Shriniketh Venkatkrishna, Washington Foster’s MBA Class of 2027
Age: 28
Hometown: Chennai, India
Undergraduate Institution and Major: SRM University; Electronics and Communication Engineering
Pre-MBA Work Experience: 5 years in SaaS GTM roles (Sales, Marketing, and Customer Success)
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
Although I had a technical background in my undergraduate studies, I have always been inclined toward the business domain. Through my work experience, I developed a strong passion for the business side of things and wanted to deepen that interest by gaining a broader perspective: understanding how businesses operate, how cross-functions within an organization depend on one another, and how strategies and decisions are made at scale. I have always loved that MBA classes are conducted around real-life business cases and scenarios. With over five years of experience under my belt, I felt it was the right time for me, not only to know what I enjoy but also to identify where I need to improve and upskill, and hence I decided to pursue my MBA.
Why did you choose Washington Foster? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
Foster truly stood out to me for three key reasons. The first is the people – Foster emphasizes its intentionally small class size and the strength of its community, where professors, administrators, and alumni all act as your support system. Now that I’m here, I can confidently vouch for that. I feel a genuine sense of belonging within my cohort, and I know many of my classmates beyond just their names.
The second is the location. Seattle is not only known for its coffee but also for its vibrant industries and entrepreneurial spirit. This environment gives me the opportunity to network and engage with professionals from some of the world’s leading companies.
Lastly, the incredible ROI. In today’s economic climate, Foster’s ROI makes it a compelling and practical investment.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2027?
I’d like to think it is my customer-facing experience across multiple industries and countries. Over the years, I’ve worked with a diverse range of customers – from small and medium businesses to large enterprises; from companies in the U.S. to Australia; and across industries as varied as Software in Europe, NBA Sports Teams in the U.S., and National Museums in Asia. This breadth of experience gives me a unique perspective on how technology is perceived, how nuances differ across regions and industries, and how diversity and cultural inclusion play a critical role in running a business successfully.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I love airports! They’re bustling with energy and people, almost like a world of their own. At 8 am on a weekday, you might see someone rushing to catch their flight while another person savors the best beer of their life. If I had the chance, I wouldn’t mind calling a busy airport my home for a few months!
Post-MBA career interests:
I’m excited to explore Product and Strategy roles in the Technology industry, with a focus on Marketing and Development.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Know your school. I connected with many people, including the admissions committee, current students, and alumni, and that helped me immensely in understanding the two-way fit: am I a good fit for the school, and is this school the right fit for my career and ambitions? Learning about the school and its offerings is also a reflective process, as it helps you clarify what you truly seek and ensures you make the right decision, one for a lifetime!
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
Detach from the results. I know it’s easier said than done, but once you’ve completed your applications and interviews, there’s this six-week period where the chaos settles and doubts start creeping in – wondering if you could have written your essays better or answered a question differently in the interview. If I were to go through this process again, I wouldn’t waste energy on second-guessing once I knew I had submitted and presented my best possible self. Instead, I’d focus on detaching from the outcome and truly enjoying the journey.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
Honestly, I can’t think of anything. While there were definitely moments where I had to step out of my comfort zone or stretch myself thin, like preparing for competitive exams while managing a full-time job, the entire application process felt like a mirror. It showed me what I truly want, how I view myself, and the areas where I need to grow. In many ways, my MBA journey began the day I started my applications, so I wouldn’t want to skip any part of it.
What is your initial impression of the Foster students/culture/community? Warm. Supportive. Family. The entire Foster community has been an incredible support system. There’s a strong sense of ‘WE’ in everything we do, rather than a focus on ‘I’, and I believe that’s one of the best ways to prepare for the professional challenges that come after business school. Even though it’s only been a couple of months, Foster’s emphasis on teamwork has already helped me grow and elevate my personality by several notches.
What student organizations have you joined/are you hoping to join and why?
I’m very excited to be a part of the Foster Marketing Association and the Foster Technology Club. I’ve always been passionate about the art of packaging and delivering a compelling narrative around technology and products, and I look forward to both contributing my own learnings and gaining insights from the experiences of others. Beyond that, I’m eagerly looking forward to Challenge4Charity (C4C), as I see it as a wonderful opportunity to bond with my peers on a personal level while giving back to the community.
What is one thing you have learned about Foster that has surprised you?
The emphasis on teamwork. While researching Foster during my application process, I often heard about how central teamwork is to the experience, and now that I’m here, I can see it firsthand. The school is very intentional about how teams are formed, and I’m amazed by how much I learn from my peers, both professionally and personally, through every project we work on together. Teamwork has truly been a highlight for me, and I can only see it becoming even more rewarding as my MBA journey continues.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Getting to know my peers at a deeper level. Everyone here has impressive accomplishments in their respective fields and brings a wide range of personal experiences and cultural backgrounds. Learning about my peers’ journeys and insights is, in itself, one of the greatest takeaways from my MBA program – after all, where else would you have the opportunity to learn and spend two years of time with such a diverse and eclectic group?
