Induja Sridharan

Induja’s MBA learning journey

Cambridge Venture Project client | Santen Pharmaceutical
Global Consulting Project client | Cambridge Enterprise
Concentration | Healthcare Strategies
Extra-curricular activities | Hult Prize 2016, regional finalist – San Francisco; Co-president Healthcare SIG volunteer; Women’s Leadership Initiative

Why the Cambridge MBA?

I was looking for a one-year MBA programme in a school with a specialisation offered in healthcare/pharmaceutical industry. The relatively smaller class size with very high diversity and the global aspect of the programme were very important to me, so I could receive insights from people and their ideas from different parts of the world. The people at Cambridge Judge Business School, staff and students, were very helpful during the process.

How was your Global Consulting Project experience?

My GCP was focused on entry strategy in Europe for a consumer health company. It was a very critical project for the client. It was a great experience working with the client, travelling to the client site and working with their teams. Additionally, my GCP team was a very diverse group with a mix of people from financial, pharma and operations background which led to an enriching experience and tremendous learning.

What inspired your career direction?

I was always very clear that I wanted a career in the pharmaceutical industry because I have an educational background in pharmacy. The core ‘strategy’ course and the elective ‘advanced strategy’ inspired me to look for a strategy role. Additionally, interacting and working with my classmates who were ex-strategy consultants served as an inspiration for me to look for roles in this direction.

Your plans for the next five years?

I would like to strengthen my knowledge of business, finance and strategy, and then move to a functional role in pharmaceutical/ consumer health industry (e.g. brand manager). This will help me to specialise and grow further toward a leadership role.

The Cambridge MBA in three words…

Enriching, memorable, fun.

Any advice to incoming students?

The Cambridge MBA is over before you know it. Beyond the courses, the maximum learning comes from peers, projects and the interaction. It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience so enjoy, learn and make the best use of it.