Roshni Khandelwal

Saïd Business School, University of Oxford

“Balancing motherhood, MBA, and ambition—resilient, impact-driven, and energized by challenges.”

Hometown: Indore, Madhya Pradesh

Fun Fact About Yourself: Public speaking sparked it; event hosting and dance moves stole the show!

Undergraduate School and Major:

Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, India

Master of Technology, Infrastructure Design & Management (GPA: 9.02/10; Top 1% of class)

Institute of Engineering & Technology, India

Bachelor of Engineering, Civil Engineering (GPA: 9.5/10; Top 1% of department)

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Coforge & Associate Director

Aside from your classmates, what was the key part of Oxford Saïd’s MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? Beyond the exceptional cohort, Oxford Saïd’s integration with the broader University of Oxford ecosystem was a major factor in my decision. The opportunity to engage with diverse minds across departments—from policy and law to medicine and technology—offered a chance to broaden my perspective and tackle complex problems through interdisciplinary collaboration.

Programs like the Finance Lab and the Entrepreneurship Project provide hands-on, practical learning that goes beyond textbooks, equipping me with real-world business acumen. The Oxford Union debates, and inter-college mixer sessions promise a dynamic, intellectually stimulating environment where ideas are constantly challenged and refined.

Ultimately, it was this unique combination of academic excellence, experiential learning, and access to Oxford’s global network that made Saïd Business School the ideal place to pursue my MBA.

What course, club, or activity has been your favorite part of the Oxford Saïd MBA experience? The Entrepreneurship Project (EP) has been my favorite part of the Oxford Saïd MBA experience. Collaborating with a diverse team to solve real-world business challenges gave me a firsthand taste of entrepreneurship—from ideation to crafting a viable business model. The process of turning ideas into actionable strategies while navigating uncertainty was both challenging and exhilarating.

What made it even more rewarding was the opportunity to apply classroom concepts in live business scenarios and receive feedback from industry experts. It wasn’t just about learning theories—it was about practicing resilience, creativity, and strategic thinking.

Beyond the EP, the chance to interact with entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators across Oxford’s entrepreneurship ecosystem—from Oxford Foundry to Entrepreneurs Oxford—has further fueled my passion for innovation-driven impact.

Additionally, being involved with the Oxford Saïd Entrepreneurship Centre (OSEC) has provided invaluable opportunities to listen to inspiring talks by industry leaders, engage with cutting-edge ideas in the startup world, and build a network of like-minded innovators. The insights gained from these interactions continue to shape my entrepreneurial mindset and ambition.

What is the most “Oxford” thing you have done so far as a full-time MBA student? The most “Oxford” thing I’ve done so far has been attending formal dinners at different colleges and exploring diverse debate sessions at the Oxford Union. From soaking in the traditions of centuries-old dining halls to engaging in conversations with peers across disciplines, each dinner has offered a unique cultural and intellectual experience.

Attending debates at the Oxford Union has been equally fascinating, listening to world-renowned speakers discuss pressing global issues while witnessing the art of persuasive argumentation in action. These experiences have given me a true taste of Oxford’s vibrant, intellectually curious community and the privilege of learning from perspectives far beyond my own.

Oxford is known as a place where world collides, be it in the classroom or the dining hall. What has been the most interesting interaction you’ve had so far as an Oxford MBA student? The most interesting interaction I’ve had as an Oxford MBA student happened during a formal dinner at my college, Green Templeton, known for its strong focus on healthcare and medical research. I found myself in conversation with a public health researcher studying vaccine distribution in low-income countries and a surgeon exploring AI applications in diagnostics.

What started as a casual chat over dessert turned into a thought-provoking discussion about the future of healthcare—from the ethical implications of AI in surgery to the challenges of equitable vaccine access globally.

This experience perfectly captured the Oxford magic—where the worlds of business, medicine, and technology intersect over dinner. It gave me a newfound appreciation for cross-disciplinary collaboration and the potential for business innovations to drive healthcare solutions globally.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: My biggest career accomplishment was leading the integration process during the acquisition of WHISHWORKS by Coforge. As Chief of Staff to the CEO, I played a key role in aligning teams, streamlining operations, and ensuring a smooth transition for over 600 employees across multiple geographies.

The project required navigating complex challenges, including cultural integration, process alignment, and change management. I collaborated closely with cross-functional teams and implemented a comprehensive communication plan to ensure transparency and engagement throughout the transition.

Successfully completing the integration within the set timeline and with minimal disruption was a career-defining moment, as it demonstrated my ability to manage high-stakes projects, foster collaboration, and deliver tangible results in a dynamic environment.

Describe your biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far? My biggest accomplishment as an MBA student has been overcoming the self-doubt and under confidence I felt after becoming a new mom. Coming into the program, I worried about balancing motherhood with the demands of an intense MBA. However, I decided to step outside my comfort zone and actively engage with the community.

Even before classes began, I organized a pre-MBA trek for 150 students, creating a space for early connections and friendships. Since then, I’ve pushed myself to participate in diverse initiatives like the Oxford Strategy Group (OSG), CapitOx, and MBATs, while also preparing to represent Oxford on global platforms.

These experiences have been transformative, helping me realize that resilience, initiative, and a growth mindset can break through any self-doubt. I’m proud of how I’ve not just participated but contributed to the Oxford community—all while navigating the beautiful chaos of life as a new mom and an MBA student.

What has been the biggest epiphany you’ve gained about yourself or the world since you started your MBA program? The biggest epiphany I’ve had since starting my MBA is that resilience isn’t just about pushing through challenges—it’s about embracing the support around you.

Coming into the program as a new mom, I questioned whether I could balance the demands of an intense MBA while caring for my daughter. But through juggling case studies, career events, and parenting duties, I discovered an inner strength and adaptability I didn’t know I had.

However, I also realized the truth behind the saying, “It takes a village to raise a child.” Our parents’ unwavering support—from helping care for our daughter when I needed to prepare for exams to offering constant encouragement across time zones—has been a cornerstone of this journey. And I’m incredibly grateful for my husband’s constant support—whether it was sharing late-night parenting duties or cheering me on during tough moments.

This experience has fundamentally shifted my perspective: with resilience, the right mindset, and the strength of a supportive family and community, even the most daunting goals become possible.

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