Richa Rishu

“I lead with passion and am led by passion to learn and achieve new milestones”

Hometown: Muzaffarpur, Bihar, India

Fun Fact About Yourself: I ride heavy motorcycles, and dancing has always been my first love. I always wanted to be professionally trained in jazz funk, so during the COVID-19 pandemic, I decided to take matters into my own hands and learn through YouTube. Over time, I became more accurate in my movements, meaning I got better at syncing my body with the music and connecting with the rhythm in a more precise way. I also learned to “lose myself” in the music, where it’s not about the steps anymore but about feeling the music deeply and letting it guide me. It’s been an amazing journey of self-expression and movement!

Undergraduate School and Major: L. N. Mishra College of Business Administration, business administration in marketing

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: HDFC Bank, Operations Manager

What were some of the key motivating factors behind pursuing your MBA, and why did this seem like the right time for you?

“Technical advancements,” like AI and data analytics are key factors for analyzing consumer and client behavior these days. After five years of professional experience, particularly in banking and relationship management, I felt the need to elevate my skill sets to reach leadership roles. Pursuing an MBA will allow me to deepen my understanding of these technical tools, enhance my proficiency in data-driven decision-making, and better integrate technology into business strategies. This blend of technical, business, and analytical growth makes an MBA the ideal next step to propel my career forward at this stage.

What are one or two key aspects of this MBA program that stood out among the others, and why were they so important to you?

One of the aspects that stood out in this MBA program is its strong focus on data analytics and its integration into business decision-making. Given my background in banking and relationship management, I’ve seen firsthand the importance of leveraging data for strategic insights. This program’s emphasis on data analytics, combined with advanced tools like AI and machine learning, will enhance my ability to analyze trends, forecast market behaviors, and make informed decisions—skills that are crucial in today’s rapidly evolving business landscape. Another standout feature of this MBA is its deep industry connections and focus on practical, real-world applications. The program’s access to industry leaders and opportunities to engage in live projects with top companies was especially appealing to me.

What club, activity, or experience at the school have you most enjoyed so far, and why?

While my courses officially started in fall 2024, my journey with UC Riverside started months ago through the Summer with UCR and Business Ready programs. These sessions gave me a glimpse of “life at UCR.” I thoroughly enjoyed each orientation session as they were informative, innovative, and fun. The Product Club and Student Ambassadors group are where my interests align. I love being part of a collaborative environment engaging in discussions about product development, strategy, and innovation, along with an ambassador leadership role.

What is your biggest accomplishment in your career so far?

Driven by curiosity and a risk-taking mindset, I was able to strategize an effective product launch plan and branding strategies for the banking organizations in my first job as an assistant manager in India. While curating marketing content, my focus was to create an innovative sales campaign that reflected customer insights and translated into successful outcomes for the client. I drafted personalized messages with some product launch gifts combined with a little ingenuity. The campaign was based on well-researched data and tailored to communicate to a high-profile target audience. The campaign enhanced sales productivity along with making the product relatable, helped amplify the positioning of the product branding with the target audience, and it paved the way for concentrated and customized sales efforts. The challenging domain and audience made this success an accomplishment.

What is one thing you have recently read, watched, or listened to that you would highly recommend to other prospective MBAs? Why?

I recently read The Lean Startup by Eric Ries, and I highly recommend it to other prospective MBAs. This book offers a refreshing perspective on how to approach business development and innovation, emphasizing the importance of iterative processes and validated learning. What I found particularly valuable is the way Ries breaks down complex concepts into actionable steps, making it applicable for startups and other organizations looking to innovate. The focus on building minimum viable products and using customer feedback to refine offerings resonates well with my background in operations, where efficiency and responsiveness are key. Reading this book has encouraged me to think more creatively about problem-solving and has reinforced the importance of agility in business. It’s a great resource for anyone looking to foster an entrepreneurial mindset, which is increasingly important in today’s fast-changing business landscape.

What are two things you have learned at your school that have surprised you so far – one academic and one non-academic?

As an operations manager in the banking sector with a background in business administration, I’ve already encountered some surprising insights during my time at school.

One surprising academic lesson has been the depth of data analytics in decision-making processes. While I always understood the importance of data, the advanced techniques we’re learning—like predictive analytics and machine learning—have shown me how powerful data can be in forecasting trends and enhancing operational efficiency. It’s reshaping how I think about strategy and decision-making in my current role.

On the non-academic side, I’ve been struck by the collaborative culture at my school. The emphasis on teamwork and peer learning has really opened my eyes to the value of diverse perspectives. Working with classmates from different backgrounds and industries has challenged my assumptions and helped me see problems in new ways, which is something I didn’t fully appreciate before. This experience has reinforced the importance of cross-functional collaboration, not just in operations but across any business function.

What has been the biggest epiphany you’ve gained about yourself or the world since you started your MBA program?

Since starting my MBA program, my biggest epiphany has been recognizing the interconnectedness of business disciplines and the importance of adaptability. Coming from an operations background, I often viewed my role as somewhat siloed — focused primarily on efficiency and process optimization. However, through my coursework and discussions with classmates, I’ve realized how crucial it is to integrate insights from marketing, finance, and strategy. This understanding has highlighted the need for a holistic approach to problem-solving. In today’s fast-paced environment, being adaptable and open to learning from different fields is essential for success. I’ve learned that collaboration and diverse perspectives can lead to more innovative solutions, and this has encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone, embracing new ideas and approaches. It’s a powerful reminder that continuous learning and flexibility are vital in both personal and professional growth.