Snehal Chitalia

Harvard Business School

“Professional amusement park hopper on the hunt for the best apple π ”

Hometown: Foothill Ranch, California

Fun Fact About Yourself:  I grew up with a family ceramic shop, so I painted ceramics almost every day for 5 straight years

Undergraduate School and Major: UCLA, Applied Mathematics

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: The Walt Disney Company, Global Product Marketing Manager

What makes the case method so attractive as a means to learn and become a better manager? What excites me about the case method is that it guides us to articulate clear, compelling arguments on the spot – even in situations where we might feel unprepared or outside of our comfort zone. It’s amazing how 94 of us, all working with the same cases and data, can approach a single question from so many unique perspectives. Our peers and professors constantly challenge us to evaluate arguments that differ from our own, helping us grow into leaders who can think strategically while acting with empathy.

Aside from your classmates and cases, what was the key part of Harvard Business School’s MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? I had always known of the notable curriculum that HBS’s program offered. After I was admitted, I realized that even though this is a large school, it is also very tight-knit and connected. This was particularly true based on how supportive the alumni, current students, and faculty were in my personal career journey. From media executives to current students reaching out to congratulate me and offer me advice, I knew I would continue to have an incredible community that will be there for me long after I graduate. It is a community that cares about me as a human, that wants to guide and mentor me so that I can accomplish all of my goals and aspirations.

What course, club, or activity excites you the most at Harvard Business School? The course I’ve been most excited to take is The Business of Entertainment, Media, and Sports with Professor Anita Elberse. Even before deciding to pursue an MBA, I knew of Anita’s reputation for creating unparalleled learning experiences by fostering discussions between students and prominent entertainers, athletes, and media leaders. Having spent the past few years working with a range of entertainment studios across Los Angeles, I’ve witnessed firsthand the rapid evolution of the industry. Anita is not only an undisputed expert in this space, but also a personal role model whose work inspires me. I cannot wait to learn from her firsthand how to challenge conventions, drive innovation in a legacy industry, and lead with purpose to create meaningful change.

When you think of Harvard Business School, what is the first word that comes to mind? Why? Boundless. At HBS, we are given not only hope but also the confidence that we can achieve anything we want to – and I truly believe it. With the school’s amazing faculty, endless resources, and incredible community of students and alumni, we are constantly motivated to think outside of the box and beyond what we think is possible.

Looking at your recruitment, what was the moment when you realized Harvard Business School was the right program for you? Why? I realized HBS was the perfect program for me during my first class visit at Admitted Students Welcome. The moment I walked into the classroom, the energy was electric—vibrant, engaging, and full of excitement. Watching the dynamic interactions between the students and the professor, I was inspired by the depth of ideas and how thoughtful the conversation was. It was clear I needed to come here – this environment would challenge and motivate me to grow into the best version of myself and the most impactful leader I could be.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: Getting the chance to launch so many “firsts” for Disney+. I was fortunate to join Disney Streaming during a period of rapid growth for The Walt Disney Company. This allowed me the opportunity to not only have a lot more responsibility than I could have imagined, but also provided me the freedom to pitch and execute my own ideas across the broader company. From launching our Disney+ Ad plans all around the world to providing special access consumer products to our subscribers through Disney+, it was cool to lead so many go-to-market plans for the company I dreamed of working at my whole life.

Describe your biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far? Constantly stepping outside of my comfort zone. I’m lucky to be surrounded by such brilliant, accomplished, and diverse individuals from all over the world, their distinct outlooks and unwavering drive pushing me to broaden my horizons and embrace new ways of thinking. I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to learn from them and the lasting impact they have had on my personal and professional growth.

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into Harvard Business School’s MBA program? Be genuine and true to yourself. The admissions committee truly wants to get to know you, your passions, and your perspective. By demonstrating how your passions have motivated you to create a meaningful impact – whether in your career, personal life, or community – you can show them firsthand your potential as a leader to make a difference at both HBS and beyond.

If you are a prospective applicant but are hesitant to apply because you have a non-traditional background, I still highly encourage you to go for it! Don’t compare yourself to others and get in your head – everyone has something special to contribute and HBS genuinely appreciates what makes you different.

DON’T MISS: MEET HARVARD BUSINESS SCHOOL’S MBA CLASS OF 2026