Haimanti Gupta, Texas McCombs MBA Class of 2021
Age: 29
Hometown: Kanpur, India
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Jaypee Institute of Information Technology, NOIDA, Computer Science and Engineering
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): 7 years in Business Analytics
Why business school? Why now?
At the outset of my career, I decided to leverage my core computer science background to tap into the immense latent opportunity inherent in Analytics. My formative stint in this space enabled me to imbibe structured problem-solving approaches and collaborate closely with Fortune-100 C-level executives. But today the industry outlook to analytics is changing.
Most analytical work today goes unconsumed because there is disconnect between what business wants and what analysts provide. To address this issue, organizations are seeking professionals who can ‘translate’ business requirements to analytics units and vice-versa.
However, my on-the-job mentorship on business intricacies was not enough to do so. Consequently, a pedigreed management-degree to ground my practical learning with core management concepts was imperative to continue growing in my profession.
Why McCombs? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I had three main reasons to choose McCombs – the collaborative culture of the school that leads to owning one of the best networks, the world-class career management center that guides you through one of the best recruiting experience ever, and the new mini silicon valley of the USA – Austin. After all, MBA for me was all about building professional relations, career progression, and exposure to potential hubs of the future.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2021?
The class of 2021 at McCombs is outstanding and everyone brings a distinct flavor to it as it is. I believe that previously working in the beer industry and as a beer-lover, I bring with me some special knowledge on the joy of brewing to my peers. The know-hows are highly relevant especially in Austin – a city famous for craft beers!
What is one fun fact that didn’t get included on your application?
McCombs is the only school in the United States that I applied to owing to the cultural fit that I was looking for!
What are your Post-MBA career interests?
I wish to continue contributing to and learning from the problem-solving community and undergo a transition to a strategy and management-consulting role in the CPG and retail industry.
Advice to current prospective applicants:
–One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Introspecting on the essays was the most insightful experience for me during the application process. It is very easy to deviate from your long-term career plan due to the volume of daily priorities at work.
The essays provoke you to think about the difference you are passionate about to bring to the world and hence, serve as a self-reminder to stay true to your dream. I would definitely strive to live that moment again in my life to seek clarity from time to time.
–One thing you would change or do differently?
One of the main insights that I gained out of the application process is the power of people around you is always under-utilized. So, going back in my journey, I would redo my school research and assessment phase by talking extensively to alumni members, current students, and admission committees. The value-add and the clarity that I could have learnt, by developing a closer relation with the schools, are immense.
–Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it? I was not very fond of the never-ending waiting for the phased results of GMAT, application, and interviews in MBA application process. I initially was very uncomfortable with the extended period of uncertainty.
To address this, I changed my approach to prioritizing applications based on my preference instead of applications based on deadlines. This laid out a structured roadmap and reinforced the benefits of thorough research on schools as a pre-application stage.
What is your initial impression of McCombs’ students/culture/community?
McCombs values authenticity and accepts people the way they are. The collaboration culture, which McCombs prides on, is born from the prevalent respect that is purely an integral part of the community.
Thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
I am yet to get a thorough understanding of the American football game – a significant social element in the United States.
Thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I feel charged up about understanding a networking-driven recruitment process that I have not been exposed to in the past.
