Kalyani Madhu, UCI Paul Merage School of Business MBA Class of 2026
Age: 26
Hometown: Kerala, India
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Instrumentation and Control Engineering
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Authorized Officer, UBS, 4
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I worked at UBS in their Investment Banking Technology Department, where I started as a software developer and eventually moved into a Product Owner role. During my time there, I gained a deep understanding of the technology that drives the banking industry. Our team’s focus was on supporting the business and helping traders and support staff with cutting-edge tools to manage the trade lifecycle. However, I realized that while I had a solid grasp of the technology, I lacked an understanding of the business side—how senior management makes strategic decisions etc. That’s why, after building a strong foundation in tech, I decided to go back to school to deepen my knowledge of business.
Why did you choose UCI Merage? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
When I started shortlisting schools, the first thing I did was reach out to the student ambassadors. I connected with a few Merage MBAs, and they really stood out. Even though they were in the middle of finals and job hunting, they still took the time to chat with me in great detail about what life at Merage is like. I was blown away by their willingness to help.
Secondly, the curriculum at Merage was way ahead of the Digital curve, they make sure agnostic of industry you are capable of leading in a digitally driven world, so in all curriculum that part is built in.
Thirdly, the small cohort size creates a close-knit, family-like environment. It’s personalized, and you truly get to know everyone, which fosters both personal and professional growth. And of course, I love the sunny California location—being a beach person, I couldn’t ask for a better setting, with Irvine and nearby LA offering amazing opportunities!
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2026?
As an international student with a background in Women in Tech, I’m now transitioning into the Women in Business space. That’s a key part of my personal brand—coming from a tech background, I can bring fresh ideas on how technology and business are two sides of the same coin, revolutionizing industries. As an international student, I aim to support both incoming and current international students by sharing experiences and offering empathy as they navigate life changes. Additionally, as a Forte Fellow, I’m eager to give back to the Merage community, especially by getting involved in the Women in Business organization.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
Something I probably didn’t mention in my application is that I’m an antiquarian. I’m not sure if it qualifies as a fun fact, but I love collecting and studying antiques. Each piece I collect has its own story, and through them, I often discover more about history, which I really enjoy.
Post-MBA career interests:
After my MBA, I aim to transition into Management Consulting, focusing on the Technology, Media, and Telecommunications (TMT) industry. Building on my background in technology, I want to move into business strategy roles, where I can enhance my business acumen while leveraging my prior experience.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I’d recommend spending as much time as possible talking to student ambassadors and recent alumni to get a deeper understanding of the school and whether it aligns with your career goals and post-MBA job preferences. Learn about campus life and activities—you’ll be spending two years there, so it’s important to thoroughly research if it’s the right fit for you. Doing this also helps you craft a strong “Why” response for admissions interviews, which is something they’re always looking for.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I’d recommend focusing on completing your exams like the GMAT/GRE and IELTS/TOEFL well before the application season. It can be overwhelming to juggle exams, work, essays, and informational calls all at once, which can make it harder to craft your best story for the admissions team. I found it challenging, and if I could do it again, I’d definitely take my exams well in advance.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
Waiting anxiously for interview calls is something I’d love to avoid altogether. What really helped me through it was the support of my family and reminding myself to be patient—things will happen when they’re meant to.
What is your initial impression of the UCI Merage students/culture/community?
I would describe the community as warm and welcoming. As an international student who has travelled across the world and is away from family and friends, feeling welcomed is incredibly important to me. The Merage community is so warm and supportive that it truly makes me feel at home. The culture here is diverse and inclusive, with so many countries represented in our cohort, allowing me to make friends from all over the globe.
What is one thing you have learned about UCI Merage that has surprised you?
One thing that surprised me was the level of involvement from the Career Center. We have a dedicated course for Career Navigation, and the Career Center team was the first group we spent our entire summer with, even before starting the curriculum.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
At the moment, I’m feeling quite anxious about securing an internship, especially as a career switcher, which presents its own challenges. Balancing the job hunt, classes, networking, and extracurricular activities can be tough, but I find it engaging and fast-paced, which I really enjoy.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I’m most excited about creating a new multi-national network. I’ve already attended two conferences in different parts of the U.S., where I met a lot of people, and I’m currently working on nurturing those relationships. The MBA program really encourages you to step out of your comfort zone and connect with others. It was challenging at first, but I’m starting to get the hang of it now.
