Shreeya Arora, Rotman MBA Class of 2025
Shreeya Arora, Rotman MBA Class of 2025Age: 26
Hometown: Faridabad, Haryana, India
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Indiana University Bloomington (Kelley School of Business); Bachelor of Science in Finance and Business Analytics
Pre-MBA Work Experience (role, company, years): 4 years of work experience in corporate finance at Cummins Inc (manufacturing industry); Current Role: Senior Financial Analyst
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
After spending some time in my role working in the manufacturing industry, I feel like I had hit a limit in terms of career advancement. I wanted to expand my horizons by broadening my knowledge base and capabilities outside of finance and manufacturing industry. I realized I wanted to move more towards roles where I could see my work having a direct impact. MBA gives the platform and space to explore other industries and career options. I knew I always wanted to pursue an MBA, so it felt like the right time for me to jump into it!
Why did you choose Toronto Rotman? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
There were two main reasons that influenced my decision. Working with teams consisting of diverse backgrounds in the past, I know I wanted to attend a school which attracted such a diverse range of professionals. Toronto is a multicultural city and Rotman really values diversity which is evident in the cohort they select each year. Secondly, Rotman has an amazing roster of academic professors who are renowned experts in their own field. Rotman’s extensive range of elective courses and majors offers a great opportunity for an individual to fully explore their career interests. Moreover, its reputation as one of the leading business schools globally also heavily influenced my decision.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2025?
I think my experience of working with multiple cross-functional and global teams throughout my career journey while living in multiple countries will provide a unique perspective to my cohort.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I have lived in four different countries; Canada is my fifth one!
Post-MBA career interests:
My post MBA career interests involve: Strategy Consulting and Corporate Finance
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Spend my time on exploring and introspecting my “spike factor”. I loved the uniqueness of this question, and it helped me dig deep and learn more about myself.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
One thing I missed out on was talking to alumni and current students to gain their insights on the program offerings and their personal experiences. This really helps to assess whether the college is a good fit for you. I only reached out to a few people.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
The prerecorded video interviews. I was initially nervous about them because it feels unnatural answering questions to a computer, but practice HELPS! Practice as many questions to get comfortable with the process and it will feel easy to complete this portion of the application.
What is your initial impression of the Toronto Rotman students/culture/community?
Rotman’s culture is extremely welcoming. As an international student, the school really tries to make you feel comfortable and adjust to the program during orientation. But as soon as classes start, the grind begins!
What is one thing you have learned about Toronto Rotman that has surprised you?
How helpful everyone is around me! Rotman’s faculty and staff really want you to succeed and achieve your goals. I was feeling lost at the beginning but there are resources for everything! You just have to take the initiative to ask.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Balancing everything – from academics, club events, networking to finding the time to socialize and relax. MBA is a rigorous course, and it is important to keep up with everything to the best of your ability. Also – not to forget, surviving Canadian winter!
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Getting to collaborate with my cohort! Our cohort is extremely diverse in terms of personal and professional background, so it will be a great learning opportunity.
