Rajnandini (Dini) Singh, Texas McCombs MBA Class of 2027
Age: 29
Hometown: Ranchi, India
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Vellore Institute of technology, Electronics and Communication Engineering
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Engagement Manager, Analytics Consulting, Mu Sigma Business Solutions, 5.5 Years
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I chose to pursue an MBA because I didn’t just want to solve problems – I wanted to find the right problems to be solved.
In my previous role, I used analytics and AI to drive marketing and loyalty strategies for Fortune 500 retailers, but I often noticed a gap between technology and strategy. Leveraging technology for the right problems in the right context has the potential to transform businesses. That made it clear: I wanted a seat earlier in the decision cycle, where direction and impact are defined.
With industries being reshaped by technology and shifting customer expectations, I knew it was the right moment to build a broader strategic toolkit, develop cross functional skills, and learn alongside ambitious peers who challenge the way things are done. The MBA isn’t just a career move for me – it’s a deliberate step toward becoming a strategist who leads with both data and conviction.
Why did you choose Texas McCombs? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I chose Texas McCombs because it was the one of the few schools where the sense of community felt real and lived – not just marketed. Throughout my application process, every student and alum I spoke with took the time to understand my goals and offer honest guidance. That level of genuine investment made McCombs stand out, and being here has only reinforced that feeling.
When deciding where to attend, I was looking for a smaller, close-knit program in a city that didn’t feel cut off from the world. Austin struck the perfect balance – dynamic and innovative, but grounded and deeply human. I had already spent two years here before school, so I knew I loved the city’s blend of nature, creativity, and growing tech and business ecosystem.
McCombs offered exactly what I was looking for: a community that challenges you to grow but also makes sure you’re never doing it alone.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2027?
My most meaningful contribution to the Class of 2027 is the perspective I bring as someone who has often been the only queer, non-binary, female-presenting person in decision-making spaces – and my commitment to making sure that changes. Growing up and working in environments where I didn’t always see myself represented taught me how powerful it can be when someone shows up fully as themselves.
At McCombs, I’m intentional about doing exactly that. I bring my full, authentic voice into every conversation, not just for myself but to signal to others that their lived experiences are an asset – not something to downplay. I believe that decisions become more thoughtful, creative, and human when shaped by diverse perspectives, and I’m committed to creating spaces where that diversity isn’t just welcomed but actively sought out whether that be as a student ambassador, through student orgs like eQUAL and GWIB, or in discussion with me peers inside and outside the classroom.
My goal is to not only contribute my own lens, but to encourage others to take up space, too.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I am a huge fan of letter writing and collecting postcards. A staple on all my trips is finding the funniest, most artistic, or most unique postcards to send to my friends and recap my trip. I’m creating a book of postcards and travel stories for my future self.
Post-MBA career interests:
Post-MBA, I aim to work in management consulting, focusing on growth and transformation strategies across consumer-facing industries. I’ve always been energized by solving complex, interconnected problems, and consulting gives me the opportunity to do that at scale – partnering with global companies to shape strategies that combine customer insight, innovation, and measurable business impact.
In the long term, I see myself leading teams that sit at the intersection of strategy, data, and customer experience – helping businesses stay relevant in a world where consumer expectations shift faster than ever. Beyond the work itself, I want to be a leader who creates inclusive rooms where different perspectives don’t just have a seat at the table but influence the direction of the conversation.
For me, consulting isn’t just a career step – it’s a platform to drive meaningful change while growing into the kind of leader I wish I had early in my journey.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I would visit and engage with schools as much as possible—not to impress them, but to see if they could leave a lasting impression on me. At top MBA programs, the curriculum, recruiters, and alumni networks are all strong. The real differentiator is the people you’ll spend two transformative years with and the community you’ll continue to lean on long after graduation. Conversations with students, staff, and alumni gave me a true sense of culture that no website or ranking could. Those interactions made it clear where I felt seen, supported, and genuinely excited to belong.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I would start reflecting on my story much earlier in the process. Business school applications force you to look inward and articulate your motivations in a way that can feel uncomfortable at first – as it did for me. But that reflection is essential for understanding what truly drives you and learning to communicate it with confidence. It’s easy to downplay your own achievements or overlook the experiences that shaped you, but those are exactly the moments that define your path. Giving yourself the space to recognize and own those stories isn’t just helpful for applications – it’s an act of self-respect.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
I would’ve happily skipped the video essays. They’re valuable because they let the admissions team see your personality beyond the written application, but unless you’re used to recording yourself regularly, it can feel incredibly awkward. What helped me get through it was a habit I’ve had for years – talking to myself out loud. I’d practice responses while looking in the mirror or just speaking to an empty room, imagining a real conversation instead of a camera lens. That helped me get comfortable with my own voice and reactions, and by the time I recorded the actual video, it felt much more natural.
What is your initial impression of the Texas McCombs students/culture/community?
Even before officially joining, McCombs felt like a community I belonged to. When I first moved to Austin, I discovered that an old acquaintance was graduating from the program. The moment he found out I was in town; he showed up to help me settle in – and that spontaneous support became my first glimpse into the McCombs culture. Over time, every interaction I had with students and alumni reflected that same spirit: warm, grounded, and genuinely invested in each other’s success. It wasn’t networking – it was community. That willingness to show up for one another, without pretense, is what defines McCombs for me.
What student organizations have you joined/are you hoping to join and why?
I’ve joined the GCG (Graduate Consulting Group), eQUAL MBA (Engaged Queer and Ally MBA), GWIB (Graduate Women in Business), SABA (South Asian Business Association), and the Tech Club – because my two priorities at McCombs are finding community and finding employment (in that order, but only slightly). McCombs has a space for every part of my identity, whether it’s professional ambition, cultural background, or queer community. From prepping cases with GCG to planning a booth for International Night with SABA or finding joy in small-group meetups through eQUAL and GWIB, these organizations make a big school feel personal. For me, joining these clubs is more than networking – it’s about building a support system while starting a completely new chapter.
What is one thing you have learned about Texas McCombs that has surprised you?
I’ve been genuinely surprised by how intentionally the class is built. We come from wildly different backgrounds, yet we’re incredibly aligned in values – kind, curious, and eager to support one another. From someone remembering a passing comment I made about decorating my new apartment and sending me local recommendations, to classmates openly sharing recruiting tips and referrals, the instinct to help is immediate and genuine. I expected McCombs to have a strong sense of community, but I didn’t expect people to commit to it so wholeheartedly from day one. It already feels like I’ve known these people much longer than just a few months – which, to me, speaks volumes about what makes this place special.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I’m most excited about the memories I’m creating with my classmates – both the big milestones and the small, spontaneous moments in between. The MBA is an intense commitment, especially as an international student navigating academics, recruiting, and settling into a new way of life. It would be easy to get caught up in the pressure, but I’ve made an intentional effort to prioritize community alongside career goals. Whether it’s late-night case prep that turns into storytelling sessions, spontaneous boba runs between classes, or planning cultural events together, these connections make the experience meaningful. I’m excited to look back and know I didn’t just go through the program – I truly lived it with my classmates.
