Elsa George, UGA Terry MBA Class of 2028
Age: 26
Hometown: Thrissur, Kerala, India
Undergraduate Institution and Major: National Institute of Technology, Calicut, Electrical and Electronics Engineering
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Software Engineer, Financial Services/Technology, American Express, almost 3 years
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I had spent the first part of my career building technology and solving problems from an engineering perspective. Over time, I became increasingly interested in the decisions behind what we were building: Why this problem? Which customers are we solving it for? How do we decide what to prioritize? And how do we turn a technical solution into something that creates real business value?
I wanted to move closer to those questions without leaving my technical background behind. An MBA felt like the right way to build that bridge. The timing also felt right because I had enough professional experience to understand the problems I wanted to solve but was still early enough in my career to intentionally shape where I wanted to go next.
Why did you choose UGA Terry? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
The combination of the program, career opportunities, and scholarship made Terry a very compelling choice for me. I received a significant scholarship that allows me to pursue a top 25 business program without taking on the financial burden that can come with an MBA.
What stood out to me was how much Terry invests in its students. The financial support gave me the freedom to focus on the experience itself: learning, exploring different career paths, getting involved on campus, and building relationships. I also liked that I could get the resources of a large university while still being part of a close-knit business school community.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2028?
I think I bring a combination of technology, business curiosity, and a willingness to ask, “Is there a better way to do this?”
My engineering experience taught me how to break down complicated problems, but I’ve also learned that the best solution isn’t always the most technically sophisticated one. Sometimes it comes from understanding the people using a process, questioning an assumption, or simply looking at a problem from a different angle.
I hope to bring that mindset into team projects and classroom discussions while learning from classmates who approach problems very differently from me.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I grew up in Indonesia and completed my entire schooling there, even though I’m originally from Kerala, India. So, when someone asks where I’m from, the answer is usually a little more complicated than it sounds!
Post-MBA career interests:
I’m interested in product management and consulting, particularly roles where I can combine technology, analytics, and strategy to solve business problems. I’m especially interested in opportunities where I can work across different functions rather than being limited to one part of a business.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
– What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I would spend time understanding what I wanted from an MBA before worrying too much about what I thought a “good” MBA application was supposed to look like.
Once I understood what I wanted to learn, the kind of community I wanted, and where I wanted the degree to take me, it became much easier to evaluate schools and tell my own story.
– What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I would start the process earlier and give myself more time to reflect on my experiences. It’s easy to focus on getting every application component completed, but some of the strongest parts of my application came from simply sitting down and thinking about the experiences that had shaped me.
– What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
The waiting. Once an application is submitted, there isn’t much you can control, but that doesn’t stop you from checking your inbox far more often than necessary. What helped was focusing on the things I could control and continuing to move forward with work, conversations, and preparation rather than letting the uncertainty take over.
What is your initial impression of the UGA Terry students/culture/community?
My first impression is that the people behind the MBA program really put in the work to make sure students get the best experience possible. There is a noticeable amount of effort that goes into creating opportunities for students, connecting us with resources, and making sure we feel supported.
What student organizations have you joined/are you hoping to join and why?
I’ve joined the Consulting Club, which gives me an opportunity to explore an area I’m interested in while working with classmates who have different backgrounds and perspectives.
I’m also interested in continuing to explore opportunities around product management, analytics, and technology.
What is one thing you have learned about UGA Terry that has surprised you?
One thing that surprised me is how much Terry invests in its students. Coming in, I expected financial support to be competitive, but I was genuinely surprised by the level of funding and support available to students.
It also reinforced something I’ve noticed more broadly: Terry doesn’t feel like a school that is simply focused on getting students through the program. There is a real effort to give students opportunities, resources, and support while they’re here.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I’m most excited about the people I’m going to meet and learning how to navigate the MBA experience. There is so much happening at business school that figuring out where to spend my time, who to learn from, and which opportunities to pursue is an experience.
I’m also looking forward to the internship search for summer 2027. I’m hoping to use my first year to explore consulting and product management, build my network, and figure out which direction makes the most sense for me after the MBA.
