Meet the MBA Class of 2025: Deeshan Alwis, TCU Neeley

Deeshan Alwis

“My passion for capital markets and Formula 1 gets me out of bed every morning”

Hometown: Kandy, Sri Lanka

Fun Fact About Yourself: Lived in four different countries: Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore and United States

Undergraduate School and Major: Swinburne University of Technology, Malaysia, Bachelor of Business (Management), CFA Charter holder

Most Recent Employer and Job Title:
Employer: NDB Zephyr Partners Lanka (Pvt) Ltd – a pioneering private equity fund in Sri Lanka
Job Title: Assistant Vice President

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far:
The most significant achievement in my career has been guiding portfolio companies through Sri Lanka’s economic crisis during 2021-23, marked by soaring inflation, sky-high interest rates and unprecedented currency depreciation. As part of a private equity fund, I played a key role in developing strategies that enabled our portfolio companies to not only survive, but thrive amidst these challenges. By offering financial guidance and fostering adaptability, I ensured that our companies not only survived the crisis, but also laid the groundwork to emerge stronger.

What led you to pursue an MBA at this point in your career?
I began my MBA journey fueled by my passion for capital markets and a desire for growth. Recognizing the importance of developing managerial and leadership skills, I found my match in the TCU MBA program. It’s tailored curriculum, STEM focus and experiential learning opportunities such as the Educational Investment Fund (EIF), align perfectly with my ambitions. In addition, programs such as Neeley & Associates Consultants will position me to hone crucial skills in critical thinking, communication and teamwork through the exposure to consultancy projects with big league companies. Combining all these elements adds a practical edge to my learning, making the TCU MBA a stepping stone to achieve my career aspirations

What word best describes the TCU MBA students and alumni you’ve met so far?
Passionate. Passion is found in every corner of the TCU MBA program. Whether it’s about building careers, achieving academic excellence, or the love of Horned Frogs football, the students, graduate staff, and alumni display unmatched passion.

Aside from classmates, what was the key part of TCU’s MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you?
TCU Neeley offers the opportunity to be involved in the Educational Investment Fund (EIF), an experiential learning program focused on investing. The best graduate and undergraduate students work together to invest a $1.75 million portfolio, providing a tangible, hands-on experience that I can add to my résumé. EIF aligns my passion for investments with my future career goals. It’s not just theoretical, it’s the real deal.

What is your favorite course as an MBA and/or favorite professor and why?
Security Analysis with Dr. Ryan Peckham. In Dr. Peckham’s class, we explore a wide range of topics from equity and fixed income markets to derivatives, and hedge fund strategies. His real-world expertise and passion for capital markets makes every class incredibly engaging, offering us valuable market insights and wisdom that enhance our learning experience

What club or activity have you enjoyed the most so far at TCU?
The number of opportunities that we have had to bond with the cohort, from attending TCU football games together to participating in case competitions and the occasional weekend Dallas Stars game outing has been incredibly enjoyable. In just three months, I’ve already forged lifelong friendships, making my MBA journey unforgettable. The TCU MBA is not just a program, it’s an experience.

Describe your biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far?
In just three months, I’ve been able to foster an extensive network, from faculty to alumni. As an international student, building these connections has been extremely valuable and I consider this as my biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far.

What surprised you the most about business school?
What surprised me most about the TCU Neeley School of Business is the personal touch. Both the faculty and staff genuinely care about the students, and offer tailored support for internships, career planning and academics. This is one of the biggest advantages of having a smaller cohort.

What are the top two items on your professional bucket list post your MBA?
• Career Aspirations: Successful career in capital markets, aiming to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with my current idols.
• Give Back: Contribute to TCU’s legacy and support future MBA students in every possible way I can.

DON’T MISS MEET TCU NEELEY’S MBA CLASS OF 2025