Arpit Arya

Washington University in St. Louis, Olin Business School

“From optimizing global operations to preserving Punjabi literature, I blend strategy, innovation, and purpose to drive meaningful impact.”

Hometown: Khemkaran, Punjab, India

Fun fact about yourself: I’m on a quest to visit the top 10 bookstores around the globe, and I’ve already checked three off my list.

Undergraduate School and Degree: Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology, India and Mechatronics Engineering

Where was the last place you worked before enrolling in business school? Alstom Transport, Project Engineering Manager – Brakes System

Where did you intern during the summer of 2024? Tesla (Operations Management Intern) – Reno, Nevada

Where will you be working after graduation? Undecided

Community Work and Leadership Roles in Business School:

1. Center for Experiential Learning Scholar
2. Bauer Leadership Center Associate
3. President – Supply Chain and Operations Association
4. Dean’s Scholar
5. Peer Coach – Center for Career Engagement
6. Volunteer – Olin Cares
7. Values Based Data Driven Scholarship
8. Vice President – Olin India Club

Which academic or extracurricular achievement are you most proud of during business school? I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to begin my journey as a team lead at the Center for Experiential Learning. This role allowed me to consult for a local restaurant group, optimizing their operations and streamlining business practices. This foundational experience not only honed my consulting skills, but also set the stage for my growth as an MBA scholar.  In my second year, I transitioned into a mentoring role, guiding 3-4 teams each semester and fostering their development.

By the time I graduate, I will have contributed to six diverse projects, collaborating with both renowned brands and local St. Louis organizations. These projects span industries such as pet food, automotive, apparel, and non-profits. The most fulfilling aspect of this journey has been empowering both clients and peers to achieve their goals. Through experiential learning programs, I have helped clients tackle complex challenges while enabling my teammates to grow professionally.

Along this journey, I have also experienced significant personal and professional growth. I have learned invaluable lessons about leadership, collaboration, and problem-solving, which have not only enhanced my skills but also shaped my perspective on what it means to be a successful leader. Watching clients meet their objectives and seeing peers evolve has been immensely rewarding. Contributing to their success fuels my passion for creating meaningful impact and fostering growth in others. This journey has solidified my commitment to delivering results that matter while uplifting those around me.

What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career? One of my most unforgettable professional achievements happened back in 2018, when my team delivered a record-breaking 26-day testing timeline for the first WAG12 locomotive. This was a remarkable 65% reduction compared to the standard 75-day timeline. As a new graduate Validation Engineer stationed in a remote village near Madhepura, Bihar, I was immersed in a high-pressure environment with significant resource constraints. Our team of eight worked tirelessly, often around-the-clock, to meet the rigorous demands of this high-stakes project. This locomotive was the first out of a fleet of 800, and the culmination of our efforts came when we witnessed the first wheel movement of the locomotive —a moment of pure elation and indescribable pride. This achievement not only showcased our dedication and teamwork, but also underscored the power of perseverance in overcoming challenges. The WAG12 locomotives, now integral to India’s transportation landscape, are transforming freight movement, enhancing efficiency, and driving sustainable supply chain practices, making this milestone even more rewarding. This experience solidified my understanding of the profound impact that commitment, collaboration, and innovation can have on both personal growth and broader industry transformation.

Why did you choose this business school? I chose WashU Olin Business School primarily because of its exceptional focus on experiential learning, which I view as a true “playground” for applying business concepts in real- world settings. Opportunities like the Boeing Center, CEL Practicums, and the Skandalaris Center provide hands-on experiences that allow students to directly engage with complex problems and organizations. This approach is crucial for me, as it enables the bridging of theory and practice in a dynamic and impactful way. Being able to test and refine ideas in such a collaborative environment will not only deepen my business acumen, but also equip me with the skills to deliver innovative solutions in my future career.

Who was your favorite MBA professor? My favorite MBA professor is John Horn, and I give him complete credit for igniting my passion for economics. His teaching style is truly impeccable, particularly his ability to nudge students to think from the perspective of every CXO in his managerial economics course. This unique approach not only deepened my understanding of economic principles but also challenged me to consider the broader strategic implications for businesses. So intrigued by his teaching, I enrolled in The Global Economy and Macroeconomics courses, which further expanded my perspective. It taught me how both external and internal factors intricately shape business decisions and how essential it is to pre-emptively plan and adapt to an ever-changing environment.

What was your favorite course as an MBA? My favorite course was Decisions: Data and Values, taught by Professor Samuel Chun. His approach of thoughtfully selecting case studies that built upon one another throughout the course was particularly impactful. By the end, he skilfully connected the dots through rigorous quantitative and qualitative analysis, providing us with fresh perspectives on how to approach complex problems and creative ways to solve them. Professor Chun’s course felt like a sage imparting timeless business wisdom, illustrating how macro-level business challenges are common, yet every micro-level problem is unique. While the lectures were dense, each session offered valuable takeaways that deepened my understanding and broadened my approach to decision-making. His ability to blend theory with real-world application left a lasting impression on me.

What was your favorite MBA event or tradition at your business school? Thursdays After Class (THAC) is a cherished tradition at Olin—an informal gathering where both cohorts come together over light food and drinks in the serene courtyard of Simon Hall. It’s more than just a social event; it’s a space for raw, unfiltered conversations about careers, coursework, and the diverse backgrounds we all bring to the table. These interactions not only strengthen the bonds within our close-knit community, but also expand our professional networks in a meaningful way. As the icing on the cake, THAC celebrates global flavors, offering dishes from different countries— delighting our taste buds and enriching our culinary experiences.

Looking back over your MBA experience, what is the one thing you’d do differently and why? The one thing I will do differently is participate in more case competitions and events at other business schools. I believe that connecting with peers beyond WashU and learning about their journeys will help me broaden my horizons, expand my network, and share our experiences. In the last few months of my MBA, I will try to make the most of it.

What movie or television show (e.g. The Big Short, The Founder, Mad Men, House of Lies) best reflects the realities of business, and what did you learn from it? For me, Silicon Valley brilliantly captures the nuances of tech startups—how to secure funding, scale, and navigate intense competition. It reiterates the volatility of startups, where strategic decision-making, adaptability, and stakeholder management are crucial. The show also reveals the power dynamics in venture capital and the ethical dilemmas of innovation. From a consulting lens, it underscores the need for scalability, performance metrics, and a strong value proposition to stay competitive in a dynamic market.

What is one way that your business school has integrated AI into your programming? What insights did you gain from using AI? WashU Olin has actively integrated AI into its programming through courses, research, and experiential learning. One standout example is the AI for Managers course, which demystifies AI, helping MBA students understand its applications and business impact.

Additionally, experiential learning programs like CELect allow students to engage with AI-driven startups, applying AI insights to real-world challenges. The key takeaway for me is that AI is a tool for augmentation, not replacement—when leveraged strategically, it drives efficiency and innovation while requiring responsible oversight.

Which MBA classmate do you most admire? I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of this amazing cohort, but one peer I truly admire is Carlos Morantes. His insightful and thought-provoking questions in class consistently sparked meaningful discussions and deepened our collective understanding. Beyond academics, Carlos exemplifies an inspiring balance between his studies, family, and career—something I aspire to achieve, even if I manage to accomplish half of what he does. Moreover, his generosity in helping cohort members navigate cultural transitions and guiding us in our career journeys has made a lasting impact. His mentorship and support have been invaluable to my success.

What are the top two items on your professional bucket list?

1. Enhancing Public Transportation Accessibility for Specially-Abled Individuals in the U.S. I aim to drive initiatives that make public transit more inclusive, ensuring seamless mobility solutions for specially abled individuals through policy advocacy, infrastructure improvements, and technology-driven innovations.

2. Expanding Gurshaahi ‘s Impact on Punjabi Literature. As the Co-Founder of Gurshaahi, I am committed to preserving and globalizing Punjabi literature by growing our international community, digitizing rare literary works, and establishing more rural libraries to enhance access to Punjab’s rich literary heritage.

What made Arpit such an invaluable addition to the Class of 2025?

“Arpit was an invaluable member of the Class of 2025 because of the diverse set of skills he brought to the cohort. I was fortunate to have Arpit in three different courses – one a core requirement and the other two electives. Arpit’s background as an engineer comes through in the way his mind structures problems and works through analysis to arrive at a conclusion. He is very clear in his questions and explanations, regardless of whether it is operational microeconomics (where his background strengths lie), or in global economics and macroeconomics. Arpit relies on a mix of “hard” data and experience: He would often bring into the discussion his experiences to make the abstract concepts come alive.

What really stood out to me, however, was how flexible Arpit was in his thought processes. Instead of having a rigid framework and world view in which everything had to fit, Arpit was able to hear my responses to his questions and suggestions, incorporate that information to ask follow-up questions, and then come to a conclusion after considering the various sides presented. He didn’t always default to accepting a new answer, but he would change his viewpoint to some degree more often than not. This has been especially invaluable as Scholar helping advise other student-led consulting teams in Olin’s Center for Experiential Learning. Being able to listen to the team and offer constructive feedback helps them learn, as well as helps the clients achieve their objectives.

Finally, Arpit is a champion of DEI initiatives at Olin, which is especially important given the composition of the cohort. His willingness to listen, incorporate, and re-analyze shows how he lives these values. It’s not enough to just say you support others from various backgrounds and perspectives; actions have to match those statements.

I, and Olin, have been very fortunate to have had Arpit in the Class of 2025, and we can’t wait to see all his future accomplishments.”

John Horn
Professor of Practice, Economics

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