Anvesh Jagini

University of Rochester, Simon Business School

“A problem-solver who loves collaboration, logic and laughter, and board games.”

Hometown: Hyderabad, India

Fun fact about yourself: My first paycheck came from secretly critiquing million-dollar sports car stores as a mystery shopper! Talk about a thrilling way to begin earning a living.

Undergraduate School and Degree:
Master’s in Aerospace Engineering, University of South Carolina
Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering, Jawaharlal Nehru Tech University

Where was the last place you worked before enrolling in business school? Lead Engineer at Spirit Pharmaceuticals

Where did you intern during the summer of 2023? McKinsey & Company in New York

Where will you be working after graduation? Associate, McKinsey & Company

Community Work and Leadership Roles in Business School: VP – Consulting Club, VP – UNcorked, Benet Career Peer, Admissions Ambassador

Which academic or extracurricular achievement are you most proud of during business school? Out of all the opportunities I’ve had at Simon, being a Benet Career Peer makes me the proudest. Helping students through networking, applications, and interviews and then to hear their excited follow-up, landing the dream job, and attributing part of their success to our sessions—that’s a memory I’ll cherish forever. It’s these moments of connection and impact that make everything so fulfilling.

What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career? Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to contribute to various projects that I absolutely value. However, the achievement I’m most proud of comes from my time at Spirit Pharmaceuticals during the COVID-19 pandemic. During this challenging period, I played a key role in maintaining safe operations while simultaneously overseeing the expansion of our manufacturing facilities by 200%. This required not only technical expertise but also strong leadership and collaboration skills. These enabled me to navigate unprecedented circumstances and ensure the well-being of our workforce while fulfilling our critical mission. It stands out as a testament to my ability to thrive under pressure and deliver impactful results under challenging circumstances.

Why did you choose this business school? Simon’s close-knit community instantly stood out. I wasn’t just drawn to friendly faces, but to genuine connections fostered between students, faculty, and staff. There’s a palpable sense of support and shared purpose all around. Knowing almost everyone creates a welcoming environment where learning extends beyond the classroom, setting the stage for genuine collaboration and lifelong relationships.

Who was your favorite MBA professor? Heikki Rantakari. Heikki was our first professor coming into business school and he made learning fun for me. He introduced me to the fascinating world of game theory and pricing, sparking my interest in these areas and leading me to explore them further through additional coursework.

What was your favorite course as an MBA? Game Theory. It was like someone finally gave a rulebook to my lifelong obsession with board games and strategy! Analyzing bluffs, predicting moves, optimizing outcomes—it was pure intellectual fuel for this strategy nerd.

What was your favorite MBA event or tradition at your business school? Fall Ball wasn’t just my favorite event; it embodied the spirit of our business school. We combined competitive and fun spirit with social responsibility—the event proceeds and silent auction raises money for Simon Volunteers’ annual Secret Santa program—all while indulging in our inner child at the Museum of Play. Also witnessing the joy on the faces of the adults playing like children is always special.

Looking back over your MBA experience, what is the one thing you’d do differently and why? Honestly, nothing. I’ve come to business school with a very open mind and given everything that I’ve wanted to try at least a chance. I’ve put myself out there and that brought me to where I am currently, which I love. So, no regrets.

What did you love most about your business school’s town? Rochester surprised me with its rich tapestry of offerings! Beyond the proximity to the stunning Finger Lakes with scenic hikes, beautiful waterfalls, and charming vineyards, I enjoyed Rochester’s arts scene and fun culinary options. The perfect blend of natural beauty and urban energy provided a great escape from the busy study days.

Which MBA classmate do you most admire? Rudjy Ponceja. I’d vote for him to win “Most Likely to Brighten Your Day (and Help You Ace That Assignment)”! Seriously, this guy is like a human sunshine machine, always down to lend a hand (or an insightful study guide). I thought I was a decent friend until I met Rudjy, then realized my “helpful” skills were more like training wheels compared to his turbo-charged kindness engine. He’s the kind of person who makes you want to be a better friend, a braver adventurer, and an all-around more awesome human.

What are the top two items on your professional bucket list?

Leading the Sustainable Revolution: I aspire to become a renowned sustainability ambassador—the go-to resource as a consultant for companies seeking guidance on implementing eco-friendly operations.

Building Bridges, Building Belonging: In a world yearning for connection, I dream of launching a thriving community-building firm. This venture would empower adults in urban environments to discover and engage with local communities, fostering meaningful connections and combating loneliness.

What made Anvesh such an invaluable addition to the Class of 2024?

“Anvesh’s mantra is to take advantage of every opportunity available. An advisor said, “It isn’t about a résumé builder—Anvesh seeks new challenges because he is curious. He then puts in the time to learn from those experiences.” This shows in the array of his professional experiences: aerospace engineering, pharmaceutical packaging, and hospitality. Anvesh states, “my curiosity and breadth of knowledge aligns with my next professional position, since consulting demands the quick understanding of many things all at once.” Following a successful summer internship in 2023, Anvesh will return to McKinsey & Company upon graduation.

Before obtaining a master’s in aerospace engineering at University of South Carolina, while finishing his Bachelor of Technology degree in mechanical engineering at Jawaharial Nehru Technology University, Anvesh accomplished two monumental goals. First, he founded, renovated, and managed a 90-seat restaurant which was named Best New Restaurant by the Catering Association of Hyderabad, India. Second, while managing a team of 400 volunteers teaching over 800 orphans, his team achieved a fundraising goal of INR 3 million in support of India’s second largest non-profit in education. “This experience is where my love of operations derives,” he told me.

Anvesh seeks to bring people together. His official leadership roles at Simon include serving as a board member of Simon Consulting Club and Simon UNcorked, and as a Benet Career Peer Advisor and Admissions Ambassador. Anvesh is a member of the Simon team invited to participate in the coveted 2024 John C. Lewis Case Competition. He is seen as an informal motivator and mentor by his peers. “There have been times I needed help, but there was none. I know how it feels to need support,” he said. “So, I watch and engage in opportunities where I know my assistance will make a difference for someone.”

Fluent in six languages, Anvesh has a love of food and established a supper club with friends in NYC “to unite diverse communities through food and conversation.” His self-described title of “passionate cook” is perhaps influenced by his parents’ long history in the food industry.

With Anvesh, Simon is a better place. I look forward to witnessing his career trajectory, for wherever he goes, that community will surely benefit exponentially.”

Dennis Proulx
Assistant Dean of Students

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