Amrita Gandhi

University of Michigan, Ross School of Business

“Forever an athlete, passionate about all things data, and always searching for the best brunch spots.”

Hometown: Delhi, India

Fun Fact About Yourself: During my time in Africa, I had the incredible experience of seeing all the Big 5 animals—lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, and buffalo—in their natural habitats. It was an adventure I’ll never forget!

Undergraduate School and Major: St. Xavier’s College, Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Statistics

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Project Leader at Bain Capability Network, Bain & Company

Michigan Ross is best known for experiential learning programming like MAP, Living Business Leadership Experience, and the Leadership Crisis Challenge. What experiential program interests you the most? As someone passionate about using data and strategic insights to solve complex problems, I am particularly drawn to the hands-on experience that MAP offers. Through MAP, I will collaborate with diverse teams, apply my analytical skills, and develop actionable solutions for real companies. The global scope of the projects is especially appealing to me. It will broaden my perspectives and enhance my understanding of business challenges in different cultural contexts, aligning perfectly with my career goal of being at the forefront of strategy and decision-making.

Aside from your classmates, what was the key part of Michigan Ross’s MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? A key factor that led me to choose Michigan Ross is its powerful and supportive alumni network. During my application process, I had the opportunity to connect with both current students and alumni, and their consistent feedback emphasized the crucial role the Ross alumni played in their recruitment journeys. The active engagement and mentorship provided by alumni is not just reassuring but also reflective of the strong, collaborative culture at Ross. I’m confident that this network will be instrumental in advancing my career and enriching my overall experience.

What course, club, or activity excites you the most at Michigan Ross? I’m excited about joining the Social Venture Fund, where I can champion sustainability and drive positive social impact through business. Being a part of SVF will allow me to continue my commitment to using business as a force for good, applying my skills to support ventures addressing social and environmental challenges. I’m eager to contribute to SVF’s mission and to gain practical experience in impact investing.

Looking at your recruitment, what was the moment when you realized that the Ross School was the right MBA program for you? Why? The moment I realized that Ross was the right MBA program for me was during my visit to the Go Blue Rendezvous. I was impressed by the school’s culture, where the sense of community was palpable, and everyone—students, faculty, and staff—was approachable and supportive. The events I attended showcased the collaborative spirit that Ross is known for, making me feel immediately at home.

What truly captivated me, though, was the Big House and the emphasis the university places on sports. As an athlete who values both teamwork and competition, I found this focus on sports to be a perfect reflection of the qualities I seek in my MBA experience. The combination of a strong, encouraging community, and a vibrant, sports-centric atmosphere made it clear to me that Ross was where I belonged.

What is your unique quality that will enable you to make a big contribution to the Class of 2026? Why? My unique quality is adaptability, honed through extensive intercultural exposure in my consulting career. I’ve worked with clients from diverse backgrounds and industries, which has required me to quickly understand and navigate different cultural dynamics. I further sharpened this skill when I undertook a project in Kenya, where I engaged with people from varied backgrounds. I seamlessly adapted to their ways of working, contributing effectively to our shared goals. This adaptability will enable me to connect with and contribute meaningfully to the diverse Ross community, helping us all learn and grow together.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: While working for a sustainable cookstove manufacturing company in Kenya, I played a pivotal role in developing the company’s expansion strategy into West Africa. This project aimed to create over 500 jobs in the region, improve the lives of more than one million people, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 70% compared to traditional open-fire cooking methods.

Leading this initiative allowed me to contribute to a mission that not only enhanced the quality of life for countless families but also made a substantial impact on environmental sustainability. The ability to drive such a transformative project, combining social impact with environmental responsibility, is something I am deeply proud of doing.

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into Michigan Ross’s MBA program? The advice I would give to future MBA aspirants is to take the time to deeply understand your strengths, interests, and career aspirations. Knowing yourself will help you identify the programs and opportunities that truly align with your goals. It’s crucial to find the right fit—both in terms of the school’s culture and the academic and experiential opportunities it offers. By aligning your choice with who you are and what you want to achieve, you’ll set yourself up for a rewarding and impactful MBA journey.

DON’T MISS: MEET THE MICHIGAN ROSS MBA CLASS OF 2026