Bhumika Agarwal

University of North Carolina, Kenan-Flagler Business School

“Curious, boundary-pushing Tar Heel who thrives on problem-solving, innovation and whipping up intuitive meals!”

Hometown: Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, India

Fun fact about yourself: I have a knack for accidentally becoming part of other people’s big moments – especially food testing and tasting ones. One time, I was at a restaurant when the chef came out, saw me enjoying my meal and decided to make me a special off-menu dish just because I “looked like I appreciated good food.” At this point, I’ve accepted that if there’s good and free food involved, I’m definitely in the right place!

Undergraduate School and Degree: Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology, Patiala, Electronics and Computer Science Engineering (ENC)

Where was the last place you worked before enrolling in business school? JPMorgan Chase & Co. in Bengaluru, India, Associate

Where did you intern during the summer of 2024? L.E.K. Consulting – Boston, Massachusetts, Summer Consultant

Where will you be working after graduation? L.E.K. Consulting, Boston, consultant

Community Work and Leadership Roles in Business School:

• Forté Foundation
• MBA Ambassador President and Campus Visit Program Coordinator
• Co-VP of Core Student Groups Case Families (L&D), Consulting Club
• VP of Learning & Development, Carolina Disability Alliance
• Mentor, Analytics Club
• First-Year Liaison – Consulting Club, Carolina Women in Business, Business Technology Club, Analytics Club
• Graduate Resource/Teaching Assistant: Business Communications

Which academic or extracurricular achievement are you most proud of during business school? One of the achievements I’m most proud of during business school is my role as a Campus Visit Program (CVP) Coordinator, which allowed me to shape the prospective student experience and strengthen the UNC Kenan-Flagler community in a meaningful way. I wanted every visitor to feel welcomed, informed, and truly excited about the program. It was an active role specializing in organizing campus visits, facilitating connections between prospects and students, and ensuring that each person walked away with a genuine understanding of what makes UNC Kenan-Flagler special.

The best part? Seeing students I once welcomed as visitors return as classmates—a full-circle moment that made me realize just how impactful those visits could be. More than just planning logistics, this role was about mentorship, connection, and making people feel like they already belonged. It wasn’t just about showing them the school—it was about helping them picture their future here. Knowing I played a small part in someone else’s MBA journey has been incredibly rewarding, and I’m proud to have helped create a community where students feel at home before they even step on campus as official Tar Heels.

What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career? If I were to name one it would be landing a role at L.E.K. Consulting—not just because of the prestige, but because of what it represents. Getting here took a mix of strategic preparation, resilience, and a whole lot of learning along the way. From refining my problem-solving skills to mastering case interviews, every step pushed me to think sharper, work smarter, and trust my instincts.

More than just a career milestone, this achievement is about the opportunity to make an impact—working on high-stakes challenges, collaborating with brilliant minds, and helping businesses solve urgent and complex problems. It’s exciting to step into an environment where I’ll get to learn, grow, and contribute in meaningful ways—and I can’t wait to see where this journey takes me!

Why did you choose this business school? There were multiple reasons I chose UNC Kenan-Flagler. If I had to highlight just one it would be the intentionally small class size, which fosters a close-knit, supportive community unlike any other. I wanted an MBA experience where I wouldn’t just be another face in a large lecture hall, but rather part of a network where meaningful relationships could be built—both professionally and personally. This environment has allowed me to truly connect with peers, professors, and alumni, creating a strong foundation of trust, collaboration and shared success. Whether it’s brainstorming case solutions, preparing for interviews, or simply grabbing coffee to catch up, there’s always a genuine sense of camaraderie and support.

It’s all about the Carolina Way—where everyone is genuinely invested in helping each other grow, lifting one another up, and ensuring no one walks this journey alone. At UNC Kenan-Flagler, this isn’t just a mindset—it’s a way of life, embraced by everyone. The friendships and connections I’ve built here will continue to be a source of guidance, encouragement and opportunity throughout my career, and that genuine community spirit is exactly why UNC Kenan-Flagler was the perfect choice for me.

What was your favorite course as an MBA? Without a doubt, Thinking and Communicating with Data (TCD) was one of the most impactful courses of my MBA journey. This course wasn’t just about analyzing data—it was about transforming complex information into clear, persuasive narratives, a skill that is essential in consulting – nay any job.

TCD equipped me with the ability to structure impactful stories, design effective PowerPoint decks, and present insights with clarity and confidence. These skills proved invaluable across my MBA coursework, case interviews, and client-facing projects. In consulting, the ability to distil large amounts of data into key takeaways and deliver them effectively is a core competency, and this course provided a structured, hands-on approach to mastering it. Beyond the classroom, the lessons from TCD continue to shape the way I think, communicate, and problem-solve. It reinforced that strong analytical skills are only as powerful as one’s ability to communicate them effectively—a lesson that will be central to my consulting career. If there’s one course I’d recommend to every MBA student, it’s this one.

Looking back over your MBA experience, what is the one thing you’d do differently and why? I wouldn’t change much but if there’s one thing, I’d do a little differently, it would be participating more in social events. The MBA experience is more than just academics and career preparation—it’s a unique blend of learning, networking, and building lifelong friendships. While I focused heavily on academics and career opportunities, I realized that some of the most valuable connections and memorable moments happen outside the classroom—at mixers, trips, and casual get-togethers. The MBA is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and if I could do it again, I’d make sure to fully embrace every aspect of it—career, networking, and the social side that makes it all the more special.

What did you love most about your business school’s town? What I love most about Chapel Hill is how effortlessly it blends small-town charm with big energy. It’s a place where you can grab a quiet coffee and a book at Epilogue, but also celebrate a Tar Heels’ win on Franklin Street like it’s the biggest night of the year. The town has this welcoming, laid-back vibe that makes you feel at home the moment you arrive.

The food scene? Evolving and surprisingly amazing for a college town. But what truly makes Chapel Hill special is the people. There’s a warmth and friendliness here that’s hard to describe, whether it’s chatting with a local business owner, bumping into professors at a coffee shop, or just walking around campus and seeing familiar faces. It’s a town where community matters, and that sense of connection is what I’ll miss most.

Chapel Hill isn’t just the backdrop for my MBA—it’s the first place I truly settled in and called home in the United States, making it feel like a second home in every sense. No matter where life takes me, a part of me will always be a Tar Heel.

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? If there’s one show that captures the fast-paced, high-stakes nature of business, it’s Suits. While set in corporate law, it mirrors the world of consulting and leadership—navigating complex deals, managing client relationships, and making strategic decisions under pressure. The biggest lesson? Adaptability and critical thinking are everything. Just like Harvey Specter and Mike Ross, business leaders need to think on their feet, find creative solutions, and confidently back their decisions with data and logic—especially when the stakes are high.

Beyond strategy, Suits highlights the power of relationships and mentorship. Harvey and Mike prove that success isn’t just about individual brilliance—it’s about having the right people in your corner. No matter how tough the situation, they always have each other’s backs, showing that trust, loyalty, and collaboration are just as important as skill. Whether negotiating deals or managing tough situations, the show is a reminder that in business, resilience, persuasion and strong connections can make all the difference.

What is one way that your business school has integrated AI into your programming? What insights did you gain from using AI? UNC Kenan-Flagler has fully embraced AI integration across its curriculum, ensuring students are equipped with the latest tools and insights to stay ahead in today’s rapidly-evolving business landscape. Courses like AI Entrepreneurship and Data Science and Artificial Intelligence in Business, taught by Professors Mark McNeilly and Daniel Ringel, provide hands-on experience in leveraging AI for decision-making, strategy, and innovation. These classes expose students to generative AI, machine learning applications, and AI-driven business models, helping bridge the gap between theory and real-world execution.

Beyond specialized AI courses, every professor has adapted their curriculum to incorporate AI-driven insights, case studies, and tools. Whether in marketing, finance, strategy, or operations, faculty members have transformed their pedagogical approach to ensure students understand how AI is reshaping industries. This shift isn’t just about learning AI—it’s about understanding how to apply it strategically in business settings. More than anything, UNC Kenan-Flagler has made AI feel less intimidating and more like a tool we should all get comfortable with. The focus isn’t on learning AI just for the sake of it, but on understanding how to actually use it—whether that’s improving decision-making, making work more efficient, or just keeping up with how businesses are evolving. AI is here to stay, and thanks to these courses, I feel much more prepared to use it smartly rather than fear it.

Which MBA classmate do you most admire? The MBA classmate I most admire is Manali Nayan Karnik. She is the definition of smart, ambitious, and driven, balancing her own rigorous coursework while always making time to support those around her. As an accounting whiz, she doesn’t just excel in the subject—she actively helps others master it too, tutoring undergrads and patiently guiding classmates through complex concepts.

Beyond academics, Manali is also an incredible friend—the kind of person who lifts others up, offers thoughtful advice, and is always there when you need her. Whether she’s tackling a tough case, mentoring students, or just being a source of positivity, her dedication and generosity stand out. She’s someone I truly admire, and I have no doubt she’s going to make a huge impact in whatever she does next. 

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

* I want to build a consulting firm that empowers small- and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) in India by providing strategic guidance, data-driven decision-making, and operational support, bridging the gap for high-potential SMEs that lack access to structured consulting and helping them scale, innovate, and compete effectively.

* Balance professional excellence with personal well-being. To me, success means driving meaningful change while maintaining a fulfilling life, making a lasting impact in consulting, leadership or entrepreneurship without burnout.

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

“Bhumika has been an absolute gem in the UNC Kenan-Flagler MBA Class of 2025. Her leadership in the Admissions Ambassador Program has truly made her an invaluable part of the community. As co-president, she worked relentlessly to elevate the Campus Visit Program (CVP), making sure prospective students felt not only welcomed but genuinely excited about the possibility of joining the UNC Kenan-Flagler family.

Here’s what really sets Bhumika apart:

• Leadership and passion:
  • She co-led the Campus Visit Program, enhancing the experience to be more engaging and personal for prospective students.
  • Her energy and enthusiasm were contagious, whether she was chatting with prospective students or guiding them through the campus visit, she always made them feel like part of something special.
• Mentorship and teamwork:
  • She took it upon herself to mentor new CVP Ambassadors through the onboarding process, helping them find their stride and ensuring the program stayed strong.
  • She worked closely with the admissions team to streamline processes, improve communication, and ensure every campus visit went off without a hitch.
  • She built meaningful connections with students, staff, and the admissions team, making everything run smoothly and collaboratively.
• Bringing the energy everywhere:
  • Her positive vibe wasn’t just limited to admissions—she brought it to SongFest (a UNC Kenan-Flagler tradition), where her performance with her Legacy stood out in a major way!
  • Bhumika has that rare ability to mix professionalism with approachability, making her a go-to person for both students and the admissions team.
• Academic excellence and peer support:
  • Beyond the CVP, Bhumika is a powerhouse in the classroom, excelling in subjects like data analytics and decision-making.
  • As a peer tutor, she helped fellow students—and undergraduates—tackle tough coursework, always with a smile and a solution.

Bhumika’s impact on the Class of 2025 has been huge. She’s not just a leader; she’s a mentor, a friend and a source of inspiration for everyone around her. I’m thrilled to nominate her for Poets & Quants Best and Brightest MBAs of 2025.

The admissions experience definitely wouldn’t be the same without Bhumika…and honestly, neither would the admissions team!”

Katy Radoll
Director of Full-time MBA Admissions
UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School

 

“Bhumika Agarwal embodies the qualities I most appreciate in an MBA student: intellectual curiosity, collegiality, and a commitment to getting the most out of the MBA experience. She embraces challenges with enthusiasm and contributes to the classroom in a way that elevates those around her. She doesn’t simply participate in class for the sake of it—she speaks when she has something meaningful to add and often when others don’t have the answer.

Bhumika’s approach to learning has been evident in my classroom, where I have had the pleasure of teaching her in two advanced data analytics electives. With her prior experience performing analytics at J.P.Morgan Chase, Bhumika brings valuable insights to our discussions. Yet, she is never overconfident.  She arrives to class with curiosity and an open mind, continuously challenging herself while generously sharing her expertise with classmates. When students encounter a difficult problem or struggle with debugging, Bhumika is often the first to step in with thoughtful guidance. Her calm, analytical approach helps foster a collaborative learning environment.

Even more importantly, Bhumika brings the same spirit of collaboration and mentorship to her activities outside the classroom. A leader in the MBA program’s consulting club, she helps prepare classmates for case interviews and guides them on their recruiting journey. She fosters an inclusive environment in the school as a leader in the Carolina Disability Alliance, which provides a community for disabled students and their allies. As an MBA Ambassador, she serves as a face of the school for those prospective students lucky enough to meet her. As Campus Visit Coordinator, she works behind the scenes to make sure all prospective students visiting UNC Kenan-Flagler feel welcomed, informed, and inspired.

In ways both big and small, Bhumika works to make sure our school will be stronger after she leaves than it was when she found it. I am grateful for all that Bhumika has done to strengthen my courses and our community, and I believe she is indeed one of our Best & Brightest.  I can’t wait to see all that she will accomplish after graduation.”

Adam Mersereau
Professor of Operations, Sarah Graham Kenan Scholar and Area Chair of Operations
UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School

 

“Bhumika has been an extraordinary leader, mentor and ambassador for the UNC Kenan-Flagler MBA community.

As the MBA Ambassador Co-President, she has played a pivotal role in overseeing the Student Ambassadors and ensuring that prospective students feel welcomed and informed throughout their MBA journey. Her dedication to the Campus Visit Program, where she has tirelessly worked as both a coordinator and a host, has created a lasting impact—making every visitor’s experience meaningful and reflective of the school’s culture.

Beyond her leadership in admissions, Bhumika has made an indelible mark through her involvement in key organizations such as the Consulting Club, International Business Association, and Carolina Women in Business, to name only a few. Her commitment to sharing knowledge, supporting her peers, and fostering a collaborative environment speaks volumes about her character. No matter how busy she is, she is always willing to lend a helping hand—whether it’s offering advice, mentoring fellow students, or stepping in to assist with an event. She does it all with a smile, radiating positivity and making everyone around her feel valued and supported.

Her immense contributions to the MBA Admissions Team, including participating in events, providing administrative support, and working on research projects, highlight her unwavering commitment to the MBA program’s success. She has gone above and beyond to strengthen the MBA experience for both current and future students. Her ability to connect with others, her dedication to service, and her drive to elevate those around her make her an invaluable member of the Class of 2025.

It has been an absolute honor to work alongside Bhumika, witnessing firsthand the incredible impact she has made on the MBA Program and the countless prospective students aspiring to join UNC Kenan-Flagler. The legacy she leaves behind is one of excellence, inclusion and inspiration—qualities that will continue to shape the program for years to come!”

Stephanie Nash
Program Manager for MBA Admissions and Student Recruitment
UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School

 

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