Meet the MBA Class of 2024: Chagan Sanathu, University of Rochester (Simon)

Chagan Sanathu

University of Rochester, Simon Business School

“I am a bi-racial, polyglot who loves to meet new people, try new foods, and dance.”

Hometown: Kolkata, West Bengal, India

Fun Fact About Yourself: I like to experiment with international cuisines and love to cook new recipes.

Undergraduate School and Major: Goshen College – BA in Business and Public Relations

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: The Greenlining Institute – Senior Program Manager

Rochester Simon is known for being “unabashedly analytical.” Why does the program’s focus on quantitative analysis and decision-making appeal to you? How do you intend to leverage this approach as a student and professional? As a career switcher, I know that Simon’s analytical training will give me an advantage as I pivot to the corporate sector. In today’s work environment, data driven decision-making is a key skill for any business leader.  I want to bridge my EQ people management skills with data-driven decision-making to be a multifaceted leader and team member.

Aside from your classmates, what was the key part of Rochester Simon’s MBA curriculum or programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? I am eager to participate in experiential learning opportunities at Simon, where students learn by doing. I love being able to problem solve on the go and work with a team to come up with creative solutions. I am looking forward to participating in international immersions, case competitions, and the project elective class. I am particularly excited for the project elective class because it’s like a mini-internship—you’re given the opportunity to do a real life project in the career field you’re interested in prior to diving into the summer internship to gain valuable first-hand work experience.

What course, club or activity excites you the most at Rochester Simon? I am looking forward to joining Simon Vision Consulting, where I will provide pro-bono consulting services to organizations who may otherwise not afford access to such services. When I worked in the non-profit sector prior to starting my MBA, these types of student clubs really helped my organization gain services and I would love to give back in a similar way.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: Leading a residential leadership program for 320 first-generation students and helping them find community and a sense of belonging in academia.

What is one thing you have recently read, watched, or listened to that you would highly recommend to prospective MBAs? I highly recommend reading Atomic Habits by James Clear. Business school will go by quickly. It’ll be important to set yourself up for success by setting a routine, understanding your mindset, planning your time accordingly to meet your goal, and having fun while you’re at it.

Looking ahead two years, what would make your MBA experience successful? Mastering the data analytical skills; landing my dream job in an aspiring career; and most importantly leaving a lasting impact on the Simon and Rochester community.

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into Simon’s MBA program? Simon and its community truly embrace diversity of thought, experiences, and national origin. My advice for prospective applicants is to bring your true authentic self to the “Simon table.” Do not be deterred if you don’t have a traditional business background, because your experiences matter and they will enrich the Simon community.

DON’T MISS: MEET ROCHESTER SIMON’S MBA CLASS OF 2024