Shubham Shekhar, UGA Terry MBA Class of 2024
Age: 28
Hometown: Patna, Bihar, India
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Siddaganga Institute of Technology, Information Science 2012-2016
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): Pegasystems 2016-2022, CRM & BPM Technology
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
After my graduation I worked for six years in technology sector. However, I was always looking to upskill myself and learn more about the business side of companies. Coming to a business school was logical thing to do to build on my learning from the industry and acquire leadership skills that would allow me to navigate the ever-changing landscape. Since I had been working for so long, I wanted to take a move now allowing me to explore other avenues and opportunities at an early stage in my career.
Why did you choose UGA Terry? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
It was the easiest decision I had ever made. I wanted to study in college town. I love being in college town, as my undergrad program was also in the same environment. The student involvement, culture, and sense of ownership that you would see in a college town is unimaginable. Now to the other good stuff, Terry is a brilliant MBA college with academic rigor the curriculum filled with career development opportunities and hands-on experience. We have a huge alum base that gives perfect opportunity to network and collaborate. Plus, the small class size is what I was looking for. Athens is a beautiful music town and Dawgs are National champions. Do I need to say more? It’s in the culture to fight, excel and win.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2024?
I enjoy listening to stories and collaborate with people. Right from the first day I have looked to find the person in the room I have not spoken to and connect with them and bring them in the conversational and fold. Also, with the experience and being a little geek, I look forward to bringing new perspective and foster a culture of collaborative environment.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
Whenever I am driving or walking, I hardly need to stop at traffic lights. They seem to support my journey. 😊
Post-MBA career interests:
I am looking to continue working in technology industry. I enjoy solving problems and find people genuinely care about trying to build product and services that can make life easier for everyone. I would love to work in Product Management, Digital Transformation or Customer Success kind of roles.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Don’t shy away from showing who you are. Right college will find you. You need to find the culture you want to be.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I would not make many changes to the process or my application. I really liked what I had written as my stories and those were the true reflection of who I am and what I would want to do.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
Lots to time the stories you write may not come through, but you should give time and think what would
help you show the earnest characteristics. So, writing essays can be hard but once you write them you will actually know more about yourself, and the entire journey will help you learn and reflect on your experiences moving forward.
What is your initial impression of the UGA Terry students/culture/community?
I have been here just over a month and there is not a thing I don’t like here. My batch is full of people who are supportive, collaborative, and full of life. But moving outside my classroom, I find people who are always looking to build new connection, approachable, and easy to hang out with. The university of key part of Athens are there are so many students’ opportunity get involved with the community such as “MBA Board Fellows” and actually create everlasting impact. I am absolutely thrilled to be here and be part of a culture that allows you to be authentic self and foster an environment filled with opportunities that not just impact you but also the community around you.
What is one thing you have learned about UGA Terry that has surprised you?
The UGA history has really surprised me. During our orientation we had the campus tour and some of the historic details about the school was interesting to know. The significance of “UGA Arch” our previous football mascot (GOAT) and so many other things that are engraved in the history of the oldest US Public university.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Nothing really to be honest. At times seeing the pending task in advance does kind of scares you, but I have enough help and support from my batchmates that I know everything will just work out fine.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
We will be going to Columbia in spring, and I can’t wait to spend some time there with my classmates because it will be filled with learning along with so much fun.
Has the COVID-19 pandemic affected your personal application or admissions process in any way? If so, how?
I did look to apply a year before, but then I did not want to do an online version of MBA as for me MBA is about experiences and connection. So, I did postpone my plan a year.
