Saahithi Budharaju

Northwestern University, Kellogg School of Management

“Tech translator, data storyteller, community builder, and lifelong learner.”

Hometown: Ashburn, Virginia

Fun Fact About Yourself: I once hiked an active volcano in the dark!

Undergraduate School and Major: University of Virginia, Bachelor of Arts in Statistics, Bachelor of Arts in Cognitive Science

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Senior Consultant at Deloitte Consulting

Aside from your classmates and location, what was the key part of Northwestern Kellogg’s MBA curriculum or programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? I knew I wanted a program where I could dive into AI from day one, and not only talk about the tech but also start building with it. I was looking for a flexible curriculum, room to explore my interests, and a community of peers who would both support and push me. Kellogg’s MBAi checked every box! When I attended Day at Kellogg, I was curious how the curriculum keeps up with a field that changes so rapidly. One student shared how a professor pivoted away from the original syllabus overnight to address the release of a groundbreaking large language model. This level of responsiveness made it clear to me that Kellogg isn’t just keeping pace with change—but also making sure students are prepared to lead it.

What makes Chicago such a great place to earn an MBA? Evanston strikes the perfect balance between a charming college town and a place with easy access to everything Chicago has to offer, along with beaches and stunning views of Lake Michigan. I love that a typical day might include going to class, grabbing a bite at a local spot, working at the Global Hub, wandering along the waterfront, and ending with a quick trip to the city for a comedy show. While the winters will certainly be an adjustment, I’m looking forward to cozy days indoors with incredible classmates!

Kellogg is known for a team-driven culture. What quality do you bring as a teammate and why will it be so important to the success of MBA class? I strive to be the kind of teammate others can count on. Early in my career, I worked on a project that was stalling because of competing priorities. When tensions ran high, I became the go-to person for my teammates to confide in because I showed up, listened, followed through, and remained grounded. I’ve learned that reliability is not only about being present, but also about creating space for others to feel heard and supported when the work gets tough. While I don’t always have all the answers, I’m committed to listening, learning, and growing with my teams.

What course, club or activity excites you the most at Northwestern Kellogg? I’m really excited about the Technology Seminar Series in the MBAi integrated core curriculum. It’s a unique opportunity to hear directly from senior industry leaders who are making tough calls in real time. The saying “you can’t be what you can’t see” really resonates with me, and I’m eager to understand how these leaders embrace uncertainty, adapt quickly, and make decisions without a clear roadmap. I’m hopeful this series will help me to picture myself in these roles and start building the mindset that the leaders embody.

What has been your first impression of the Kellogg MBA students and alumni you’ve met so far. Tell us your best Kellogg story so far. Attending a Kellogg Preview Day confirmed what I had sensed—this is a community where collaboration is intentional and lasting. The day after, prospective students had the opportunity to attend the Black Management Association Conference (BMAC), the school’s longest-running student-led conference, where alumni across tech, beauty, and social impact shared unfiltered reflections about their journeys. One panelist shared that her first investor came through a connection at BMAC and that really stuck with me. As an ally, I felt welcomed and included in conversations that were honest, forward-thinking, and rooted in shared values. It was clear that this is the kind of environment where I know I could thrive.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: At Deloitte, I helped grow an open-source AI middleware platform to over 1,000 users worldwide, including teams at federal agencies and Fortune 500 companies across North America and Europe. The platform enables users of all backgrounds to build data products and advanced AI applications, ranging from workflow automation to predictive analytics. What I’m most proud of isn’t just the growth but also how we got there. I led onboarding for hundreds of new users, translating new technology into something approachable for teams who haven’t worked with AI before. Hearing feedback from analysts to senior partners that I provided one of “the best onboarding experiences” they’ve had reminded me that even the most advanced tools don’t matter if people don’t feel confident using them.

Looking ahead two years, what would make your MBA experience successful? By the end of my MBA experience, I’ll feel successful if I said yes to things that once intimidated me, built lifelong friendships and connections, and learned as much from my classmates as I did from the coursework. Hopefully I’ll also have perfected my staple dinner party recipes from hosting small group dinners, a Kellogg tradition to connect with peers over a shared meal!

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into Northwestern Kellogg’s MBA program? My advice is to not rush to keep up with someone else’s timeline! I originally planned to apply for Kellogg during Round 1 of the admissions deadline, but ended up deferring to Round 2 after taking on a new stretch role at work. Just a few months made a huge difference, and my application became more aligned with where I was headed. Applying to business school is intense, so don’t be afraid to hit “pause” if it means you can return with a more honest and thoughtful reflection of your journey. Taking the time to visit campus, attend events, and connect with the community can also help you ground your application in specific, meaningful experiences with the program.

DON’T MISS: MEET NORTHWESTERN KELLOGG’S MBA CLASS OF 2027

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