I came to the Full-time MBA at Smith School of Business because ...

Choosing the Smith MBA was a very intentional decision for me. Coming from a background in biotech research, I wanted to move beyond contributing only within academia and start shaping decisions around how research creates real-world impact. Through my experience, I realized that even strong science does not always translate into meaningful outcomes unless the right strategic and leadership decisions support it. That realization is what led me to pursue an MBA.

What drew me to Smith was its team-based and experiential learning approach, strong emphasis on women in leadership and a close-knit community that values collaboration over competition. The school's focus on responsible leadership, sustainability and the social impact of businesses aligns perfectly with my goals to drive impactful, ethical solutions in business.

Looking back, if I could give myself advice a year ago, it would be to trust the process of growth. Growth is rarely linear, and I always felt the pressure to have every career step clearly planned. Over time, I’ve learned that curiosity, reflection and openness to new perspectives often matter more than having all the answers. Choosing an MBA is about more than academics; it plays a key role in shaping your leadership style. That’s why finding a school with the right culture and values is so important. I would encourage applicants to research this because program fit truly matters.

Through the MBA, I hope to strengthen my leadership presence, strategic thinking and ability to work across diverse teams. I aim to transition into roles at the intersection of healthcare, technology and strategy, where I can help lead and build purpose-driven solutions.

• Hometown: Alappuzha, Kerala
• Country of Origin: India
• Prior Industry: Healthcare
• Career Focus: Healthcare/Consulting