About Mouna
Country of Origin: India
Previous Degree: Bachelor of Arts, Psychology
Previous University: Jyoti Nivas College Autonomous
Program: Master of Science in Management
Graduation year: December 2025
Q: Can you tell us about your background?
A: I've always been interested in understanding people, what influences their decisions, how they communicate, and how organizations connect with them. That curiosity started with my studies in psychology, journalism, and English, but it grew even stronger during my time in business development at Brandscapes Worldwide.
Working with clients on marketing and strategy projects exposed me to the business challenges companies face and the thinking that goes into solving them. The more I engaged with that work, the more interested I became in consulting. As I explored that path, I realized I needed broader business knowledge and stronger analytical skills to make the transition successfully. Pursuing the MS in Management at D'Amore-McKim felt like the ideal way to build that foundation.
Q: What drew you to D'Amore-McKim?
A: What immediately stood out to me about D'Amore-McKim's MS in Management program was the balance of structure and flexibility. Since I wanted to move into consulting, I wanted to build a strong foundation in business and explore strategy, operations, and data analytics in more depth.
When I looked at the MS in Management curriculum, everything really aligned with what I wanted to learn. I liked that it provided a strong foundation across all the core business areas while still giving me the flexibility to tailor my electives to my interests and career goals. That combination made Northeastern feel like the right fit for me.
Q: How did the program prepare you for AI- and data-driven business?
A: AI was integrated throughout many of my courses, not just as a tool but as part of how we think about solving business problems. I learned to use AI to enhance analysis, presentations, and even creative work like content and visuals. I've become more comfortable working with data and turning it into insights for decision-making.
Q: How have you learned through experience?
A: One of my most impactful experiences was in the “Becoming a Global Leader” course. I mentored international high school students in Boston and also worked on a global capstone project through X-Culture. On that project, I collaborated with teammates from Switzerland, Pakistan, and several other countries across multiple time zones to tackle real international business challenges. Working with such a diverse team helped me strengthen my cross-cultural communication skills. It also gave me a much more practical global perspective, which I know will be valuable in consulting
Q: What advice would you give to future students?
A: Be proactive, build relationships with classmates and professors, and look for opportunities beyond the classroom. Northeastern offers incredible resources, and if you take full advantage of them, you can really shape your own path.
For me, an early conversation with a professor led to opportunities I wouldn't have had otherwise. Those moments really showed me how important it is to engage with faculty and stay open to new opportunities.
