Name: Meghna Sahu
Class: 2022
Career Interests: Strategy Consulting, Tech
After starting her career as a Decision Scientist and a Management Consultant at PWC, Meghna Sahu (Fuqua, ‘22) decided to pursue an MBA to build out her business acumen and gain global business experience. Meghna applied and was accepted to Duke University’s Fuqua MBA Program, and is currently one of the Co-Chairs for BDW (Blue Devil Weekend) for admitted Fuqua MBA students. During our interview, Meghna shared her journey to pursuing an MBA, why she chose Fuqua, and her advice to admitted Fuqua MBA students.
MBASchooled: What did you do before business school, and why did you choose to apply?
During my undergraduate days at BITS Pilani in India, I got exposed to data analytics and consulting through my internships. I found my passion for solving problems leveraging the power of data and joined as a Decision Scientist at Mu Sigma after graduating from BITS. After nearly two years at Mu Sigma, I realized I wanted a broader exposure to the bigger picture of a business problem which pushed me to explore a career in consulting. After that, I joined the management consulting division of PwC, US advisory. I spent nearly 5 years as a consultant working on a myriad of business problems ranging from growth strategy, market assessment to cost and digital transformation.
Over the course of my career, I realized I needed to work on my leadership skills and build technical know-how in finance and marketing. I was also looking to build a global and diverse network that I knew was only possible through a global MBA. These reasons pushed me to apply for an MBA program in the US.
MBASchooled: What were the most important questions you asked in order to help make your admissions decision?
When I was applying for MBA schools and received several admits, I had five main questions in mind while I was making my admissions decision:
- Will the school provide me the opportunity to land my dream job?
- Is the class size small-enough to build deep relationships with my classmates and big-enough to have an extensive professional network?
- Is the location liveable for me?
- Will I be able to fit into the culture of the school?
- How big is the current alumni network?
MBASchooled: What has been your favorite experience at Fuqua so far?
Honestly, there have been many to choose from, and one of them has been hosting the Blue Devil Weekend (Admitted students weekend hosted by Fuqua) as one of the co-chairs. As a co-chair, I was involved in planning and organizing events while also interacting with the incoming students to help them make one of the most important decisions of their lives. Working closely with the Fuqua leadership, the administration, and my peers, on the BDW has been one of Fuqua’s most fulfilling experiences so far.
MBASchooled: After spending a semester at Fuqua, what’s something that you now know about Fuqua that you wish you knew when you applied ?
For someone who is coming into an MBA program as a career enhancer, I was laser-focused on enhancing my consulting and leadership skills. After spending a semester at Fuqua, I have seen the platform the Duke MBA offers to explore and get involved in new things e.g., the duke angel network. I wished I would have experimented more with the kind of activities I was involved in at Fuqua. However, I still have 1.5 years to go and would love to get my hands dirty in areas that are entirely new for me. How do you know if you love/hate something unless you have tried it right?
MBASchooled: Oftentimes, the word “culture” gets thrown around when talking about MBA programs. Can you characterize the culture at Fuqua ? Can you share an example of an experience that you think personifies what this means?
“Team Fuqua” is a phrase that defines the culture at Fuqua. The team-based and collaborative culture is something I experienced right from the time I started applying to MBA schools. Students at Fuqua were the most approachable and receptive during the application process and I was instantly impressed with the students’ maturity. At Fuqua, I truly experienced the team Fuqua spirit during the recruiting season. Casing (consulting interview format) with peers and second years and helping each other out for interview prep was one of the best experiences I have had at Fuqua.
MBASchooled: Now that you’ve been at Fuqua for a semester, was there a specific moment or highlight where you felt confident that you made the right decision?
One of the main reasons for me to pursue an MBA was to work on my leadership skills and get as much exposure as possible in the capacity of a leader. I am delighted with the opportunities I have received at Fuqua as an admissions ambassador, club cabinet member, and co-chair for Blue Devil Weekend. I have been able to really test my ability to inspire teamwork, motivate team members and make critical decisions.
MBASchooled: As an MBA Admissions Ambassador, you talk to many prospective MBA students. What questions should admits ask before making a decision?
While I believe that every individual have their specific reasons for why they do an MBA or choose a particular school, there are a few things that admits can think about, such as
1) Does the school offer opportunities to help you achieve your career goals?
2) Would you be able to fit into the school’s culture?
3) How strong is the alumni network of the school?
4) What role does the school’s location play in your recruitment for a location you want to be in post-MBA?
MBASchooled: What advice do you have for admitted students on how they can make the best decision?
While some of the stats and figures are very readily available on their websites, I believe the best way to make an admissions decision is to immerse yourself in the community. By talking to current students, getting to know your classmates through the admit weekends, and/or reaching out to alumni (preferable whom you may have worked with or have been friends with) will help you understand the fit of school according to your preferences.
MBASchooled: What are you excited about for Admit Weekend? What should prospective applicants take advantage of?
As the current co-chair for Fuqua’s Admit Weekend (Blue Devil Weekend), I am most excited about meeting the incoming class of 2023, getting them excited about Fuqua, and showing them why the school is so unique!
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