Brandeis International Business School

Why did you choose Brandeis International Business School?

I chose Brandeis so I could concentrate in Finance and Data Analytics, as I wanted to be technically equipped to meet the needs of 21st century business. Unlike many other MBA programs, Brandeis has a case study-driven approach to academics, which was an important factor for me as it helped me learn about global business in different industries in a collaborative environment. Additionally, as a small program, Brandeis offered an opportunity to form close connections with faculty who mentored me and helped me enhance my skill set. Finally, you get not just the demographic diversity but also the diversity of thought and background at the school, which expanded my thinking horizon and laid the foundation for an emerging business leader.

What were the highlights of your Brandeis experience?

If I could sum up my Brandeis experience in a sentence, I would say it was a home away from home. Especially during unforeseen circumstances like COVID-19, the university was really helpful in ensuring both the physical and mental well-being of students. Also, working with professors as a teaching assistant really helped hone my leadership skills.

How would you describe the learning environment and support services at the International Business School?

The learning environment at the university is collaborative and the entire support staff is super friendly and helpful. Another plus was the school’s open-door policy, which really helped me align my academics with my career goals. I used to reach out to professors with whom I wasn’t taking a class to discuss research ideas, business happenings, cultural shifts, job opportunities and much more. Working with different Career Coaches also helped me identify different opportunities and ways to navigate my career journey.

Tell me a bit about your experiential learning at Brandeis. How did these experiences help in your career path?

The most interesting field project opportunity was the Hassenfeld Fellowship, where I led my team of fellow students from Brandeis and students in Israel to work with a family business and develop a go-to-market strategy for the company to expand its operations globally. This helped me gain a wider understanding of different business models, something I apply in my current role. I also worked on a field project to help an emerging startup company use marketing analytical tools and run social media campaigns.

Another wonderful opportunity was becoming a Leadership Fellow. This required me to act as a mentor to the incoming students and help them navigate their graduate school journeys. I also represented the business school in the university’s Net Impact Club and was on the board of a few other clubs.

What are you doing in your current role, and what knowledge, skills, or experiences from your time at Brandeis are you using in your job?

I work as a transfer pricing consultant at Deloitte, one of the world's largest professional services firms. Transfer pricing is a confluence of accounting, finance, economics, business and cross-border operations. My coursework at Brandeis gave me a deeper understanding of all these aspects, coupled with data analytical tools that help me process information faster and make thorough analyses. Also, working collaboratively on team projects prepared me to succeed in my actual work environment.

What should prospective students know about the International Business School?

The business school is an amazing place to learn and grow. Don’t be intimidated by what others are doing — just follow your passion. Attend as many events as possible, try to move out of your comfort zone and talk to as many people as possible. You'll build long-lasting relationships which will help you both personally and professionally. Lastly, enjoy your time at Brandeis and make memories you can cherish over your lifetime.