Sheetal Janala had a decade of business experience, a series of rewarding opportunities where she managed client relationships, oversaw advertising and developed brands. Her professional path took her from her native India to Ireland.
It was there, where she worked in marketing for the cinema industry, that she approached a turning point: Was it time to return to school to earn an MBA?
In the end, that decision was made easier by the business discipline that inspires her most.
“I love everything about marketing — connecting with an audience, storytelling, understanding the psychology of the consumer,” Janala said. “And I aspire to be a global marketing leader. So, that’s why I thought pursuing my MBA at this moment would be a right decision.”
Then came the next decision: Where would she study?
After analyzing all her options, Janala chose the A. Gary Anderson Graduate School of Management. She enrolled last fall and hit the ground running.
‘It gives you that edge’
AGSM rose to the top of Janala’s choices for the diversity of its enrollment and faculty, its proximity to the tech industry in California, and the STEM-designated discipline of its MBA program.
“UCR provides a big advantage because their whole two-year program is built through a proper STEM degree structure,” she said. “That is an important consideration for students. It gives you that edge, because you think not just about the theoretical aspects, but also about data, analytical backgrounds. You are equipped to reach strategic solutions to any challenge.”
Another important part of the MBA experience has been the wide range of opportunities to connect with peers and alumni, Janala said.
As a first-year student, she already is a member of the Product Club and AGSM Women in Business, and has helped recruit industry leaders and alumni to speak on campus.
“I always believe in learning from my peers, and UCR provides a lot of platforms for that,” she said. “The faculty is also amazing, giving you one-to-one sessions to guide you. The alumni and outside advisers make a huge difference because they provide a perspective beyond the classroom.”
Making connections
That enthusiasm for connection makes marketing a natural fit for Janala.
“The best part about marketing is storytelling with successful impact on your audience,” she said. “When you are successful, you are connecting so meaningfully that people listen to you. And they take what you say into consideration with their everyday life.”
Janala uses the same approach in pursuing her MBA. And she recommends all students take advantage of these opportunities to hear different points of view.
This can be useful in building a career, exploring other disciplines, or making the right choice in major decisions — as when Janala considered whether it was time to pursue her MBA.
“I faced that decision when I had some experience, but there are younger students who in the future may want to pivot or make that decision to upskill themselves,” she said. “That's why I feel it’s important to be involved and understand other perspectives. There will be a time where everyone will face that hard decision that is important in your life.”
To help fellow students gain access to those multiple perspectives, Janala uses her extensive involvement in student groups to promote networking. She recruits alumni and professionals to speak on campus, is active on LinkedIn, creates flyers to publicize campus activities, and helps organize case competitions.
“I want to create an impact and give back and create a legacy,” she said.
“That's one of the things I love about UCR, because it gives us an opportunity through these clubs to build your network as well as your practical knowledge. UCR gave this opportunity to us.”