Q: Why did you decide to enroll at Northeastern University's D'Amore-McKim School of Business?

A: The location in Boston, one of the most innovative cities globally, the co-op program, global student body and network, the competitive squash team, and the vibrant student-led entrepreneurial ecosystem within Mosaic were my top reasons for choosing to enroll here.

And I'm happy I did because the last five years at this university have been nothing short of phenomenal.

Q: What was your experience like coming here alone to begin your studies as an international student? How has it changed since then?

A: I vividly remember coming to Northeastern in Fall 2016 as a freshman with two large suitcases. I had come alone all the way from India as my parents wanted me to have a more independent experience. At that moment, I felt nervous, excited, and grateful for the opportunity to study in the United States at such a renowned institution.

Today, I have found a second home at Northeastern and in Boston, made friends from all over the world, joined communities that served as extended families, and found mentors for life. I have been presented with more opportunities than I can count, gone through my fair share of ups and downs, and made a lifetime full of memories. 

And today, I feel confident, ready, and motivated for the next significant phase in my life.

Q: What did you major in at D'Amore-McKim, and why?

A: I majored in business administration with a concentration in finance with a minor in nutrition studies.

I initially came in as an entrepreneurship major and then switched to finance. I felt that I was learning a lot about entrepreneurship through my involvement with on-campus activities and trying to form my startup. 

I then switched to finance for the technical and analytical aspects of it. Every business in the world needs money. My finance classes gave me a great understanding of how money works and how it can be used most effectively. And now, I hope to use my degree not just to make more money but to make it for those who need it most and make a difference in the world.

Q: Tell us what you have been involved with on campus the last few years.

A: I'm one of those students who has been hyper-involved on campus. Some of the organizations I have been involved with include NUImpact: Northeastern's Impact Investing Fund, IDEA: Northeastern University's Student-Led Venture Accelerator, NU Men's Club Squash, Husky Startup Challenge, Entrepreneurs Club, Mosaic, Family Business Club, and Tamid. I have also served as a Squash Instructor, a Teaching Assistant in the accounting department, and a Research Assistant in the finance department.  

Q: Tell us about your campus leadership experiences and what impact they've had on your time here.

A: I've been on the founding analyst team and led one of America's first undergraduate-led impact investing funds. I have captained and played on one position on a competitive sports team with Northeastern Squash, a highlight of which was coming in second at the National Championships in our division and finishing as the second highest-ranked club squash team in the country.

I have run all things venture-related and tried starting a business at the largest university-led venture accelerator in the world: IDEA, with over 400 ventures. I have been a finalist at the the Husky Startup Challenge, the largest startup competition at Northeastern and a program which I later directed. I have also been the marketing manager for one of the largest student-run clubs at Northeastern, the Entrepreneurs Club. 

Apart from this, I have been one of two student Mosaic fellows, served as president of the Family Business Club, been a part of Hall Council, and done plenty more.

These experiences have made me a better and more emphatic leader, improved my organizational, communication, and time management skills, and have taught me that anything is possible with hard work, resilience, and passion. 

Q: Tell us about your co-op experiences and how they helped prepare you for the future of work.

A: I had two incredible co-op experiences, along with plenty of other internships during my time here.

One of my co-ops was at a global asset management company based in Boston with Grantham Mayo Van Otterloo. I worked with two different independent teams in their Investment Operations and Risk and Controls Division. 

During my co-op experiences, I applied my learnings from classes in the real world, gained access to a great network of mentors and peers, increased my knowledge of business and finance, and improved my technical and analytical abilities. After these experiences, I feel more prepared than ever to take on the next chapter in my life after graduation.

I was also a recipient of the 2021 D'Amore-McKim Co-op award, a testament to my great experiences with some of the most well-respected companies in the business world. 

Q: Tell us about your global experiences.

A: During my first summer at Northeastern, I experienced the summer school program at the London School of Economics and Political Science in the United Kingdom. This was an exciting experience as I got to take classes in another country, make friends from various universities, study at one of the most renowned institutions in the world for business, and explore London.

I experienced an alternative Spring Break trip to Costa Rica with the Startup Island program, a community of entrepreneurial-minded people worldwide. I also represented Northeastern University at one of the biggest sustainable investment summits globally at Colorado Springs as a Socially Responsible Investing Conference Scholar.

Studying abroad and traveling is one of the best ways to develop a global mindset/perspective. I would recommend everyone take advantage of the plethora of study abroad opportunities that Northeastern offers. 

Q: Reflecting on your time at D'Amore-McKim, what moment sticks out the most and why?

A: Some moments that stick out include being a finalist at the Husky Startup Challenge's Demo Day event and pitching my startup in front of 500+ people in a packed Curry Student Center Ballroom. Another would be finishing second at the National Squash Championships with my teammates as the highest finish in the program's history. 

I was also able to found and see-through NUImpact's first Sustainable Investment Summit with 120+ attendees from 13 different universities in less than 100 days with plenty of sleepless nights. And, finally making our first investment worth $25,000 and getting approval for our fund after many people told us that a fund like ours would not be feasible at the undergraduate level.

These are a few of the moments amongst many more that I will look back very fondly on. 

Q: How does it feel to be a graduating senior? What will you miss the most after you graduate?

A: I feel nostalgic, grateful, excited, and inspired.

I am nostalgic about graduating from a place I have called home for the last five years. Grateful for all the fantastic memories made and the incredible people met. I'm excited to take on the next chapter in my life, continuing to be a great ambassador for the school, and inspired to use my Northeastern degree to go out in the real world and make a dent in the universe for the better.

I will miss the energy on campus, the people at Northeastern, and being a student. However, I will carry the energy forward, remain connected to Northeastern, and always keep a lifelong learning mindset even as I step into the professional world.

Q: Was there a faculty or staff member who made a lasting impression on your experience here?

A: Mark Bernfeld, Charlie Bognanni, Dan Gregory, and Former Dunton Family Dean Raj Echambadi (2017-2021) are four amongst the many people who have had a lasting impression on me.

Mark, a professor with whom I took a great class, was the faculty advisor to NUImpact, supervised and guided me through my Independent study, and has been a personal mentor. He is someone I have learned a great deal from over the years and has had a significant impact on me during my time here.

Charlie was my co-op advisor and guided me through the entire co-op search process. His supportive and optimistic nature made the co-op process much easier, as he always encouraged me to believe in the process. If not for him, I would not have landed the co-ops I did, and I am grateful to have him as my co-op advisor and mentor.

Dan, who I worked closely in my role as Mosaic Fellow and later through NUImpact, was one of the nicest faculty members I met on campus. He showed me the power of peer-to-peer learning and always believed in the student-led model at Mosaic. He guided me not only as a mentor but also gave me opportunities to grow and excel.

Former Dean Raj Echambadi (2017-2021) showed me what it truly means to care for his students. The NUImpact conference and fund would not have been a reality without his support. Being in a very demanding and senior role on campus, he always finds time to talk to students. I will forever be grateful for the support he provided NUImpact. 

Q: What will you be doing after graduation?

A: I am in the process of interviewing for full-time roles in the consulting and venture capital space right now. If things don't work out in the United States, I will be going back to India and starting my own venture to make a positive difference for my country. 

Q: What advice would you give to younger Huskies starting this fall?

A: Explore the infinite opportunities that Northeastern offers. Learn to be okay being uncomfortable because that is where real growth will happen. Fail fast and fail often, but always come back at least one percent better. Surround yourself with incredible people who inspire and push you to be the best version of yourself. Find mentors who can guide you. Don't let anyone tell you it can't be done. And in the midst of it all, find time for yourself to breathe, exercise, travel, meet friends, and be happy.

Northeastern is an incredible place, so make the most of every opportunity and don't be afraid to ask around for help/advice/what you want, because if you never ask, you will never know! 

Q: Bostinno, Poets&Quants, etc., have recognized you; what has that been like?

A: Honestly, it feels good to be recognized for these prestigious honors. However, I don't spend too much time thinking about them as they are just part of the journey. My parents Anil Kishorepuria and Shruti Kishorepuria, to whom I owe all my success, feel very proud when they see my interviews and see me getting recognized for different things, and I feel really happy to make them proud. 

However, whenever I get recognized for awards like these I take a moment to express my gratitude to my family, friends, and mentors without whom it would not be possible. After that, I think about ‘moving ‘onwards and upwards' because we are only getting warmed up right now, and there is a lot of work that still needs to be done! 

Q: You're very busy – how do you take time for yourself outside of school and campus involvement?

A: I'm always doing a lot, and being so busy has improved my time management skills to be more productive with my time. To keep track of things, I maintain a very up-to-date calendar and keep a to-do list. When I need a break, I block pockets of time for myself where I don't work to recharge my batteries and come back stronger.

I love reading, lifting weights, playing sports, meditating, going for long walks, traveling, meeting new people, eating at new places, writing, and spending time with friends and family. I do most of these things on a very regular basis. 

I love whatever I do, so I barely ever feel like I am overworking. I'm always up to something, and I love being productive! 

Q: Tell us about your involvement outside of Northeastern.

A: Outside of Northeastern, I currently serve as the youngest steering committee member at the Intentional Endowments Network. I write regularly on my personal blog. I recently started a YouTube Channel to document my travels and occasionally share content on Instagram about things I'm passionate about. I also speak at various events at schools and colleges and have mentored hundreds of students. 

Currently, I'm also studying to become a certified nutritionist. I'm always thinking of new ideas and passion projects to work on! 

Q: What will you be sharing during your takeover?

A: During my Instagram takeover, I will be sharing some highlights of my five-year journey at Northeastern. I will be talking more in-depth about the various clubs and organizations I am involved with, my co-ops, study abroad, and much more.

I will also be giving you a glimpse into graduation week and sharing some of the fun events Northeastern and D'Amore-McKim have planned for the Class of 2021.

Lastly, I will be answering any questions you might have, sharing tips and advice for younger students on how they can make the most of their time at Northeastern, and sharing parts of my days and things I have been working on.

It is going to be super fun, and I am excited for you to join me this week!

Instagram Takeover Photos