For Akanksha Gupta, the MBA journey at The Ohio State University Fisher College of Business was a catalyst for transformation—from engineering in the oil and gas sector to strategic operations at a fast-moving tech company. After nearly eight years at Samsung Heavy Industries, Akanksha enrolled at Fisher to sharpen her analytical skills, expand her leadership toolkit, and pivot into a new industry. Her internship at Uber Freight proved to be a turning point, reinforcing her passion for data-driven decision-making and operational strategy. Today, she serves as a Senior Program Manager at Uber Freight, where she continues to apply the frameworks and leadership principles gained through her MBA. In this Real Humans: Alumni, Akanksha shares how her Uber MBA experience—from internship to full-time role—was shaped by experiential learning, cross-functional collaboration, and the confidence to pursue a nontraditional career path with lasting impact.
Akanksha Gupta, The Ohio State Fisher MBA ’23, Sr. Program Manager, Uber Freight
Age: 33 years
Hometown: Gurgaon, Haryana
Undergraduate Institution and Major: MDU, Rohtak; Electronics & Instrumentation Engineering
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Deputy Manager, Samsung Heavy Industries, India ; Years- 7 years 9 months; Industry: Oil & Gas
Post-MBA Work Experience: Sr. Program Manager-Strategy & Operations , Uber Freight ; Years- 1 year 8 months; Industry: Logistics & Supply Chain
Why did you choose to attend business school?
I wanted to deepen my understanding of how ideas evolve into successful business strategies. I was particularly curious to learn frameworks and decision-making processes that drive business growth. Business school provided me the opportunity to develop critical analytical skills, collaborate with diverse peers, and gain a structural perspective on leadership, strategy, and operations.
Why Fisher? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I chose Fisher because of its well-rounded approach to business education that combines the courses of my choice – operations management through data analytics, direct exposure to industry experts, and hands-on projects that bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world problem solving. The program’s strong emphasis on applying classroom concepts to real-world business challenges was a key factor in my decision to choose Fisher. The focus on experiential learning, combined with a well-structured curriculum, made Fisher an ideal environment for my professional growth.
What about your MBA experience prepared you for your current career?
My MBA experience equipped me with a structured approach to problem-solving, allowing me to apply analytical frameworks to challenges ranging from simple operational issues to complex strategic decisions. Collaborating with peers from diverse industry backgrounds helped me refine my ability to integrate different perspectives into solution building. This exposure not only enhanced my critical thinking skills but also strengthened my ability to transform raw ideas into structured actionable solutions. Additionally, working on real-world projects and case competitions reinforced my ability to navigate ambiguity and develop strategies that drive tangible business impact.
What was your internship during business school? How did that inform your post-MBA career choice?
I interned at Uber Freight as Program Manager (Strategy & Operations), where I had the opportunity to apply key concepts from my first year of business school to actual business problems. The experience provided valuable insights into the core skills required to be successful as a program manager, from strategic planning to cross functional collaboration. It also helped me focus more on areas where I needed further refinement. This targeted development helped me enhance my execution skills and ultimately shaped my approach towards problem-solving in my post-MBA career for the same role.
Why did you choose your current company? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to work?
My role at Uber Freight is aligned perfectly with my goal of driving operational optimization through a data-driven approach. My internship in the same role gave me a first-hand insight into the impact I could create and the opportunities available to develop meaningful solutions. Ultimately, my decision was driven by a clear understanding of how I can leverage my problem-solving and analytical skills to tackle complex challenges effectively and contribute to the company’s success. Additionally, this role provides me with opportunities to grow professionally in a dynamic and impactful environment.
Advice to current MBA students:
–One thing you would absolutely do again as part of the job search?
One thing I would absolutely do again during my job search is connecting with professionals from different industries and backgrounds to learn about their roles and the impact they create. This was incredibly valuable, as it helped me better understand how job descriptions on paper translate to real-world responsibilities and enabled me to assess whether a role was a good fit for me.
–One thing you would change or do differently as part of the job search?
I would spend less time directly applying for jobs. Instead, if a role piqued my interest, I would connect with professionals in similar roles. By understanding the nuances of the position and the company culture, I would tailor my approach more effectively and determine if the role truly aligns with my goals.
–Were there any surprises regarding your current employer’s recruiting process?
No, there were no surprises. The entire process was seamless and well-structured.
–What piece of advice do you wish you had been given during your MBA?
We often gravitate towards conventional post-MBA career trajectories. However, it is essential to explore opportunities that align with our unique strengths and interests. What works for one person may not necessarily work for another. That’s why networking, continuous learning and staying open to for all possible opportunities can lead to a more fulfilling career.
