Anika Mistry, Johns Hopkins Carey MBA Class of 2026
Age: 21
Hometown: Santa Cruz, California
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Johns Hopkins University, B.S in Computer Science and B.A in Cognitive Science
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Founder of DevMinds (a social-emotional learning app leveraging emerging tech); Software Engineer (AI/ML) at MicroStrategy; Virtual Reality Developer at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
While I thoroughly enjoyed my work as a software engineer, I always felt like something was missing. I enjoyed the problem solving of engineering but was ready to pivot into a client-facing role where I could actively contribute to decision-making conversations and product strategy. Additionally, I’m a founder of a digital health startup and wanted to gain a deeper understanding of strategy and operational considerations, which are crucial for driving impactful change. I plan to continue my work in entrepreneurship through my startup post-MBA, so attending a top business school like Johns Hopkins Carey is the essential next step to expand my impact and introduce healthcare innovations on a global scale.
Why did you choose Johns Hopkins Carey? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
Having attended Johns Hopkins for my undergraduate education, I’ve come to value the strong Hopkins ecosystem, which influenced my decision to stay within this network. Additionally, Carey’s STEM designation with specializations in healthcare, technology, and innovation aligns perfectly with my career goals and interests. Another benefit of Carey is the emphasis on experiential learning opportunities through courses, global immersion, and case competitions also played a significant role in my choice, as I’m eager to gain practical experience and apply what I learn in real-world settings.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2026?
My most valuable contribution to the Class of 2026 is my perspective. As the youngest student ever accepted in the full-time MBA program at Johns Hopkins Carey combined with my technical background in virtual reality and artificial intelligence, allows me to bring fresh, innovative insights into class discussions and group projects. My experiences in cutting-edge technologies can provide a distinct viewpoint, particularly in how these fields intersect with business and drive future trends.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I spent 6 months working on video game and virtual reality development in Copenhagen, Denmark last year!
Post-MBA career interests:
Lead a digital health start-up that focuses on accessible healthcare using emerging technology like artificial intelligence and virtual reality
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
The most meaningful part of my application process was visiting Johns Hopkins Carey and meeting with the current MBA students. While you can read extensively about an institution, it’s challenging to gauge if it’s the right fit until you experience it firsthand—observing students collaborate on projects and interact with one another provides valuable insights. Additionally, I’m grateful that I started the process early. Writing my essays the summer before I attended allowed me to explore the school in depth, including attending events like the in-person open house, which further confirmed that Johns Hopkins Carey was the right fit for me.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I was extremely happy with how the admissions process went, but one piece of advice that I’d give is to just get started. The hardest part of the application process is writing the first essay. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and overthink about what the topic of your essay should be. However, following your intuition and writing what comes to mind without limiting yourself gives you a baseline. Additionally, it [fosters] authenticity, which is crucial for the admissions team to understand how you fit into the Johns Hopkins ecosystem.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
Others discouraging me to apply. Especially as an unconventional candidate applying as the inaugural student, many people told me it was too risky, and it would be safer to wait a few years and then apply. However, I recognized that leaders have to take risks. [If you’re a leader, you don’t choose the safe option because then your progress is stagnant.] Having this mentality and ensuring that my actions aligned with my goals helped me focus on myself during this process.
What is your initial impression of the Johns Hopkins Carey students/culture/community?
The Johns Hopkins Carey community is remarkably diverse, people-driven, and entrepreneurial. The blend of varied backgrounds and perspectives, paired with the strong focus on collaboration and innovation, fuels a dynamic and supportive environment. It was clear since the first day of Foundations Week that there’s a shared enthusiasm for entrepreneurship and a commitment to making a positive impact, which makes the community both inspiring and engaging.
What is one thing you have learned about Johns Hopkins Carey that has surprised you?
One thing that has surprised me about Johns Hopkins Carey is the incredible diversity and global perspective of the cohort. With students from 19 different countries in my incoming class, the breadth of perspectives and experiences is truly remarkable. Additionally, I’ve been impressed by the individualized support provided by the administration, faculty, and fellow students. The small class sizes, with fewer than 40 students each, foster a close-knit community where personalized attention and strong connections are the norm.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Being the trailblazer in Johns Hopkins Carey’s new dual MBA and Engineering program comes with high expectations. Pioneering a new initiative can be daunting, particularly with the responsibility of setting a standard for future students. However, I’m also incredibly excited about this opportunity. It’s a chance to pave the way, make a lasting impact, and inspire future students, which is truly motivating for me.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Experiential Learning opportunities through global immersion, where students explore the business landscape in a different country, and the innovation field project, where a team of 4 students is paired with a company for two months and get to experience the role of consultants to advise and address a major business problem.
