The NUS MBA Diaries: Varun Iyer Shares His MBA Story
After an eventful six week break, I returned to NUS to begin my second semester of the MBA programme, curious to see whether this term would pass as quickly as the first. I started Week 0 with a one week intensive, Strategic Problem Solving for Managers, my first five day course since the leadership bootcamp (LYT) at the programme’s outset. The schedule was rigorous, but the cohort’s energy and collaboration made every session rewarding. My principal takeaway was the STOKE framework, introduced by Professor Wai Kit, which has already sharpened my approach to defining complex problems and testing practical solutions in case work and group projects.
Just before classes resumed, ExCo organised a lively back to school mixer that provided a warm reintroduction to campus life; it was great to reconnect with classmates and hear about everyone’s break, travel, internships and personal projects filled the conversations. That same weekend, the Tech Club ran a seven hour Power BI workshop in partnership with Thorogood. The turnout was excellent and the session delivered hands on skills that many of us can immediately apply to coursework, consulting projects and other assignments. I’m looking forward to the other club events planned this semester, which promise both learning and community building.
January also marked the start of preparations for the MBA Olympics at NTU on 1 February. Practice sessions ramped up throughout the month, and I’ve been training with the football and table tennis squads. Being back on the field reminded me how much I missed regular team sport. I’ll share a full update on our performance in next month’s post.
We also hosted a mixer with students from SMU and INSEAD, two other leading MBA programmes in Singapore. The event was a valuable networking opportunity and a chance to exchange perspectives on coursework, career plans and regional experiences. I left with several new friends.
Academically, this semester is noticeably more project heavy than the last. The workload is intensifying, but the practical orientation of many modules makes the work engaging rather than purely transactional. On the horizon are two highlights I’m particularly excited about: the MBA Olympics and a study trip to Japan in February. Japan has been on my bucket list forever so I’m excited to have the opportunity to go to Tokyo for 5 days.
January was a productive and social month that set a positive tone for the semester. Between the Strategic Problem Solving intensive, club workshops, sports, job apps and networking, I’ve gained new skills and renewed energy for the months ahead. Stay tuned for next month’s update, where I’ll report back on the MBA Olympics and reflections from the Japan trip.
December offered me a rare pause, a month of rest, love, and reflection after the intensity of the semester and the UAE Global Immersion Program in November. I took a much-needed trip to India, spanning from early December until January 3rd, which became both restorative and unexpectedly enriching.
I began with a week in Bangalore, my former home, where I reconnected with old friends and revisited familiar restaurants while also exploring new ones. The city felt both nostalgic and fresh, reminding me of the many chapters I had lived there.
From Bangalore, I moved to Mumbai, where I spent three weeks with relatives and my parents, who had flown in to join me. I had anticipated a quieter routine. Binge-watching shows and working on internship applications, but the trip unfolded differently. It became a vibrant mix of socializing, exploration, and reflection.
During my extended stay, I visited several cultural and historical landmarks that I had never experienced before:
- Mani Bhavan, once Gandhi’s residence in Mumbai, now a museum that beautifully captures his life and philosophy
- Jehangir Art Gallery, a hub for contemporary Indian art
- Afghan Church, built in memory of soldiers who lost their lives in the Anglo-Afghan wars of the 19th century
- And possibly the most significant sight, Mannat, Shah Rukh Khan’s house!
Beyond sightseeing, I immersed myself in the city’s social fabric. Evenings in Bandra became a rhythm of exploring restaurants, comedy clubs, and bars, reconnecting with friends, and rediscovering Mumbai’s energy. A highlight was catching a show at The Habitat, an iconic comedy club, and attending a food event hosted by my friend Sahil, the founder of Headbanger Eats.
This was also my first Christmas and New Year in Mumbai. For Christmas, I visited a market in an old Portuguese village. While the market itself was modest, the company made the experience memorable. As New Year’s Eve brought crowds across the city, I chose a quieter celebration, spending the day by the pool, which turned out to be the perfect way to welcome 2026.
Music added another dimension to the trip. I was fortunate to attend two concerts: first, catching Tom Morello (of Rage Against the Machine) on his solo tour, and later, Scarfest, which featured two legendary bands reuniting alongside one of my personal favourites, Gutslit, rounding off the lineup.
In all the years I have visited Mumbai, this trip felt different. I experienced a deeper connection with the city and its people, one that has inspired me to return during the upcoming GNW and self-learning week. With the holidays now behind me, I look forward to starting the semester strong at NUS and reconnecting with my MBA peers after six weeks apart. The break has left me recharged, reflective, and ready for the challenges ahead.
November has been the highlight of my NUS MBA journey so far. The first half of the month was an intense sprint, final presentations, assignments, and exam preparation all converged at once. Many of us hadn’t sat for formal exams in years, so the atmosphere across the cohort was understandably tense. The sense of relief and accomplishment after completing the final paper was exhilarating. While most of my classmates headed out to celebrate, I rushed home to pack because the very next morning marked the start of our Global Immersion Program (GIP) to the UAE.
GIPs at NUS are student led experiential learning trips designed to deepen understanding of a region through company visits and cultural immersion. Although these programs are typically led by senior students, I saw this as an opportunity to challenge myself. Having grown up in Dubai, I was honoured to co lead the trip with my friend and fellow UAE expat, Harish.
Our planning began in September, right after our proposal was approved. We started with a list of around 40 target companies, which we refined continuously until just a week before departure. Coordinating a trip for 27 participants, while securing meetings with high profile organisations on short notice was demanding. We had to balance logistics, travel time, daily energy levels, and the relevance of each visit. It often felt like managing a full time job alongside the MBA, but the learning curve was invaluable.
We were fortunate to receive tremendous support. The Programmes Office connected us with potential partners, and the UAE Embassy, particularly His Excellency Jamal Al Suwaidi and his team, played an instrumental role. Our personal networks, the NUS regional coach for MENA, and previous GIP leaders also provided guidance that made a significant difference.
During the trip, we visited a diverse set of organisations including DIFC Innovation Hub, Whiteshield Partners, Huru, Mubadala, Microsoft, First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), Bank of New York Mellon (BNY), DMCC, and Dubai Islamic Bank. We also had a fireside chat with Mr. Manu Ranjan, CEO of G42 India. Given the wide range of nationalities and professional backgrounds within our delegation, we curated visits across technology, finance, consulting, banking, and innovation. Discussions spanned AI, growth mindsets, the evolving business landscape in the UAE, and future opportunities. Many participants left with a renewed interest in exploring careers in the region.
We also had the privilege of meeting His Excellency Kamal Vaswani, Singapore’s Ambassador to the UAE, for a candid conversation on UAE–Singapore relations and emerging areas of collaboration.
Beyond the corporate agenda, we ensured the group experienced the cultural richness of the UAE. We explored Lebanese, Yemeni, and Emirati cuisines, toured Old Dubai and its souks, enjoyed a traditional Emirati dining experience, visited the Grand Mosque and Burj Khalifa, watched the fountain show, and went on a desert safari. These moments added depth and warmth to the overall experience.
We concluded the trip with an NUS alumni networking event at a rooftop venue overlooking downtown Dubai. Connecting with alumni across generations, many of whom now call the UAE home, was a fitting end to an enriching week.
With the semester wrapped up and the GIP successfully completed, I’m looking forward to spending December traveling across India, reconnecting with family and friends, and taking a much needed break to recharge. And of course, internship applications continue,because the grind never truly stops.
Until next month.
October was a whirlwind at NUS, marked by high-impact networking, academic milestones, and vibrant community engagement.
We kicked off the month with the Flagship MBA Networking Event at Marina Bay Sands, where our cohort connected with hundreds of professionals across diverse industries. A personal highlight was speaking with Mr. Kenneth Chan, CFO of Siemens Asia, whose insights into regional strategy and leadership were truly inspiring. In true MBA fashion, our first midterm followed the very next day. Writing my first exam in six years was nerve-wracking, but once I got into the rhythm, the nerves settled and I think we all held our own.
MBA Flagship event at MBS, with the CFO of Siemens Mr Kenneth Chan
As a member of the Tech Club, I was thrilled to help organize two major events. First, we visited VEEAM, a leader in cybersecurity, for a deep dive into the evolving landscape of digital threats. Their presentation was eye-opening, and the wine-and-cheese networking session that followed sparked meaningful conversations. Our second event, Women in Tech Night, featured four accomplished professionals from Microsoft, Azul, AWS, and Shopee. Their candid reflections on career journeys, challenges, and breaking the glass ceiling offered powerful lessons in resilience and allyship.
Beyond exams and classes, October was packed with company presentations and club activities. A standout was the UAE Career Fair, where we met His Excellency Jamal Abdullah Al Suweidi, UAE Ambassador to Singapore, along with embassy staff and business leaders including Mr. Brian Shegar, President of the Singapore-UAE Business Council. Having liaised with the embassy while planning our upcoming immersion trip, it was rewarding to connect in person and deepen those relationships.
An intimate group discussion with HE Jamal Abdullah Al Suwaidi
MBA clubs were in full swing, hosting events nearly every other day. One that stood out was the Diversity & Inclusion Club’s “Reel Talk: Gender & Beyond,” a thoughtful evening of storytelling and reflection on identity, stereotypes, and inclusion.
Mandatory group shot at an D&I club event
Outside the classroom, October brought plenty of personal highlights. My pickleball team placed third in a mini tournament, an unexpected but welcome win! We also celebrated an M&M themed birthday bash for three cohort members, which added a splash of color and camaraderie to the month. Though I missed Diwali festivities, I had the joy of hosting two close friends from my UC Berkeley days and showing them around Singapore.
M&M party and celebrating the birthdays of Maho, Nattacha & Mona
On the music front, I caught Bullet for My Valentine live again! I’d seen them earlier this year in Milan, so their Singapore show was a must. Catching a guitar pick and winning a wristband was the cherry on top of a perfect night.
We wrapped up October with a Halloween party hosted by the Culture & Social Club. From Fred Flintstone to Dora and the Powerpuff Girls, the costumes were creative and the energy infectious.
A great Halloween spooky night with everyone in fun costumes!
As November begins, the pressure of exams and assignments looms, but I’m excited to finish the semester strong and kick off our Global Immersion Program in Dubai. More on that in next month’s edition!
The first two months of the NUS MBA journey have been nothing short of a whirlwind, equal parts exhilarating and transformative. Orientation kicked off with high-energy team building and networking, where meeting 150 new faces in two days felt daunting but quickly turned into a shared sense of camaraderie. A standout moment was Dragon Boating, gliding across the Kallang Basin with the National Stadium in view, a surreal bonding experience that set the tone for what was to come.
Orientation Day, the first-time meeting everyone!
Week two brought “Launch Your Transformation,” a rigorous leadership bootcamp led by seasoned industry professionals. The mantra “High Challenge, High Support” resonated deeply and continues to shape our cohort’s ethos. Another memorable event was “Whiskey Business,” our first formal networking mixer. Initially intimidating, it turned into a night of genuine conversations with NUS alumni, helping many of us overcome the fear of networking, with a side of excellent whiskey.
LYT Team Dinner
As classes began, the shift back to student life after six years felt nostalgic yet refreshing. Living in student housing again and diving into academic rigor reminded me how quickly old habits return. The calendar filled up fast with club events, career seminars, and social gatherings, forcing me to confront my FOMO and prioritize wisely. The energy of the cohort and the sheer variety of experiences have made this journey unforgettable already. Classes here comprise of cases and practical education. Its fast paced but I’m loving every minute of it.
A sunny day out – teambuilding!
Along with classes, the first month also brought us our ‘Club Fiesta’ with students eyeing the Executive Committee positions for the cohort as well as the 12 Clubs. Elections were high stakes with strong campaigns from everyone who ran. With my background and interest in Tech, I applied for a Core Member spot in the Technology Club, and I’m happy to say that I got in!
One of the biggest lessons this month has been mastering time management in a high-stimulus environment. With classes only two days a week, the rest of the time is a blur of events, assignments, and social commitments. I’ve learned to be intentional with my schedule, balancing career development, academics, and fun, while letting go of the pressure to attend everything.
Returning to the classroom after years in the workforce was surprisingly smooth. The nerves and excitement of studying again were immediate, and I found myself energized in ways I hadn’t felt in a long time. I’ve also rediscovered the joy of collaborative learning, whether through club activities or late-night assignment discussions.
Football with NUS MBA mates in Clementi!
Career-wise, NUS has done a stellar job exposing us to diverse industries. From company presentations to BizCareers workshops, I’ve gained clarity on my interests in product management, strategy, and brand roles. The resources provided have helped me sharpen my resume and explore opportunities in Singapore’s dynamic job market.
What’s stood out most is the cohort’s shared spirit, we’re all navigating this intense journey together. That sense of collective momentum has been both comforting and motivating. We also spent some time meeting students from other top schools, NTU most recently, who’s cohort mirror ours in many ways.
NUS x NTU Networking Mixer
This month, I’ve taken several concrete steps toward my career goals. I’ve refined my resume with guidance from BizCareers, attended multiple company presentations, and actively explored roles in product management and brand strategy. I’ve also started reaching out to alumni for informational chats and begun shortlisting firms for summer internships. These actions have helped me narrow my focus and build momentum.
Looking ahead, I’m gearing up for the flagship NUS networking event at Marina Bay Sands, preparing for my first midterm, and diving into internship applications. I’m also leading the planning for our Global Immersion Program to the UAE, where we aim to meet with industry leaders and explore business culture in the region. Outside academics, I’m excited to keep playing football, discover more of Singapore’s concert scene, help organize Tech Club events, and celebrate upcoming cohort birthdays. The goal is to stay energized, intentional, and open to new opportunities.
Stay tuned for the next update!
