Spandana Silla, HBS MBA Class of 2025
Hometown: Andhra Pradesh
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Manufacturing Science and Engineering, IIT Kharagpur
Pre-MBA Work Experience (role, company, years): Well Engineer, Schlumberger, 5 years
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2025?
My personal and professional experiences from working in Iraq, one of the remote oilfield locations, is unique.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I have loved adventure sports and activities since my childhood. From bungee jumping to paragliding—I seek to constantly add more such items to my bucket list!
Post-MBA career interests:
My long-term goal is to be a CFO of a large multinational firm. I want to play a strategic role in shaping the financial direction of the firm, overseeing its financial health, and managing the business risks in a world of uncertainties.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I absolutely enjoyed writing the application essays. They gave me a much-needed opportunity to reflect on my life thus far. I believe that brainstorming about career goals, evaluating strengths and areas of improvement, understanding one’s own core values, and reflecting on challenges or failures and what one has learned from them are important for professionals to consider from time to time.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
I would have skipped GMAT. It can get very time-intensive depending upon the preparation phases. Continuous, dedicated preparation without breaking a streak is crucial to not undoing weeks of earlier prep.
What is one thing you have learned about HBS that has surprised you?
During the application phase, most applicants perceive HBS as one of the most competitive and cut-throat B-schools. My experience in the first semester was completely different. My HBS classmates are very collaborative and help one another—from day-to-day case study preparation to the stressful recruitment phase. Being high-achieving and ambitious does not deter students from supporting each other. The case method also encourages students to learn from each other’s experiences and perspectives, and students appreciate the collaborative culture that exists alongside the competitive spirit.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Recruitment for summer internship! For those folks who seek to pivot careers, exploring optionality on career paths can be tough given the limited time available during the semester. Also, the timelines for participating in on-campus recruiting and securing internships demand that career paths be decided early in the program.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I am equally excited about my personal development and lifelong friendships. Beyond academic and professional growth, developing a greater understanding of my leadership style through various experiences and challenges in and beyond the classroom is exciting. I am also very keen on fostering strong bonds and forming lasting friendships with my classmates who share similar ambitions though coming from diverse backgrounds, both culturally and professionally—this furthers promotes a rich learning environment.
