Nira Desai

Nira’s MBA learning journey

Cambridge Venture Project client | Diageo
Global Consulting Project client | Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories
Concentration | Beyond Profit
Extra-curricular activities | Hult Prize

Why the Cambridge MBA?

The Cambridge MBA offered a truly unique, hands-on experience to learn with peers from all over the world. There was also a great value to a one-year MBA with an older student body – many of my classmates had ten years of management experience already. I was also attracted to the range of experiences my classmates had – I knew I would be challenged by them and that also mattered.

How was your GCP experience?

My GCP experience was really fun! I got to work with Diageo in the UK and we worked on project thinking about loyalty and rewards for their brands. We developed a loyalty rewards programme.

What inspired your career direction?

The Cambridge MBA helped me combine my past experiences into a path for the future. Having worked in both the public and private sectors, I knew I wanted to do social impact work for big brands. I was able to procure a summer consulting assignment with one of the best known brands for sustainability through a speaker we invited to Cambridge. That helped launch my experience in the sector and helped me land the job I have today. 

Your plans for the next five years?

I always think about the next five years in terms of the skills I want to gain. I’ve had the opportunity to help guide big brands on sustainability best practice for the last four years, but advising isn’t as easy as doing! I’d like to gain implementation experience from a brand perspective and also continue to work with larger, global teams. I am also interested in trendspotting and how we can integrate innovation from other sectors or commodities into sustainability work.

The Cambridge MBA in three words…

Collaborative, rewarding, oh-so-fun!

Any advice to incoming students?

There will be a lot of pressure in the first few months to land a job or to attend recruitment events. Remember that just by being a Cambridge MBA, you have a lot to offer the world and you will end up in the right place at the end of the year. Enjoy the journey (as well as all that greater Cambridge has to offer) – you’ll never have another year like this in your life!