Aastha Garg, Foster MBA Class of 2022
Age: 28 years
Hometown: Delhi, India
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Chartered Accountant and BCom (H) from Shri Ram College of Commerce(SRCC)- Finance
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): 7 years, Accounting (EY), Restaurant (Yum Brands !) and Walmart (Retail)
Why business school? Why now?
During my last role at Walmart as Manager, Corporate finance I was involved in major strategic decisions such as store launch decisions, store resizing, and others. These decisions required collaboration with multiple stakeholders and a thorough understanding of business. It was during my interactions with the leadership, I realized that to rise through the ranks and take on larger strategic responsibilities, I need to be able to analyze opportunities, challenges, and situations holistically. I aim to achieve this through an MBA. Additionally, I hope to transform myself into a professional with a wide repertoire of skills – strategic thinking, analytical, and problem-solving. I think after working in the industry for seven years, I have adapted well to the rigors of the corporate culture, and now is the time to hone my existing skills.
Why Foster? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
Foster’s small class size and low student-to-professor ratio appealed to me, providing me unprecedented access to the faculty and helping me foster my relationships with the student and the professors. Foster provides a great locational advantage, Located in Seattle, which is home to a thriving business community like Amazon, Microsoft, Starbucks, Boeing, and others will not only enhance my chances to work for such top-notch companies but also provide access to top area leaders. Community and collaboration are important values for Foster and I wanted to join a school that helps the students learn and grow, at the same time embraces relationships and community.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2022?
I think my experience in finance and retail is my most valuable contribution to the class. My classmates truly benefit from the experience I gained while working in store strategy at Walmart, the complex problems I solved, and the impact I could bring to the organization.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application?
I can really cook well, I realized this after moving to Seattle and cooking all the meals.
Post-MBA career interests?
I was part of the store strategy function and was responsible for ascertaining the financial viability of new proposals and alignment of projects with the overall strategy of the organization through cost-benefit analysis, analysis of ROI, and other financial metrics. I enjoyed this role and believe that I am a good fit for a position in Corporate Strategy, FLDP, and Strategic Planning. My long-term goal is to be the head of Corporate Strategy of a multinational conglomerate. As a stepping-stone to this long-term goal, immediately after completing the MBA, I wish to join the strategy function of a multinational organization to enhance my strategic thinking skills and work closely with accomplished professionals from diverse backgrounds.
Advice to current prospective applicants:
My advice for students would be that they should do thorough research on the schools before applying and go beyond the basic website search. I highly recommend that prospective students should talk to current students and alumni of your target school before applying. Also, the choice of school should not be based only on the school rankings but there are many other factors such as functional expertise, community, class size, etc. which should be considered.
What is your initial impression of Foster’s students/culture/community?
I am super impressed by Foster’s community. The school embraces community and relationships. The class of 2022 has students from diverse backgrounds, we have entrepreneurs, veterans, students from non-profit backgrounds, and we learn from one another. For instance, just before the mid-terms, the students had set up study groups, in which students who are experts in the subject volunteered to help other students.
One thing you have learned about Foster that has surprised you?
The willingness to help. Everyone in the school including the faculty, the current students, seniors, and the alums are always ready to go the extra mile to help.
Thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
With the classes being remote, I feel that we are missing the real school experience. Even though the school is working hard to make the experience as great as they can, but I still miss the in-person interactions and experience.
Thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I am excited to learn from the peers and from their prior experience. While working on cases and projects, it is always exciting to hear from peers with different backgrounds and brainstorm to reach a possible solution.
