Meet the MBA Class of 2025: Parul Bhalgat, TCU Neeley

Parul Bhalgat

“Resilient, first-generation, female international student driven by curiosity and determined to shape her global financial future.”

Hometown: Bangalore, India

Fun Fact About Yourself:
I’m a Potterhead. I apply many of the philosophies from the books to my life, like “Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.”

Undergraduate School and Major:
Sri Bhagwan Mahaveer Jain College (Bangalore, India); Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting and Finance

Most Recent Employer and Job Title:
I was working as an Associate Operations Manager (Internal job title was “Business Operations Specialist” in the company) at Accenture.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far:
I lost my mom unexpectedly during 2020 and that altered my course of life. I did not have enough time to deal with my grief because I assumed additional responsibilities at home. I channeled my grief into making goals for my future and how I was going to accomplish them. While I have had some accomplishments in my professional life, I would consider being in the 2025 TCU Full-time MBA cohort as my biggest accomplishment yet. This was a life altering event for me because I was leaving my stable job after working for ten years to go back to school to make a career pivot into corporate finance.

What led you to pursue an MBA at this point in your career?
I spent several years in the corporate sector, during which I gained expertise in finance and accounting. While I had the opportunity to work on challenging projects and contribute to the success of the organization I worked for, I felt the need to go back to school to get the analytical tools and strategic thinking skills necessary to address the complex business problems more effectively. In addition to the professional benefits of an MBA, it is an opportunity to network with a diverse group of students, leading professionals and alumni. The rich and varied experiences of my fellow MBA candidates will provide me with new perspectives and insights, enriching my understanding of the global business landscape. These connections will extend far beyond the classroom, creating a valuable lifelong network that I can tap into for collaborations, advice and mentorship.

What word best describes the TCU MBA students and alumni you’ve met so far?
The word that best describes the TCU MBA students and alumni I’ve had the privilege to meet so far is engaged. These individuals stand out for their active participation and commitment to their educational and professional journeys.

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?
As a member of the Chartered Financial Analyst Institute University Affiliation Program, TCU Neeley School of Business is recognized for their coverage of the Candidate Body of Knowledge (CBOK) of the CFA Program providing specialized CFA Exam Track courses of study as part of the MBA program. This was one of the many benefits of pursuing my MBA specifically from TCU as I knew I would have the opportunity to study the subjects that are covered in the prestigious CFA course.

What is your favorite course as an MBA and/or favorite professor and why?
Marketing Management with Dr. Mark Houston has been a pivotal course in my MBA journey, offering a fresh perspective and a wealth of knowledge. Dr. Houston’s exceptional teaching abilities, engaging discussions, and practical approach to the subject matter have not only made the course enjoyable but have also provided me with valuable skills and insights.

What club or activity have you enjoyed the most so far at TCU?
My experience with The Capital Market Club at TCU has been a journey of growth and enlightenment. The recent Wall Street Prep seminar was just one of the many instances where I have had the privilege to enhance my financial knowledge and skills. The club’s commitment to providing practical, real-world insights and its focus on networking make it a remarkable and enriching experience.

Describe your biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far?
My biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far is reading the entire 10-K report of a company (more than once) for a class group project.

What surprised you the most about business school?
The intensity and the pace of the business school surprised me and took a few days to get used to, but with the support of my new friends (cohort) and dedicated faculty and staff, I have the tools I need to help me succeed in the program.

What are the top two items on your professional bucket list post your MBA?
1) Making a career switch to corporate finance or investment banking.
2) Securing a full-time position with an investment bank, such as Goldman Sachs or Morgan Stanley.

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