Atul Kumar Kar

Texas A&M University, Mays Business School

“My peers say I’m versatile; I’m curious like Sherlock. What could possibly go wrong?”

Hometown: Khurda, Odisha

Fun Fact About Yourself: I have learned dancing for 8 years.

Undergraduate School and Major: Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology, Computer Science & Engineering

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Deloitte, SAP Consultant

Aside from your classmates and location, what was the key part of the Mays MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? What drew me to the Mays Full-Time MBA program was the program’s dedication to a values-driven education and its strong, supportive culture. The prospect of not only gaining business acumen but also honing essential soft skills and internalizing the Aggie Core Values of Respect, Excellence, Leadership, Loyalty, Integrity, and Selfless Service deeply resonated with me. I believe these principles will not only guide me through my MBA journey but also serve as a foundation for my life beyond the program.

What course, club or activity excites you the most at Texas A&M Mays? I’m particularly excited about Dr. Oliva’s Operations Management course. His case-based teaching method encourages critical thinking and problem-solving, which I find incredibly engaging. Gaining a deep understanding of various approaches to tackling challenges will be invaluable during case practices and competitions I plan to participate. These problem-solving skills will be highly applicable in the corporate world, especially after completing my MBA.

Looking at your recruitment, what was the moment when you realized that Mays was the right graduate program for you? Why? The moment I knew the Mays Full-Time MBA program was the right fit for me was during my interactions with Texas A&M alumni and current students. Their willingness to engage and provide insightful advice truly highlighted the strength of the Aggie network. It was clear to me that this supportive community would be invaluable during my job search and internships. As they say, once an Aggie, always an Aggie!

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: My biggest career accomplishment was implementing a sophisticated credit card reconciliation system for a client in the fitness industry during my tenure at Deloitte. Despite having no prior background in finance, I took on the challenge of developing this complex system independently. The project was particularly demanding, as it required skills beyond my current role. However, with determination, the trust of my seniors and colleagues, and a problem-solving mindset, I successfully delivered an efficient interface. This achievement not only enhanced the client’s financial operations but also marked a significant milestone in my professional growth, earning me an award and a promotion.

What is your unique quality that will enable you to make a big contribution to the Class of 2026? Why? I’m a people’s person. I am passionate about getting to know others on a deeper level and building lasting relationships. In an MBA program, strong teamwork skills are essential for problem-solving, sharing valuable insights, demonstrating leadership, and bringing people together. I am confident that my ability to connect and work effectively with others will allow me to make a significant contribution to the Class of 2026.

Looking ahead two years, what would make your MBA experience successful? If I am able to not just learn about business but be able to relate to real-world problems and situations and apply my learnings such that they make a valuable impact, I would consider my MBA experience successful.