Meet the MBA Class of 2025: Harkarn Singh Bains, University of Washington (Foster) by: Jeff Schmitt on July 25, 2024 | 157 Views July 25, 2024 Copy Link Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Email Share on LinkedIn Share on WhatsApp Share on Reddit Harkarn Singh Bains University of Washington, Foster School of Business “Empathetic and engaging organizer who loves to put people in a position to succeed.” Hometown: Seattle, Washington Fun Fact About Yourself: I am the director of a local non-profit organization for the Sikh Community based in Seattle, WA, named the Seattle Sikh Federation. Undergraduate School and Major: University of Washington – Bachelor of Science in Construction Management Most Recent Employer and Job Title: VECA Electric, Associate Project Manager What makes Seattle such a great place to earn an MBA? Seattle’s vibrant landscape is a gateway to diverse industries such as Technology, Aerospace, Manufacturing, and Venture Capital, largely due to Foster’s extensive and supportive alumni network. Beyond the professional opportunities, Seattle is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, boasting a wide array of activities from hiking to skiing. Speaking from my own experiences as a Seattle native, there’s truly nothing that compares to a summer in Seattle. Aside from your location and classmates, what was the key part of Washington Foster’s MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? Foster’s warm and welcoming culture truly shines. Being from Seattle and a UW alum, I knew the academic ropes, but stepping into graduate school felt like leaping into the unknown. I wasn’t sure I had what it took. However, Shannon O’Brien, the Associate Director of MBA Admissions, along with a few approachable second-year students, quickly made me feel at home and convinced me that I had something valuable to offer. They helped me shake off those nagging doubts of not belonging, well before my application was even in. Without their genuine support, I doubt I’d be sharing my story now. What course, club or activity have you enjoyed the most so far at Washington Foster? Finance with Professor Thomas Gilbert was a game-changer for me. As a first-generation college and graduate student, I’ve faced my fair share of learning curves, especially in financial literacy. Entering the MBA program, I aimed for a career in Finance, but it was Professor Gilbert’s class that truly opened my eyes to how much I didn’t know about the fundamentals of finance and the workings of money. Despite being one of the toughest classes I’ve ever tackled, it turned out to be one of the most rewarding learning experiences of my academic journey. Washington Foster operates off a philosophy of We>Me. Give us an example of how you’ve seen that among your classmates so far. In the current challenging economic climate, the MBA journey can seem even more daunting. However, my classmates and I have come together to form a robust support network. We actively share our interview experiences and have created a Slack channel dedicated to exchanging job opportunities. This collaborative effort ensures we support each other every step of the way and I am proud to be a part of a cohort who prioritizes one another. Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: One of my proudest career milestones was becoming the youngest Associate Project Manager at VECA Electric, (an electrical contractor founded in 1946). This achievement was made possible by the support of a dedicated group of superintendents and a senior project manager who recognized my dedication and provided opportunities for leadership growth. This role significantly contributed to my development both personally and professionally, inspiring me to further my ambitions through the Foster MBA program. Describe your biggest achievement in the MBA program so far: Becoming President of our MBA Association (MBAA). The Foster MBA program, and particularly my cohort, have been incredible pillars of support, wisdom, and opportunity for growth. I embraced the leadership role, feeling a deep sense of responsibility to enrich the Foster MBA experience. It’s my way of giving back, aiming to enhance our community’s journey so we can achieve greater heights together. What has been your best memory as an MBA so far? My best memory is one that continues to grow every day. My experience of learning from the diverse professional, cultural, and social landscapes of my cohorts has been profoundly enriching. As one of the younger members of my cohort and having spent my entire life in the Seattle area, I’ve realized the extent of the bubble of my upbringing. Learning from my peers has not only widened my perspectives but also enriched my comprehension of global economics, career dynamics, and political landscapes. DON’T MISS: MEET WASHINGTON FOSTER’S MBA CLASS OF 2025