Arpit Arya, Washington University Olin’s MBA Class of 2025
Arpit Arya, Washington University Olin’s MBA Class of 2025Age: 28
Hometown: Khemkaran, Punjab, India
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology, India & Mechatronics Engineering
Pre-MBA Work Experience (role, company, years): For the past six years, I have been building trains across three continents with Alstom Transport, where I was primarily tasked with engineering operations roles.
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
In September 2017, I visited the newly opened Lucknow Metro in India. Our CSR team had organized an event for disabled children to ride the metro train. Seeing the children’s joy during the ride was heart-warming, but I also noticed many of them struggling to board, exit, and move around. This opened my eyes to how inaccessible public transportation is.
Trains have always fascinated me for their ability to connect people across distances. Realizing trains don’t connect everyone equally was disheartening. In March 2020, when I joined the D&I committee at Alstom, I looked at the problem more broadly. WHO statistics show that 15% of the world faces disabilities, especially in developing nations.
This motivated my long-term goal – to consult for transit companies like Amtrak and Indian Railways and help build inclusive transportation systems that are sustainable, eco-friendly, and safe for all. Consultants often decide how public transportation in cities and countries will be designed.
My first step is an MBA to enter operations and supply chain consulting. From there, I can work towards my vision of creating inclusive transit systems that serve everyone.
Why did you choose Washington Olin? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
Three key factors drew me to Olin:
1. Experiential Learning – Olin provides numerous opportunities to put classroom learning into practice, from the Boeing Center, where you work on real-world supply chain problems with clients, to CEL Practicums, where you consult for organizations and nonprofits, to the solid entrepreneurial culture driven by the Skandalaris Center which offers a safe space to innovate and learn.
2. Global Immersion – Olin takes you to places that shape perspective. I was fascinated to hear the Class of 2024 share how travel to France, Spain, and Chile expanded their global outlook on business and cross-cultural thinking. Learning this year’s plans include a trip to Singapore, a destination that fascinates me as a supply chain enthusiast, further sold me.
3. Cohort Size and Values – Olin’s cohort size facilitates strong bonds between classmates, professors, academic advisors, and career coaches where everyone is accessible. This sense of community was a critical factor in my MBA program search. Finally, Olin’s values of integrity and collaboration resonate with me.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the WashU Olin MBA Class of 2025?
My unconventional upbringing near the India-Pakistan border fostered a fascination with trains. As a mechatronics engineer building trains worldwide, I cultivated a global perspective and knack for bridging cultural divides. Beyond this, I contribute diverse passions – food, photography, languages, and art. My experience co-founding a non-profit with 35,000 patrons demonstrates my community-building and content-creation abilities. I’m eager to leverage my multifaceted background to empower diverse voices within our MBA cohort. My insatiable curiosity fuels meaningful connections with people from all walks of life. I can’t wait to go on this journey together!
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I’m on a quest to visit the top 10 bookstores around the globe, and I’ve already checked three off my list.
Post-MBA career interests:
In the immediate future, my goal is to embark on a career in Operations and Supply Chain consulting. This path will serve as a crucial stepping stone, equipping me with the necessary skills and experience to achieve my broader, long-term vision. Ultimately, I aspire to contribute to the global mission of creating transportation systems that are fully inclusive and accessible for individuals with special needs.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
In the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson, “What lies within us” matters most. In revisiting the MBA application process, self-reflection would remain paramount. It allowed me to create a coherent narrative that reflected my background and aspirations. This introspective journey not only clarified my motivations but also enhanced my interview performance, making it an essential aspect of my application strategy.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
Looking back, I wish I had taken the time to figure out which test suited me best before I started studying. If I had done that, I would have seen that the GMAT wasn’t the right fit, and I could have focused more on the GRE.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
I was waiting to hear back after applying. I had a lot going on during that period (work, travel, family celebrations), so I did my best to be present and not worry too much about the future.
What is your initial impression of the Washington Olin students/culture/community?
Being part of a diverse cohort of 83 students hailing from 19 different countries guarantees a daily dose of enlightenment and learning. Engaging in classroom discussions with an eclectic mix that includes a professional tennis player, an air traffic controller, a seasoned lawyer, a devoted English literature scholar, a compassionate social worker, and even a skilled diplomat (the list is endless), broadens your perspective in extraordinary ways. In our tight-knit community, everyone stands ready to offer their best support, nurturing a culture that thrives on collaboration and excellence.
What is one thing you have learned about Washington Olin that has surprised you?
Olin’s abundance of opportunities can be overwhelming at times. Making the most of our time is challenging because we need to be selective. There’s something for everyone, but sometimes we have to make trade-offs. My to-do list keeps growing each day.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Finding the right balance between academics, internship searches, and co-curricular activities makes me most anxious.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I am excited to see how an MBA will shape me as a better human being. I also look forward to traveling to Barcelona and Singapore for our Global Immersion with this eclectic group to steep my learning curve.
