Simreen Kala, OSU Fisher’s MBA Class of 2027
Age: 26
Hometown: Cleveland, Ohio
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Kent State University: Major in Human Resources
Pre-MBA Work Experience: I have been working in Human Resources for the past four years. I started interning as a sophomore at Kent State, then began my career as an HR Coordinator before moving into my current role as an HR Generalist.
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
Ohio State has always held a special place in my heart. I wanted to attend OSU as an undergraduate, but at that time it made more sense to stay home and attend Kent State. Many people I admire are OSU alumni, including my brother, whose growth and success after graduating from Fisher inspired me. When I decided to pursue an MBA, Fisher was the only school I applied to—I knew it was the right place for me. On top of that, I’m a huge Buckeye football fan, so being part of the OSU community feels like a dream come true.
Why did you choose Ohio State Fisher? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
Fisher is widely respected for its strong academic programs, supportive community, and global network. I was drawn to the culture, the reputation, and the opportunity to be part of the Buckeye family I’ve admired for so long.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2027?
I bring a unique perspective as one of the few students with a professional background in HR. My experience in employee relations, benefits, compliance, and organizational development allows me to contribute a people-centered lens to class discussions, team projects, and leadership activities.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I absolutely love traveling. My goal is to visit every part of the U.S. and explore countries around the world.
Post-MBA career interests:
I’m exploring two paths. One is continuing in HR but pivoting toward the strategic side of people and organizational development. The other is expanding into finance, a field I want to explore further during my time at Fisher to see if it could be the right long-term career fit.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
I would make the effort to connect with faculty and attend as many pre-MBA events as possible. Meeting current students and alumni helped me better understand Fisher’s community and prepared me for the transition.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I would advocate for flexibility in balancing school and work. While Fisher is designed to be a full-time, immersive experience, I think it’s important to acknowledge that some students may need structured time for outside work to manage financial responsibilities.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
The MBA Math prep was time-consuming, but ultimately valuable. To manage it, I broke it into one-hour sessions each day, which helped me stay on track and truly understand the material.
–What is your initial impression of the Ohio State Fisher students/culture/community?
It has been incredibly welcoming. My classmates, faculty, and staff are supportive and genuinely invested in helping each of us succeed. The collaborative culture makes Fisher feel like a family.
What student organizations have you joined/are you hoping to join and why?
I’m planning to join the Finance Club, Consulting Club, and Indian Student Association. I’m also excited to participate in intramural sports—especially pickleball—with my cohort. These opportunities will allow me to build skills, explore career paths, and connect with peers who share my interests.
What is one thing you have learned about Ohio State Fisher that has surprised you?
One thing that has surprised me about Fisher is how tight-knit and collaborative the community feels despite being part of such a large university. I expected OSU to feel overwhelming, but Fisher’s small cohort model, supportive faculty, and approachable alumni network make it feel personal and connected. The level of accessibility to professors and career staff has exceeded my expectations.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Meeting new people and learning from the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives that everyone brings to Fisher.
