Meet the MBA Class of 2023: Raghav Agarwal, Notre Dame (Mendoza)

Raghav Agarwal

University of Notre Dame, Mendoza College of Business

“A state-level Karate bronze medalist turned finance enthusiast looking to make an impact through education.”

Hometown: Mumbai, India

Fun Fact About Yourself: Before I took up long-distance running to improve my fitness, I weighed 200 lbs. and couldn’t run a mile. You may often find me in some marathon event either in the US or in India.

Undergraduate School and Major: The Institute Chartered Accountants of India – Chartered Accountant

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Validus Wealth Private Limited – Senior Finance Manager

When you think of Notre Dame, what are the first things that come to mind? How have your experiences with the Mendoza program thus far reinforced or upended these early impressions? Before coming to Notre Dame, I had heard about its strong tight-knit community, but little did I know how it would accelerate my growth in the next 4 months. I received a lot of support from the school alums who have guided me well about the on-campus opportunities and the internship recruitment process. Besides, the school has a very collaborative culture. My MBA cohort comprises amazing people who are always willing to help and ensure the growth of not just themselves but the entire community.

Aside from your classmates, what was the key part of the Mendoza MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? Notre Dame has an amazing finance curriculum that ensures development in and outside the classroom. One can enhance the finance domain knowledge by participating in stock pitches, taking up the Applied Investment Management course, or engaging in the activities of the Finance and Investment Club. The IDEA Center of Notre Dame, a startup incubation center, also provides a great opportunity to student startups by providing the resources necessary for the growth of the next batch of unicorn startups.

What course, club or activity have you enjoyed the most so far at Mendoza? I love finance and so I have enjoyed the courses on the subject and participating in the activities of the Finance and Investments Club. I have also had a great time working as a Startup Coach at the IDEA Center. The journey of collaborating with student entrepreneurs to figure out their go-to-market strategy or make a pitch to silicon-valley investors has been quite enriching for me.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: In 2013, I cofounded a non-profit organization – Rise for Humanity – for women empowerment and against atrocities that happen to women. Over the years, the organization funded the education of young students, supported victims in rehabilitation, and empowered youth to challenge the status quo.

Describe your biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far? I collaborated with a student entrepreneur and helped him pitch his startup for $3 million funding in a silicon-valley competition. The pitch resulted in interests from various investor groups.

Mendoza is known as a purpose-driven MBA program that asks students to “Grow the good in business.” What is your mission and how has Mendoza been helping you realize it? I believe that the world would be much better if everybody had access to education. I often take up zoom classes for students pursuing higher education back home in India. My belief to contribute positively to society has become stronger after witnessing the impact leadership culture of the school.

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into the Mendoza MBA program? Be yourself in the applications as the admissions team look for genuineness. Before applying to the program, try to learn about the school culture, people, academics, and growth opportunities at Notre Dame by either attending webinars or talking to current students and alums.

DON’T MISS: MEET NOTRE DAME MENDOZA’S MBA CLASS OF 2023

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