About Sidhant
Previous University: Delhi University
Undergraduate Degree: Bachelor of Commerce
Q: Why did you pursue your MS in Management at D'Amore-McKim?
A: Before coming to Northeastern, I worked as a financial analyst and realized finance wasn't my passion. As I thought about where I wanted to go in my career, I remembered enjoying the international business projects I worked on as an undergraduate. I knew I wanted to earn a master's degree, and I was intrigued by D'Amore-McKim's MS in Management program with an international business concentration.
In today's world, cultural agility is more important than ever. At Northeastern, we have people from all different backgrounds, countries, and cultures. International business resonated with me because companies are so multinational now. I'll experience working with people from different cultures and backgrounds, and it's essential to know how to approach people when cultural differences exist.
The flexibility of the MS in Management program made it stand out. The program recognized my past coursework and experience, so I could select courses that catered to my goals. There are so many concentrations offered, and that aspect really helped me narrow my focus and pursue specific classes relevant to my interests that would help me pivot my career.
Q: What skills have you gained that will benefit your career?
A: I took two classes that stood out to me: one was on leadership and the other was on negotiations. Both emphasized learning through experience, which meant a lot of public speaking. Initially, it was a little daunting, but it helped me out of my comfort zone and taught me about effective communication. In negotiations, we analyzed different negotiation types, and the one that stuck with me the most was thinking on the spot. It's a tough skill to build, but it's incredibly important, even outside of business. I've used this skill in unexpected ways—English is not my first language, so when I'm thinking on the spot, I have to translate my thoughts into English. This course helped me express myself more freely in those moments.
Q: What aspects of the MS x program appeal most to you?
A: My concentration helped narrow my focus and make the program work for me. I took classes that I was genuinely excited about, like Global Field Study, where my classmates and I went to Ireland and explored the business and culture there. We visited companies like Guinness and immersed ourselves in the professional culture abroad. I was excited to learn alongside students from different MBA and master's degree programs; it was an incredible bonding and learning experience.
Q: What advice do you have for future students?
A: Take advantage of the opportunity to customize your program. If you're interested in a specific field, center your classes around that, but don't be afraid to explore other business areas. I entered this program with specific career goals in mind, and the program's flexibility allowed me to focus on my passions.
