Real Humans of the Syracuse Whitman Class of 2019
Kruti Valia, Whitman MBA Class of 2019
Age: 28
Hometown: Muscat, Oman/ Mumbai, India
Undergraduate Institution and Major: St. Xavier’s College, economics and statistics, and University of Mumbai, master’s in statistics
Kruti Valia, Whitman MBA Class of 2019
Pre-MBA Work Experience: After earning my graduate degree, I worked at Ness Technologies where I assisted a group of software engineers in developing a statistical based software for an education publishing and assessment client. I then took a year off where I took up multiple stints that involved brand promotion, marketing, and sales activities for consumer goods. Additionally, I was involved with lead generation and direct marketing to expand the customer base of a local e-commerce marketplace. The following year, I started working for Netscribes, a local market research service provider in Mumbai, where I worked for almost a year and half. I then switched to risk consulting, joining KPMG India, where I spent over two years in forensic services.
Why business school? Why now? I decided to apply to a business school as I felt that it was the right time for me in my career to make that career switch and accelerate my career. After about four years of experience, it made sense to deepen my understanding of business fundamentals as well as hone my leadership skills, learn new skills, meet new people and learn from them, and explore new opportunities.
Why Whitman? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend? I wanted to attend a school and program that provides an environment conducive to learning and promotes self-growth. At Whitman, I can do both. Some of the factors that helped me make this choice include talking to seniors and the flexibility in the program as well as the experiential learning. Whitman’s alumni base, its marketing program, and student clubs were also some factors that helped me make this decision.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2019? Growing up in the Middle East and then moving to Mumbai, I can provide perspectives that compare and contrast both regions. Moreover, the diverse work experience and education background also allows me to add value to the class.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application? One of my goals during my MBA program is to do something creative, probably start a fashion blog, write something or learn a new form of dance.
Post-MBA career interests? I plan to work in the field of marketing/marketing consulting, perhaps in the retail or consumer goods industry.
Advice to Prospective MBA Applicants
One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process? I enjoyed the entire application process from research to writing the essay and talking to alumni. So, I would probably do it all.
One thing you would change or do differently? I would have done my research much earlier and thoroughly so that there is enough time for the essay and talking to alumni/seniors.
Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it? Talking to alumni. I am generally very shy and find it difficult to talk to strangers. I still remember when one of my friends connected me to his friends who were studying at the schools I applied to, I asked him whether I really need to do this. My friend was incredibly supportive and helped me connect with these seniors. It was then I realized how important it is to connect with seniors and understand whether you are a good fit at the schools.
Greatest highlight so far at Whitman? The Whitman Graduate Student Organization’s Karaoke Night. It was a fun event organized by the school’s graduate club and provided both MBA and MS students an opportunity to bond and sing together. It was nice to interact with our fellow graduate students at a fun event and was a good time to relax after a grueling post-Thanksgiving week.
One thing about Whitman that you didn’t expect before arriving? I did not expect my seniors or professors to be helpful and thought that they would always be busy. However, everyone made sure that we were settled in well when we got here. Even with respect to academics or other queries, our seniors and professors have been immensely supportive, giving their time to lend an ear and some wonderful advice.
Thing you were most anxious about in your first year? I was most anxious about whether I would be able to acclimatize not only to the program but also to the weather at Syracuse. The former has been taken care by the support provided by the seniors, professors, and classmates. The latter, I am still getting used to. Another thing that I was anxious about was how to participate in all the activities and explore all the opportunities at school. However, during the year, you learn from your time constraints, which activities you want to be a part of and which you do not. This is one of the best learnings you get from the MBA program.
Thing you were most excited about in your first year? I was very excited to meet my classmates and hear their stories and experiences. I could not wait to meet people from such diverse backgrounds and learn about as well as from them. And I must say that I was not disappointed.
About the Author
Matthew Korman
Matthew Korman is a writer on MetroMBA. Since graduating from Rowan University with a degree in journalism and political science, Matthew has worked as a music industry writer and promoter, a data analyst, and with numerous academic institutions. His works have appeared in publications such as NPR and Sports Illustrated.
