Sunjan “Sunny” Ahmed

Rice University, Jones Graduate School of Business

“Global AWS go-to-market, cloud services revenue accelerator, mentor, M&A strategist, board advisor, allyship leader.”

Age: 42

Hometown: Austin, Texas

Fun fact about yourself: I was in an R&B/pop boy band in my undergraduate years at the University of Texas at Austin. After winning multiple talent shows across campus, we recorded a full studio album of originally produced and written songs.

Undergraduate School and Degree: The University of Texas at Austin for Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics and Post Graduate Program in Cloud Computing.

Where are you currently working? Amazon Web Services (AWS), Global Alliance Leader

What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career? I am incredibly proud of my global alliance team’s achievements at the 2023 AWS re: Invent Global Conference. Winning three prestigious AWS awards — ‘SI Partner of the Year,’ ‘Education Partner of the Year’ and ‘Sustainability Partner of the Year’ — was a career-defining moment. Our journey to securing these accolades required over a decade of relentless dedication from a diverse, globally-distributed team. Witnessing our efforts recognized on such a grand stage within the AWS community was an unparalleled honor. These achievements not only highlighted our team’s exceptional capabilities but also reaffirmed our leadership in innovation, education and sustainability within the cloud industry.

Why did you choose this school’s online MBA program? I chose Rice University’s Online MBA program due to its exceptional flexibility, rigorous curriculum, and esteemed reputation. Amidst a demanding career and life commitments, the program’s flexibility allowed me to tailor my pace of study to accommodate my professional responsibilities and personal life. Ranked #6 on “Poets & Quants Top Online MBA Business Schools,” Rice’s program offers a comprehensive curriculum with a strong emphasis on STEM-based topics across finance, consulting, entrepreneurship, and corporate strategy disciplines. Additionally, the opportunity to participate in Residential Intensive Weekend classes on campus provided invaluable in-person networking opportunities with fellow Rice MBA cohorts. I was also able to join in on several “Partio” gatherings at the Rice University campus that brought together full-time, evening, weekend, executive and online business students.

What was your favorite part of being in an online MBA program? My favorite aspect of the online MBA program at Rice University was its flexibility, which perfectly suited my demanding role at AWS. Being able to attend classes, join study groups, and engage in team meetings from anywhere globally, including airports and hotel rooms during travel, was essential for me. This flexibility enabled me to seamlessly integrate education into my rigorous schedule, making pursuing an MBA at a prestigious institution like Rice University possible despite my heavy travel commitments.

What was the most surprising thing about an online learning environment? The most surprising aspect of the online learning environment was the depth of connections it facilitated, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic. At Rice University, the caliber of professors, curriculum and fellow students exceeded expectations, setting a high standard for online education. Despite physical distance, the bonds forged with fellow Rice MBA students through virtual platforms like Zoom, Teams, WhatsApp, LinkedIn, email and text messaging were remarkably close. Additionally, Rice’s commitment to hosting regular in-person networking events proved invaluable in fostering meaningful connections, particularly for busy working professionals.

How did your online experience compare with your in-the-classroom experience as an undergraduate student? My undergraduate experience, spanning almost two decades before my MBA program at Rice University, contrasted significantly. At a large state school, classes often comprised dozens to hundreds of students, limiting interaction mainly to teaching assistants. Conversely, at Rice, professors hailed from top universities and many of them held senior positions in prominent companies. What stood out in the Rice Online MBA program was the approachability and accessibility of professors, who provided impactful mentorship and guidance. The caliber of Rice students was impressive, and I appreciated the passion exhibited by my fellow classmates throughout analytical class discussions of hundreds of case studies.

What is your best piece of advice to an applicant for thriving in an online MBA program? My top advice for thriving in an online MBA program is to embrace virtual networking and connections. Just like in a full-time, in-person program, students disperse geographically post-graduation. In an online MBA, you will practice networking virtually, connecting with peers from distant locations. The major advantage is time saved on commuting, which can be reinvested into learning or virtual networking, enhancing your overall experience and effectiveness.

How has your online education helped you in your current job? My online MBA education at Rice has equipped me with refined toolsets for quantitative analysis, business strategy, leadership, corporate finance, collaboration, and communication. I’m driven to leverage these skills to innovate, modernize GTM strategy, create value, and scale successful outcomes for customers and partners in the cloud consulting industry.

Did you earn a promotion while in the program or immediately after graduation? Yes. During my MBA at Rice, I experienced three promotions within two years. I began my Rice MBA experience as an individual contributor at AWS and the program facilitated my transition into an effective and impactful people leader over the last two years. I was able to achieve this success in my career while completing my Rice MBA, maintaining my ‘Dean’s Scholarship Award’ the entire 2+ years, and graduating with a 3.75 GPA. I am immensely proud of that!

Why did you pursue an online MBA program instead of a full-time residential program? Leading a large global alliance team at AWS requires constant availability and flexibility. The nature of my responsibilities often involves travel, unexpected meetings and addressing urgent matters across different global time zones. An online MBA program allowed me to access coursework and engage with professors and classmates from anywhere in the world, fitting seamlessly into my schedule without requiring me to be physically present on campus.

Secondly, the Rice Online MBA format offered a level of convenience that is unmatched by traditional residential programs. With the ability to access lectures, assignments, and collaborative discussions remotely, I was able to balance my professional commitments with my academic pursuits more effectively. This flexibility enabled me to manage my time efficiently and maximize productivity, essential qualities for success in my role at AWS.

Additionally, the Rice Online MBA program provided a unique opportunity to leverage technology and digital resources, aligning with the innovative culture and mindset of AWS. Through interactive online platforms, virtual simulations, and digital tools, I gained practical skills and insights relevant to the rapidly evolving business landscape, which directly benefitted my leadership role within my company.

Furthermore, pursuing an online MBA allowed me to demonstrate a commitment to lifelong learning and professional development, qualities that are highly valued within AWS and the broader technology industry. By continuously enhancing my knowledge and skills through a flexible and accessible program, I can stay ahead of industry trends, drive innovation, and contribute more effectively to the success of AWS, our customers and our partners.

Number of Hours Per Week Spent on an Online MBA: I dedicated approximately 20-25 hours per week to my Rice Online MBA program, including live class lectures, study groups, course readings and case study analysis.

What is your ultimate long-term professional goal? My ultimate long-term professional aspiration is to ascend to the position of CEO within a multi-billion-dollar technology corporation.

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