Garima had wanted to transition her career from a core technical field as an engineer, to a role that was more focused on business development and strategy.
As a #womanintech, she was able to transform from an engineer at Cadence Design Systems to a Partner Development Manager at Microsoft through exciting opportunities offered by the NUS MBA programme, such as an internship at Microsoft’s MACH MBA programme and a case competition in Thailand representing The NUS MBA.

Which was the most rewarding elective, and why?

Digital marketing was the most rewarding elective for me due to the following reasons: 1. Relevant content for modern times, 2. Excellent professor with great inputs on industry practices, and 3. Useful tools shared for later reference

What was your most memorable experience?

Representing The NUS MBA and winning the SCB Future Leader Challenge 2018 (SCBFLC) in Bangkok, Thailand, co-hosted by Siam Commercial Bank (SCB) and Sasin School of Management. The week-long case challenge was a great physical and mental stimulation exercise. After we were shortlisted for the semi-final round in Bangkok, we worked jointly on multiple assignments – a 5-hour case, a 99-second pitch, a 20-hour case and another 24-hour case for the final round. It was indeed a rewarding experience to work together with my peers and it honed my skills to perform my best under high-pressure situations. I was also a semi-finalist of Renewable Energy Case Competition organised by Ross Business School.

Briefly describe your post-MBA journey.

I am now a Partner Development Manager, Microsoft APAC, developing the Microsoft partner recruitment strategy for Singapore. I was the Strategic Independent Software Vendor (ISV) recruit lead for Microsoft Singapore, generating millions in revenue for Microsoft. I am also responsible for Learning and Diversity & Inclusion initiatives at Microsoft to empower more voices.