2024 Best & Brightest Online MBA: Padmarchana Kandi, University of Illinois (Gies) by: Jeff Schmitt on July 07, 2024 | 2,874 Views July 7, 2024 Copy Link Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Email Share on LinkedIn Share on WhatsApp Share on Reddit Padmarchana Kandi University of Illinois Urbana Champaign – Gies College of Business iMBA “Creative thinker, embraces every failure as a stepping stone to success, persistent, fun-loving, and amiable.” Age: 42 Hometown: Hyderabad, India. Fun fact about yourself: I can speak 5 languages; 4 Indian and English. Undergraduate School and Degree: I completed my undergraduate studies at Karnataka University, India, followed by my first Master’s degree (MCA- Master of Computer Application) at Gulbarga University, also in India. I pursued an iMSM (MS in Management) and then stacked onto iMBA from the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign (UIUC). Where are you currently working? I am currently exploring new avenues to transition into Product Management while nurturing my entrepreneurial venture. This is a continuation of a business initiative I launched previously, which I had put on hold to focus on completing my MBA. What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career? Throughout my career, I have encountered a few unexpected pauses. These interludes became gateways for my discovery and growth. They led me to volunteer for a non-profit, where I contributed to meaningful causes, and to establish a business in the US, where I have been able to innovate and lead. The knowledge and the skills I have acquired through these experiences are invaluable and I consider these as my most significant professional achievements. Why did you choose this school’s online MBA program? Without any doubt, it was due to the University’s esteemed reputation of delivering academic excellence. What was your favorite part of being in an online MBA program? My favorite aspect of the program was engaging in lively discussions with professors and peers. These conversations, during live lectures and office hours, revolved around the latest industry developments and their connection to our coursework. This helped me to expand my knowledge base and understanding of the subject matter. My perspective broadened through various networking and interaction opportunities with peers from across the globe through the exchange of diverse experiences and insights. What was the most surprising thing about an online learning environment? The most surprising myth I discovered to be untrue was the difficulty of networking in an online setting. Contrary to expectations, I found it incredibly rewarding to connect and network with my peers. The team assignments were thoughtfully crafted to facilitate collaboration across various time zones. The program offered numerous opportunities from in-person engagement through local meetups, iConverge events, and immersions, to online study sessions and meetups, all of which were integral to the learning and networking process. How did your online experience compare with your in-the-classroom experience as an undergraduate student? Reflecting on my educational experiences, the transition from my undergraduate studies in India to the online learning environment in the US can be marked by a distinct shift in teaching methodologies. The American approach places a strong emphasis on deep comprehension and practical application of the material through assignments. This is complemented by a culture of robust discussion and thorough research, enhanced my learning experience. What is your best piece of advice to an applicant for thriving in an online MBA program? For anyone thinking about diving into an online MBA, here’s my two cents: embrace self-accountability. Success hinges on your commitment—how much time you dedicate to learning and the strategic selection of courses that complement your aspirations. It is important to have a clear vision of your post-graduation goals and ensure that the program’s offerings align with your career objectives. Pursue this path out of a genuine desire for growth and learning, not merely to fulfill someone else’s expectations. Remember, you are investing two-to-three precious years of your life, which will inevitably influence your journey. Hence, make sure this investment is a testament to your dedication and aligns with your career ambitions. How has your online education helped you in your current job? My online education has been instrumental in my role as a product intern at a startup. The comprehensive MBA curriculum equipped me with a nuanced understanding of product management ethics and practices, enabling me to make significant contributions. It has also provided me with a holistic perspective on business expansion and a deeper insight into various business strategies. This newfound knowledge has become a foundation of confidence, guiding me toward the next milestones in my professional journey. Did you earn a promotion while in the program or immediately after graduation? While I may not have received a promotion, the journey has been incredibly enriching. I have developed a holistic understanding of how to expand my business and gained valuable insights into various business elements that I was previously navigating through trial-and-error. This experience has bolstered my confidence, empowering me to take the next step forward and move closer to achieving my career aspirations. Why did you pursue an online MBA program instead of a full-time residential program? I chose to pursue an online MBA program due to its compelling offerings – access to world-class professors and high-quality course materials at an affordable price. The program’s structure allowed me the flexibility to study from home, eliminating the need to disrupt my current living situation. The payment options were flexible, providing me with the choice to pay fees in a manner that best suited my financial situation, rather than requiring a large sum upfront. The program also offers a generous five-year completion window, granting me the latitude to balance my studies with other personal and professional commitments. This combination of factors made the online MBA an ideal choice for advancing my education while maintaining my lifestyle. Number of Hours Per Week Spent on an Online MBA: 12-15 hours per week. What is your ultimate long-term professional goal? I aspire to be ambidextrous in my professional endeavors. My goal is to build innovative products that make a significant impact in the product management industry. Concurrently, I aim to flourish as an artpreneur, growing my enterprise to establish a platform and marketplace that empowers artists to become self-sustaining entrepreneurs in their own right. DON’T MISS: BEST & BRIGHTEST ONLINE MBAS: CLASS OF 2024