Pragnya Paramita Panda

University of North Carolina, Kenan-Flagler Business School

“Impact-driven individual striving to learn all things new about tech and the world around.”

Hometown: Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India

Fun Fact About Yourself: I can do an impromptu Bollywood dance routine on a whim.

Undergraduate School and Major: Institute of Technical Education and Research, Computer Science and Engineering

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Deloitte, Senior Consultant

Aside from your classmates, what was the key part of Kenan-Flagler’s MBA curriculum or programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? One of the key aspects of UNC Kenan-Flagler’s MBA program that stood out to me was the flexibility to choose and combine concentrations. This feature was pivotal in my decision to join UNC Kenan-Flagler because it allows me to tailor my MBA experience to align with my unique career aspirations.

Coming from a strong tech background with substantial experience in consulting, I have a passion for healthcare and a burgeoning interest in finance. UNC Kenan-Flagler provides the perfect environment for me to integrate my existing skills with my future interests. The school’s renowned finance program and robust healthcare concentration offer me the opportunity to craft a career trajectory that encompasses both my past experiences and my future goals.

At UNC Kenan-Flagler, I feel confident that I can blend my expertise and passions to forge a fulfilling career path.

What are some advantages you’ve seen in earning your MBA in Chapel Hill? UNC Kenan-Flagler is one of the top 20 business schools in the United States. With its extraordinary healthcare concentration curriculum, it is a perfect opportunity because of the vast number of companies that are in their backyard. Research Triangle Park is one of the largest research parks in the country. It has all of the companies – specifically biotech start-ups and life sciences and healthcare companies – in close proximity to UNC Kenan-Flagler. This will help in opening up the opportunities to ground my foot within the healthcare industry and providing ample opportunities to connect with industry leaders and explore various career paths.

What has been your first impression of the Kenan-Flagler MBA students and alumni you’ve met so far. Tell us your best Kenan-Flagler story so far. Although I hadn’t been on campus, my research into UNC Kenan-Flagler and my conversations with students and alumni have left a lasting impression on me. From the very start, I noticed a remarkable sense of community among students and alumni that truly sets UNC Kenan-Flagler apart.

In my pursuit of understanding more about the program, I reached out to several students and alumni on LinkedIn, asking about their experiences. One alum was incredibly proactive in responding to my queries, providing invaluable insights about the school and the curriculum. This support made me feel a part of the community even before I officially joined.

What stood out to me was how welcoming everyone was. I never felt like I was navigating this journey alone, despite being miles away from my roots. The UNC Kenan-Flagler network is not just tight-knit; it’s genuinely caring and committed to helping one another succeed. I’m excited to be part of Tar Heel community that prioritizes connection and support.

What course, club or activity excites you the most at Kenan-Flagler? I’m most excited about joining the Carolina Women in Business Club at UNC Kenan-Flagler. Collaborating with inspiring women business leaders promises to be a significant source of motivation for me. Additionally, the Global Immersion Elective (GIE) offers an incredible opportunity to travel, tackle global business challenges, and build a community with my peers.

As a Forte Fellow, I look forward to mentoring undergraduate women and supporting future female leaders. I am enthusiastic about the STAR program, as it allows me to apply classroom knowledge to real-world consulting projects. These experiences align perfectly with my passion for international business and my commitment to empowering women in business.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: The once-in-a-century pandemic put immense stress on our healthcare system stretching our facilities and our professionals to an extent that had never been witnessed before. Hospitals were overwhelmed, resources were stretched, and protocols were evolving.

I served as one of the lead solution architects tasked with strategizing and ramping up hospital operations in the United States for COVID-19. This project reinforced my commitment to making a meaningful difference in the world. Seeing our efforts contribute to saving lives and improving community well-being was a tangible outcome that heightened my sense of responsibility as a professional and a potential future leader.

I was one of the very few who got promoted to Senior Consultant at Deloitte in a crucial year. Possibly the same experience helped me receive an admission offer from UNC Kenan-Flagler along with being awarded with the prestigious Forte Fellowship.

Now, as I write my story for Poets and Quants, I reflect on how I always aspired to be featured here, marking a significant milestone in my journey.

What do you hope to do after graduation (at this point)? Post my UNC Kenan-Flagler MBA, I aim to strive for a leadership role in management consulting or any organization at the helm of making a change in people’s daily lives using technology. With a background in consulting, it has provided me with valuable skillsets to manage and coordinate with large set of teams and clients at the crucial setups of their transformational journeys to drive tangible results forward. I am excited about the opportunities and the challenges that lie ahead and would shape me as a multifaceted leader with a purpose.

DON’T MISS: MEET UNC KENAN-FLAGLER’S MBA CLASS OF 2026