will shape your future in ways you can’t yet imagine.”
Siddharth’s story illustrates how international education extends far beyond academics—it’s about community, confidence, and purpose. We celebrate alumni like Siddharth who remind us that when international students are supported to thrive, their impact resonates across borders.