Shreya Bandyopadhyay, IU Kelley MBA Class of 2026
Age: 29 years
Hometown: Hailing from the City Of Joy: Kolkata, India
Undergraduate Institution and Major: GNIT, Major – B.Tech – Food Technology
Pre-MBA Work Experience (role, company, years): With over seven years of experience of working in the CPG and Healthcare Industry, I have progressively taken on leadership roles in sales and marketing. My most recent position as a Techno-Commercial Manager in Drytech Processes for Eastern and Southern India involved heading a cross-functional team of ten, overseeing sales operations, and spearheading market research in the food and beverage sector. I was working with major CPG industries in India including ITC, VKL, Symega, MTR, Cavin Kare, Nestle, Mars Inc, etc. Through effective account management and strategic planning, I achieved 101% sales growth from FY 2021-2022 to FY 2022-2023. Prior to this role, I successfully led a team in East India, managing both domestic and international business operations, including imports from various countries and exports to Nepal and Bangladesh. Established KPI frameworks – market spend optimization – driving 25% increase in sales revenue within 12 months and decreasing Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC).
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
Attending a business school has always been a dream for me. I craved the opportunity to use my knowledge to influence the big picture. Business school will not only equip me with the tools and frameworks for strategic decision-making but also push me to become a better leader who drives impactful decisions for the organization. Business school is the perfect springboard to make my dream a reality!
I felt I always harbored an ambition to expand my horizons and take on new challenges. An MBA will provide a deep dive into finance, business analytics, and other crucial business aspects, building me into a more well-rounded professional. It felt like the perfect time for me to chase that dream and invest in my future.
Why did you choose Indiana Kelley? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
Kelley is renowned for its business programs, particularly in areas like marketing and management. Their curriculum is mostly designed to provide practical insights and skills that align with my professional goals. As my experience lies in international trade and importing/exporting, Kelley’s emphasis on global business and international studies was also a significant draw. Kelley’s connections and resources will enhance my understanding of global markets. Also, Kelley’s strong alumni network and industry partnerships offer valuable networking opportunities. These connections will help in expanding my professional horizons.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2026?
My experience in building a business from scratch, my involvement in community initiatives for improving or working towards mental health awareness, and my deep understanding of the food and nutraceutical industries can contribute to the class’s understanding of the intersection between business and social impact.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I’m a weekend warrior who can be found conquering mountain trails by day and cheering on my favorite Formula 1 team by night!
Post-MBA career interests:
The aim is to pursue a career in product management or marketing within healthcare and CPG industries, where I can leverage my existing skills and experience to make a significant impact on people’s lives and drive business success. This might be involve specializing in the development and marketing of healthcare products, such as pharmaceuticals, medical devices, or healthcare services. I’m particularly drawn to the aspects of analyzing market trends and determining optimal product assortment and pricing. Additionally, I would be inclined to pursue the role of overseeing clinical trials and regulatory affairs for healthcare products.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
If I was applying for an MBA again, I would prioritize researching the programs thoroughly to ensure they align with my career goals and provide the specific skills and knowledge I’m seeking. This would involve analyzing the curriculum, faculty expertise, alumni networks, and the overall program culture to make an informed decision.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
One thing I would change or do differently is to seek out more mentorship and networking opportunities earlier in my career. Building strong relationships with experienced professionals can provide invaluable guidance, support, and insights into the industry. It can also open doors to new opportunities and accelerate career growth.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
One part of the MBA application process that I would have skipped if I could – would be taking away the stress of essay writing. It was a daunting task to distill my experiences and aspirations into a few concise paragraphs and within word limits. However, what helped me get through it was breaking it down into smaller steps. I started by brainstorming ideas, then created an outline, and finally wrote each section separately. Taking a step-by-step approach made the process less overwhelming and helped me produce a stronger essay. Also starting early helped, I gave myself plenty of time to complete each section; procrastinating on the application process does not help.
What is your initial impression of the Indiana Kelley students/culture/community?
Kelley fosters a strong emphasis on teamwork and collaboration, both within the classroom and in extracurricular activities. It attracts students from diverse backgrounds and cultures, offering a global perspective and enriching the learning experience. I find these qualities to be very appealing and believe that they would create a positive and supportive learning environment. I particularly appreciate the emphasis on teamwork and community engagement. I believe that collaboration is essential for achieving success, and I am excited about the opportunity to work with a diverse group of students from different backgrounds.
What is one thing you have learned about Indiana Kelley that has surprised you?
Since I will be joining BMA (Business Marketing Academy), I will be offered the mentorship not only from the Academy director and a career coach, but also I will be assigned a second-year mentor, executive board, and other BMA alumni. Additionally, the school’s partnerships with companies and organizations in various industries offer students unique opportunities to apply their knowledge and skills in real-world settings. This focus on experiential learning is particularly impressive because it can help students develop practical skills and build their professional networks while they are still in school. It also demonstrates Kelley’s commitment to preparing students for success in the competitive job market.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Balancing the academic workload with extracurricular activities and personal life. MBA programs is very demanding, with a heavy course load and rigorous assignments. I also want to actively participate in clubs, organizations, or networking events, and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Finding the right balance between these competing demands is stressful and overwhelming at times.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Meeting new people and building lasting relationships.
Studying alongside people from diverse backgrounds and industries will not only provide a unique opportunity to learn from others’ perspectives but also to expand my network and form lifelong friendships. Additionally, I believe that the camaraderie and support among classmates can make the challenging aspects of the program more manageable.
