A flexible path to independence: Harinie Narasimhan’s MBA journey
What drew Harinie Narasimhan to Western Michigan University from India to earn her MBA? Flexibility.
“I liked the fact that I would have a lot of flexibility in my courses in terms of electives and when I could take classes. Other programs that I researched had rigid course progressions and a lot less opportunity to explore different business topics,” she says.
Participating in Christ University’s dual degree program with Western, Narasimhan has experienced the best of both institutions’ expertise. Her emphasis in the MBA is on finance and fintech alongside the core business knowledge the program offers.
At WMU, she is enjoying the applied approach that WMU Haworth faculty take and the University’s focus on Experience-Driven Learning. “One of my favorite courses has been Communication, Negotiation, and Presentation Skills for Managers, taught by Dr. Kelley O’Reilly. The class really pushed me outside my comfort zone. I learned a lot of nuances of negotiation and got to practice reaching the goal of a negotiation and reflecting on my performance and where I could have improved.”
Narasimhan cites her communication skills as one of the areas where she has grown immensely since coming to WMU. “I have had several experiences like the negotiation role-play where I had the chance to learn about different perspectives and practice taking the perspective of another business professional. Developing my communication skills has prepared me to interact with any audience, be adaptable and think on my feet.”
Critical thinking, communication and technical skills came into play in Narasimhan’s Financial Econometrics and Forecasting course, taught by Dr. David Burnie. “This course was very challenging, and I learned a lot about forecasting models, stretching myself to learn coding and programming languages. I liked that Dr. Burnie used economic indicators and news articles to provide context to what we were learning in every class, so everything was real-world and real-time.”
Faculty support has been critical for Narasimhan as an international student navigating living independently for the first time. “I know in my academics that I can always ask any questions I have. The U.S. classroom dynamic is also relaxed—professors are friendly and treat students as peers and collaborators. I have encouragement and assistance from faculty members, and that makes studying abroad less stressful.”
When it comes to all of the other aspects of being at WMU and in Kalamazoo, Narasimhan turns to Renuka Phillips, director of graduate programs, to help guide her both professionally and personally. “Ren has not only served as my academic advisor but also a life coach who helps me if I need advice on everyday matters. We all have small dramas that happen, and she is great at asking how I am and listening while giving me common-sense advice. I can feel myself becoming more confident and independent as I face many new things, including managing my academics, personal life and household.”
Narasimhan’s growing confidence and ability to navigate her future is something that she values greatly. “Where I am from, we are very family-bonded, and children tend to stay with their parents. It’s been tough being away, and I have cried some nights but can feel myself changing and growing. I am beginning to really manage things on my own, and I think about my mom who always emphasized the planning of all of life’s tasks. I can see now how much she manages and also how well-organized she is. By studying abroad, I am developing not only the business knowledge I need through the MBA program but also the skills I need for life.”
WMU: experiences + people
Narasimhan looked for a campus that had a great MBA program, but she also was excited by all WMU had to offer in terms of experiences and ways to connect.
“There are so many activities! I have participated in Bronco Bash, ice skated at Lawson Arena, gone to hockey games, attended the International Congress on Medieval Studies and taken in many of the festivals and events of the Indian Student Association. Once I had firmly decided to attend WMU, I was impressed by the variety of programming for students and the community.”
For more information about the MBA program, visit the website.
For more WMU news, arts and events, visit WMU News online.