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

Of its emphasis on people and meaningful connections. During my application process, as I explored various schools across Europe and North America, Smith distinguished itself from the beginning when I submitted my initial inquiry. I was thoroughly impressed after speaking with admissions representatives, alumni, and current students, noting how Smith and its graduates prioritize genuine human connections. Several factors ultimately influenced my decision to select Smith over European options including the school's stellar reputation, its collaborative, team-based learning approach, its strong return on investment, and the one-year program duration. Smith's substantial focus on experiential learning aligned perfectly with my professional goals and learning preferences.

I would advise myself to explore every opportunity and experiment as much as possible. After all, if you're not trying new approaches, how will you discover what works best for you? I would encourage myself to connect with as many people as possible and thoroughly research various schools. This exploration would likely provide answers to most of my questions. Most importantly, I would remind myself not to fear pushing beyond my comfort zone, as that's where true growth happens.

Engage proactively with the admissions team. In my experience, they are exceptionally helpful and responsive professionals. The application process can feel overwhelming at times, which is completely normal. Trust that you will successfully navigate through it by taking one step at a time. Once you've completed each milestone, remember to celebrate these achievements along your journey. I still recall receiving my acceptance decision—it was truly one of the most memorable days of my life.

My primary objective in pursuing an MBA is to become market-ready and acquire the essential skillsets that will position me for success. I aim to enhance my business acumen within a diverse setting, and Smith provides precisely the level of diversity where I can learn, unlearn, and grow continuously. Following my MBA, I intend to pursue roles in strategy and consulting where I can leverage data to inform decision-making processes.

• Hometown: Purnea, Bihar
• Country of Origin: India
• Prior Industry: Tax-Consulting
• Career Focus: Data Strategy/Consulting