Hnu Thaper

University of Chicago, Booth School of Business

“Business builder and connector who loves travel, great food, and chasing bold dreams.”

Hometown: Long Island, New York

Fun Fact About Yourself: At 14, I played basketball with the Indian Army in 110°F July heat — almost passed out.

Undergraduate School and Major: University at Buffalo | B.S. in Accounting

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Vice President in Program Management at Citigroup

Aside from your classmates and location, what was the key part of Chicago Booth’s MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? For me, it was Booth’s entrepreneurial edge. From the moment I visited campus, I could feel the energy — students weren’t just talking about ideas, they were actively building them. The resources through the Polsky Center and courses like Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition provide real, hands-on pathways to turn concepts into companies. When I sat in on Mark Tebbe’s Entrepreneurial Discovery class, surrounded by classmates brimming with passion, sharp insights, and relentless drive, I knew this was where I needed to be. I wanted to be in an environment that pushes me to think bigger, move faster, and surround myself with people who inspire me to raise my own game.

The Booth MBA is also known for being highly data-driven. Why does the program’s focus on quantitative analysis and decision-making appeal to you? How have you been able to leverage this approach in your career so far? I love the language of business — and for me, that language is data. Once you understand the metrics behind a business, you can immediately start dissecting it and finding ways to improve. Whether it’s top-line revenue, ROI on a deal, or ROAS on a campaign, each number tells a story and points to actionable next steps.

I’ve applied this mindset throughout my career — as a management consultant, a project manager in financial services, and as the founder of my own startups. In each case, data wasn’t just an abstract exercise; it was the foundation for real-world decision-making, from streamlining operations to improving profitability. Booth’s data-driven approach appeals to me because it goes beyond theory, challenging us to apply analytical rigor to everyday business problems and, ultimately, make better decisions as leaders.

What course, club or activity excites you the most at Chicago Booth?
Course – Value Creation in Small Businesses (34211) and Entrepreneurship through Acquisition (34302) Clubs – South Asia Business Group (SABG), African American MBA Association (AAMBAA), and Chicago Booth Basketball Club.

All of these play a different role in my journey at Booth. The courses will challenge me to think critically, refine my entrepreneurial toolkit, and collaborate with classmates who share my passion for building and scaling businesses. The clubs, especially SABG and AAMBAA, were instrumental in my decision to join Booth — their members welcomed me, shared honest insights, and made me feel like I already belonged here. And as someone who loves basketball, I’m also looking forward to hitting the court with Booth’s Basketball Club as a way to stay active, have fun, and build friendships outside the classroom.

What has been your first impression of the Booth MBA students and alumni you’ve met so far? Tell us your best Booth story so far. My first impression of Booth students came when I sat in on Mark Tebbe’s class. I was surrounded by people brimming with energy, ideas, and insights — and I knew instantly that being around individuals smarter than me would push me to be better. That’s exactly what I wanted in an MBA community.

One of my favorite Booth stories involves Ritu Sreenivasan, a second-year student at the time and founder of MOOJ Foods. Despite juggling multiple club leadership roles and actively scaling her company, she took the time to review my essays, answer every question I had, and offer words of encouragement. Watching her journey and seeing how Booth supported her entrepreneurial growth showed me what this community is really about — people who genuinely want to see each other win. Her generosity gave me the confidence to apply, and it reaffirmed that Booth was the right place for me. Shoutout to her, as I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for her — thank you, Ritu.

What makes Chicago such a great place to earn an MBA? Chicago offers the perfect blend of opportunity, energy, and community. The broader Chicago community embodies the charisma, grit, and welcoming spirit of the Midwest, creating an environment where you can both push yourself and feel supported. The city’s history is rich with culture and pride, from the legendary Bears, Bulls, and Cubs to its deep roots in business and innovation.

Chicago has also proven itself to be a city that constantly evolves — growing economically, culturally, and professionally year after year. It consistently ranks among the top cities to live in the U.S., offering an unbeatable combination of career opportunities, world-class dining, and vibrant neighborhoods. For me, it’s not just the backdrop for an MBA — it’s an extension of the learning experience, where the city itself inspires ambition, resilience, and connection.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: One of my proudest career accomplishments was co-founding Bag Talk, a financial literacy venture dedicated to empowering marginalized youth. While working full-time in financial services, I partnered with Uniondale High School — a school where students faced economic challenges — to design and teach a year-long curriculum on budgeting, saving, investing, and credit.

Midway through the program, the most memorable moment took place when a student ran up to me and said, “Mr. H, because of Bag Talk, I’m applying to college.” A year later, I saw him on campus at the college where I was guest teaching. That moment drove home that we weren’t just teaching financial literacy — we were inspiring real change. For me, it’s the perfect intersection of my professional expertise and my passion for empowering underrepresented communities, and a reminder of the lasting impact I want to make throughout my career.

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into Chicago Booth’s MBA program? Believe in yourself — that’s the foundation. There will be moments in this journey when you feel doubt creeping in, but remember this: if you want to be the 1% in something, you have to do what 99% of people won’t. That means pushing through challenges, staying disciplined, and betting on yourself even when it’s uncomfortable.

And through it all — have fun. This is a privilege. You’ve chosen to embark on a journey of growth, self-discovery, and impact. You’re building a story that your future self — and future generations — will thank you for. Enjoy the process, embrace the grind, and never forget why you started.

DON’T MISS: MEET CHICAGO BOOTH’S MBA CLASS OF 2027

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