The NUS MBA Diaries: Varun Iyer Shares His MBA Story

 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!