Krishna Desai, Tuck’s MBA Class of 2021
Age: 27
Hometown: Lake Hiawatha, New Jersey
Undergraduate Institution and Major: The George Washington University, Political Science
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): 5 years, Tech in a Sports Media Function
Why business school? Why now?
I was doing work I loved for a company I loved, but it’s important to think bigger than that. There were fundamental gaps in my business knowledge. And while I had planned on going back to school for the last 3-4 years, working at Snapchat over the last couple of years made the gaps and potential clear to me.
Why Tuck? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
Tuck’s reputation precedes itself. I was interested in getting out of big cities for a while–chances are you’ll end up back in one after business school anyway–and I knew I wanted a strong culture. I’d add that class size is critical to the b-school experience and the opportunities for 1:1 conversations with students, professors, and alumni are plentiful at Tuck.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2021?
I let my business instinct and my creativity work together.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application?
I was featured in a New York Times article as a Knicks superfan. I was also filmed in an interview for a Knicks documentary…maybe I’m the curse?
Post-MBA career interests?
I intend on going back to sports, generally, but the function is up for debate. I want to be involved in strategy and innovation, or business development, with some consideration for international work. I’m currently interested in major sports apparel consumer packaged goods companies with tennis or basketball sponsorship teams. Since there’s no global governing body for tennis (i.e., FIFA for soccer), I think it’s best to go straight to a brand. I’m also interested in the NBA’s international expansion, specifically the Africa League.
Advice to current prospective applicants:
–One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Visit every school you’re interested in. Talk to multiple students per program. If you know what you want to do coming out of school, find a professor who works in the industry. Really think about the type and quality of alumni from each school.
–One thing you would change or do differently?
Gotten more sleep.
–Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
The decision waiting period! It really drags on, especially if it’s a school you really care about. My advice? You did the hard part, it’s out of your hands, so kick back, max out, relax.
What is your initial impression of Tuck’s students/culture/community?
Tuck’s “nice” criteria is real. Everyone knows everyone and it’s so refreshing to genuinely be interested and invested in your classmates. It can put the pressure on if you really prefer to be anonymous, but after working and living in New York for 5+ years, I came here to really think about how I can be accountable to everyone around me. (It’s working.)
One thing you have learned about Tuck that has surprised you?
Professors genuinely make classes fun.
Thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Not exhausting myself too deeply, emotionally, mentally, physically, or intellectually. This experience is totally self-driven. It’s important to take care of yourself.
Thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Tuck Winter Carnival, period.
