Sravani Potturi, Yale SOM MBA Class of 2022
Age: 26
Hometown: Vijayawada, India
Undergraduate Institution and Major: National Institute of Technology Calicut, Computer Science, and Engineering
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): Prior to SOM, I worked for 5 years at Goldman Sachs in Product and Business roles
Why business school? Why now?
My long-term goal is to effectively lead an entire organization. Through my professional experience prior to SOM, I got the opportunity to work in different stages of the Product Cycle and develop my Product and Strategy skills, but there is a long way to go. So, for me, business school was the most efficient way to complement my existing skills, deepen my business knowledge, get exposure to diverse perspectives, and develop myself as a well-rounded leader.
Why Yale SOM? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
First, Yale SOM’s mission to educate leaders for business and society resonated well with me. I want to be part of a community that cares deeply about the problems in the world and about the kind of impact they have on society through the solutions they build. Second, the diversity of the SOM community and the breadth of perspectives I will be exposed to, as a result. Third, Yale SOM’s Integrated curriculum and how it helps me develop the skills to analyze and understand problems from the different points of views of the different stakeholders involved. And lastly, Yale’s commitment to the International student body and the support SOM provided us in navigating the uncertainties and difficulties with travel and visa restrictions due to Covid.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2022?
I think my most valuable contribution will be my desire to be fully committed to the SOM community in an authentic way, to listen to my peers, help them and support them in any way I can.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application?
I didn’t get to talk about my ability to binge watch TV shows for hours and days on end.
Post-MBA career interests?
I want to continue to work at the intersection of Technology, Product, and Business, at a fast-paced Technology firm. I am hoping to recruit for Product Management or Business Strategy and Operations roles in Tech.
Advice to current prospective applicants:
–One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Talking to current students about their business school experiences.
–One thing you would change or do differently?
I don’t think that I have spoken with as many current students at different business schools as I wanted to. So, I would spend more time talking to current students, alumni, and other prospective students and understanding my fit with different b-schools. This would have helped me make my decision sooner.
–Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
Stressing about the whole application process. Support from my family and friends helped me get through it.
What is your initial impression of Yale’s students/culture/community?
My classmates and everyone in the SOM community are so down-to-earth, kind, conscientious, and passionate about the kind of leader they want to be and the kind of impact they want to have in this world.
One thing you have learned about Yale that has surprised you?
I knew that our class is going to be very diverse but I am still blown away by the breadth of experiences and backgrounds of my classmates.
Thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
About balancing academics, recruiting, social activities, and other learning experiences. About not being able to do everything I want to. About the prospect of missing some great learning opportunities.
Thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I am most excited about learning new things and developing meaningful relationships with my classmates. I am also very excited about the opportunity to serve as a (Y-AID) Yale Accelerator for Innovation Development Fellow to help advance a high potential technology towards commercialization and about the skills I will be able to develop as a result of this engagement
