Sreelakshmi Sandeep

MIT, Sloan School of Management

“Rocket scientist by training, classical dancer at heart, business strategist in progress.”

Hometown: Thrissur, Kerala State, India

Fun Fact About Yourself: I was terrified of heights—until day one on the job put me 70 meters up on a rocket launch pad with open floors. I learned to balance myself … and my fear.

Undergraduate School and Major: Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST); Aerospace Engineering

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Indian Space Research Organisation, Scientist/Engineer-SC

Aside from your classmates, what was the key part of MIT Sloan’s MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? What set MIT Sloan apart for me was the chance to be part of the larger MIT ecosystem. I was excited by the idea of learning not just alongside future business leaders, but also engineers, scientists, designers, and thinkers from all over the world. Collaborating across disciplines with students and faculty will push me to look at problems through new lenses. That kind of diverse, cross-disciplinary environment felt like the perfect place to grow, both personally and professionally.

Action Learning Labs are one of MIT Sloan’s biggest attractions. Which lab interests you most? How  does it fit with your interests? The Enterprise Management Lab (EM-Lab) is one of the experiences I’m most looking forward to at MIT Sloan. Coming from a technical background at ISRO, I knew I wanted an MBA that went beyond theory, one that offered real-world, immersive learning. MIT Sloan’s “learning by doing” approach aligns perfectly with that goal. The EM-Lab’s hands-on model will allow me to work closely with real companies, understand their core challenges, and co-create practical solutions. I believe this exposure to enterprise-level problem-solving is exactly what I need to pivot to business leadership.

When you think of MIT, what are the first things that come to mind? How have your experiences with the Sloan program thus far reinforced or upended these early impressions? When I thought of MIT, I saw it as a place that stood for bold innovation, where people push boundaries to create real, meaningful impact for the communities around them. It felt like a place that encouraged fearless thinking and taking risks, but also deeply valued collaboration, support, and helping each other grow into the best versions of ourselves.

Every conversation I’ve had with current students, alumni, and the MIT Sloan staff has reinforced that impression. I’ve heard inspiring stories of students launching ventures to solve complex problems in our society, working on action learning labs, or diving into tough challenges, all while being surrounded by a community that genuinely wants them to succeed. What stands out most is how people at MIT Sloan show up for each other. Whether it’s peers, professors, or alumni, everyone seems invested in your journey and in helping you make a difference.

What excites you about earning an MBA in the Boston area? Boston has an incredible energy that comes from being surrounded by world-class universities, cutting-edge startups, and leading global companies, all in one place. It’s a hub for diverse industries, offering direct access to various business sectors. This unique mix makes the city an ideal environment in which to learn, collaborate, and grow. I’m also drawn to Boston’s vibrant culture, its historic charm and museums. Being new to Boston, I am excited to experience all four seasons, especially my first real New England winter!

What is your unique quality that will enable you to make a big contribution to the Class of 2027? I’ve been fortunate to have experiences that shaped how I see the world and the role community plays in achieving success. Growing up in a foreign country surrounded by people from many cultures taught me that differences fade when we show up for each other. At ISRO, I became the first female scientist in the launchpad section, a high-pressure, tech-driven environment where precision is everything. Breaking that glass ceiling wasn’t just a personal milestone; it was about proving that women can excel in dynamic, high-stakes roles and helping create a smoother path for others entering underrepresented sectors.

Through leading and coordinating diverse teams, from engineers to operations crews, I’ve learned that real success happens when we grow together as a community. It’s about bringing people with you, aligning around a shared vision, and tackling complex challenges as one. At MIT Sloan, I hope to carry forward this same principle. I believe my blend of empathy-driven, people-centered leadership and systems thinking will enable me to contribute meaningfully to the school’s collaborative culture, both inside and outside the classroom.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: It was an honor to be part of several “firsts” in my career. I had the opportunity to work on one of the most critical launch systems for ISRO’s successful moon mission, which made India the first country to land near the moon’s southern pole. I also contributed to designing and delivering key systems for India’s upcoming first human spaceflight mission. For me, these milestones were not just about developing new technologies—they were also about working alongside an incredible team to create something that could have profound impact, making the entire nation proud, and inspiring hope for the future. I consider this as my greatest achievement.

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into MIT Sloan’s MBA program? Be yourself. MIT Sloan values authenticity and wants to understand the real you: your experiences, motivations, and values. It’s not about proving how great MIT Sloan is; trust me, it’s an incredible place, and everyone knows that. Instead, focus on showing who you are and what you bring to the table. The application offers multiple touchpoints such as a cover letter, video questions, and interviews, where you can let your personality shine. Use them to tell your genuine story, not just what you think the admissions committee wants to hear.

DON’T MISS: MEET MIT SLOAN’S MBA CLASS OF 2027

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