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

of its one-year structure, which perfectly aligned with my career transition goals. The 12-month format would provide me with an efficient way to enhance my skills, expand my network and position myself for a higher role in my career without stepping away from the workforce for too long. The program’s emphasis on team-based learning was another key factor in my decision. I wanted to develop the ability to collaborate with diverse teams effectively, a key skill for future leadership success.

Reflecting on the past years, if I could give myself advice, it would be to embrace the journey with an open mind and push myself beyond my comfort zone sooner. I have realized that I am capable of much more than I initially thought and taking risks, speaking up, and fully engaging in every opportunity would grow me in ways I hadn't anticipated.

For prospective applicants, my best tip would be to fully immerse yourself in the Smith MBA experience. This year isn’t just about gaining business knowledge, it’s about uncovering your full potential. Step outside your comfort zone, speak up, lead, and tackle challenges head-on. Don’t just focus on what employers want - focus on what you want. By the end, you won’t just have an MBA you’ll become a stronger, more confident version of yourself.

Through this MBA, I want to elevate my career and transition into a strategic leadership role. My goal is to move beyond traditional HR functions and develop a broader business mindset that allows me to drive organizational success at a higher level. The program’s team-based learning approach and cross-functional exposure provide the perfect environment to brush up on my leadership skills and understand how different industries operate.

• Hometown: Chandigarh
• Country of Origin: India
• Prior Industry: Human Resources
• Career Focus: HR Consulting