Teja Cherukuri

Santa Clara University, Leavey School of Business

“Healthcare consultant passionate about optimizing operations, enhancing patient care, and fostering innovation in the industry.”

Age: 27

Hometown: Hyderabad, India / Fremont, CA, USA

Fun fact about yourself:

In my spare time, I enjoy participating in a variety of hobbies, including hiking, playing tennis and pickleball, and reading. Most recently, I’ve been enjoying pottery and crafting ceramic pieces.

Undergraduate School and Degree: UC Santa Cruz. Molecular, Cell, and Developmental (MCD) Biology

Where are you currently working? Kaiser Permanente, Strategy Consultant

What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career? Spearheading a project that improved patient care efficiency by about 30%, which showcased both my leadership and problem-solving skills. This accomplishment required my involvement in both strategic planning and implementation while also effectively communicating and collaborating with team members, and ultimately led to positive results for patient care.

Why did you choose this school’s online MBA program? There are two reasons why I chose the Leavey Online MBA program at Santa Clara University: reputation and flexibility. Santa Clara University has a strong reputation for ethical leadership, which is crucial in the healthcare industry, especially now as digital changes are poised to potentially disrupt it. Additionally, the flexibility of an online format allowed me to continue working while pursuing my MBA and made it the ideal choice for advancing my career without interrupting it.

What was your favorite part of being in an online MBA program?

My favorite part of being in the Leavey Online MBA program was the opportunity to collaborate with professionals across the country from diverse backgrounds and industries. I built a formal knowledge base of business principles and developed my business acumen while working on a diverse range of projects with my classmates, all of whom had unique perspectives from their range of professional experiences. My professors also played a large role in enriching my learning experience with their insights. Overall, I expanded not only my understanding but also the application of business concepts.

What was the most surprising thing about an online learning environment? The most surprising aspect of the online learning environment was the level of interaction and engagement that could be achieved despite not being physically present in a classroom setting. Through video conferences, discussion boards, and virtual group activities, I was able to establish meaningful connections with both classmates and professors, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie that I hadn’t anticipated.

How did your online experience compare with your in-the-classroom experience as an undergraduate student? While both online and in-classroom experiences have their merits, choosing the online experience for my graduate degree offered me far more flexibility and convenience without sacrificing any of the quality. As an undergraduate student, I appreciated the face-to-face interactions with peers and professors, as it held me more accountable at a younger age. However, as a graduate student, I found that I could manage my time more effectively while still engaging in lively discussions, participating in virtual office hours, and dedicating myself to challenging coursework.

What is your best piece of advice to an applicant for thriving in an online MBA program? Stay organized, set clear goals, and actively participate in discussions and networking opportunities. Establishing a routine and allocating dedicated time for coursework each week was essential as I managed competing priorities. This included work deadlines, leading Leavey’s Graduate Women in Business Club as the president, and maintaining personal commitments. Additionally, don’t hesitate to reach out to professors and classmates for support and collaboration—it’s amazing how much you can learn from others in a virtual environment!

How has your online education helped you in your current job? Pursuing a Leavey MBA has significantly enhanced my skill set and strategic thinking abilities, directly benefiting my transition to my new role as a managerial consultant. The knowledge and insights gained from the program have allowed me to approach projects and challenges with a more holistic perspective, leading to more effective decision-making and innovative solutions that drive positive outcomes.

Why did you pursue an online MBA program instead of a full-time residential program? I chose to pursue an online MBA program instead of a full-time residential program primarily for the flexibility it offered. As a working professional with established responsibilities, the online format allowed me to continue working while advancing my education, without having to put my career on hold or relocate for a traditional on-campus program.

Number of Hours Per Week Spent on an Online MBA: On average, I dedicated approximately 20-25 hours per week to my online MBA coursework. Balancing my professional commitments with academic responsibilities required careful time management and prioritization, but the flexibility of the online format allowed me to customize my study schedule to fit my personal and professional needs.

What is your ultimate long-term professional goal? My ultimate long-term professional goal is to leverage my expertise in healthcare management to drive strategic change in the industry, specifically in creating health equity and improving access to quality care. Whether through executive leadership roles, entrepreneurship, consulting, or non-profit work, I aspire to be a catalyst for innovation and improvement, ultimately contributing to the delivery of high-quality, accessible healthcare services on a global scale.

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