Describe your personal brand.

In my professional career of over eight years, I have had the privilege of working in both the public and private sectors. This experience has greatly contributed to my comprehensive understanding of various industries and the significant impact that public policy has on shaping them. The NUS MBA programme played a pivotal role in expanding my knowledge of various business functions, thanks to the engaging case studies of renowned multinational corporations. Moreover, the diverse backgrounds and experiences of my peers enriched my learning journey. Notably, the program provided me with valuable opportunities to develop my leadership abilities by leading project teams composed of highly-intelligent and motivated peers.

What were you doing before The NUS MBA?

I completed my Bachelor's Degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from BITS Pilani in 2013, with the honour of receiving a merit-cum-need scholarship, and internship experiences with companies such as NVIDIA and Bosch. My professional career began in a B2B Applications Engineer role at a US multinational named Cypress Semiconductors (now Infineon). Driven by my passion for creating a greater public impact, I joined the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India in 2016 through a competitive examination. At MEA Headquarters in New Delhi, I led a team overseeing high value procurements of our regional offices across India. Since 2020, I have been an Assistant Attache at the the High Commission of India in Singapore, where I worked on the entire gamut of India-Singapore bilateral relations. The COVID-19 period was a lesson in crisis management as we launched the evacuation mission of over 125K Indian nationals from Singapore to India. In addition to my professional endeavors, I like to mentor students preparing for various competitive examinations for Indian Public Service, and the SAT.

Please share your key achievements and leadership roles on the programme.

Like many of my peers, I lacked a finance background when I joined the NUS MBA programme. From what I had heard and read, finance seemed dry and challenging. However, thanks to the experienced professors at NUS, I quickly developed a keen interest in this field. The team projects fostered an environment of lively discussions and brainstorming, compelling us to delve deep into the subject matter. Engaging in real-life business case discussions proved incredibly beneficial, cultivating my appreciation for this fascinating field. I actively participated and contributed to class discussions and group projects, thoroughly enjoying the course. This newfound passion eventually led me to specialize in Finance. Receiving the Ernst & Young Prize is the perfect cherry on the cake.

What has been the single most stand-out experience of your MBA?

The broad range of areas that the MBA covers is amazing. It gives the students a variety of lenses - strategic, financial, economics, operational and more, to analyze and solve challenging business situations. The team-based projects foster collaborative learning and provide ample opportunities to take initiatives and steer the team to achieve the goals. I developed a much better understanding of and appreciation for the people management skills that are indispensable to achieving success in organisational objectives. Overall, the MBA experience has broadened my horizons and enriched my understanding of how different aspects of business intertwine to drive success.

What advice would you give to other MBA aspirants?

I would advise the incoming MBA students and aspirants to embrace collaboration and actively engage with a diverse group of peers. By leveraging their expertise and perspectives, you can expand your own knowledge and gain valuable insights. Additionally, seize opportunities beyond the classroom, such as participating in extracurricular activities and case competitions. These experiences provide hands-on learning and help you develop practical skills. Furthermore, maintain a strong commitment to academic excellence and a dedication to continuous learning throughout your MBA journey. This will ensure that you make the most of the program and maximize your personal and professional growth.