“I’m a curious traveler, tech lover, and storyteller. I thrive on connecting different experiences to spark innovation.”
Hometown: Mumbai, India
Fun Fact: I visited 20 countries before turning 20.
Undergraduate Studies: Double major in Physics and Manufacturing Engineering at BITS Pilani.
Current Role: Product Manager at Media.net, one of India’s leading ad tech companies.
Team Fuqua’s Loyal Community: The aspect I value most at Fuqua is the loyal community. I’ve always looked for dependable, kind people in my life. My experience at BITS instilled a sense of camaraderie and support among peers. Moving to a new country as an international student meant starting over, but the community at Fuqua felt welcoming. I reached out to second-year students, alumni, and the admissions team, and they went above and beyond in supporting me. They not only answered my questions but also offered guidance on my essays and introduced me to alumni who shared my career interests. This real sense of community convinced me that I could rely on my classmates and mentors during this transition.
As a Fuqua MBA student, being part of this loyal community means actively supporting my peers. It’s about fostering an inclusive and collaborative atmosphere. I aim to embrace empathy and integrity in every interaction. I’m committed to staying engaged with the Fuqua network, contributing positively, and helping fellow members grow long after graduation.
Curriculum that Stands Out: What attracted me to Fuqua was its flexible curriculum and integration with other schools at Duke. Unlike other universities where the business school is isolated, Fuqua is centrally located on the Duke campus. I plan to pursue concentrations in Decision Sciences and Strategy while also exploring AI and public policy courses. This interdisciplinary approach allows me to tailor my education to fit my career goals, making my learning experience richer and more relevant.
First Impressions of Fuqua: Everyone at Fuqua, from current students to alumni, has been incredibly supportive. An especially memorable moment was when a group of alumni invited me and my partner over for dinner before I moved to the U.S. They shared invaluable advice about the MBA experience and even provided guidance on how to manage long distances during life changes. Their generosity made me feel more at home before I had even arrived.
Passion Projects at Duke: My time at Media.net highlighted the importance of diverse voices in tech. I want to help classmates from various backgrounds break into product management through the Duke MBA Tech Club. I plan to start a podcast that emphasizes storytelling in tech product development. It will spotlight the journeys of fellow product managers, aiming to showcase how personal stories can drive product innovation. Additionally, I’m excited to bring my experience in design thinking to the Design & Innovation Club, where I hope to facilitate workshops that combine storytelling and design challenges to create practical business solutions.
Biggest Career Accomplishment: One of my proudest achievements was leading a transition at Media.net from a sales-based model to a product-led approach. Initially met with skepticism, I introduced a peer review system to improve our product development. It took time, but by empathizing with my team, I gradually gained their trust. This change led to a 30% increase in feature utilization and improved collaboration across teams. Moreover, I recognized the need for a more diverse workforce. To tackle this, I created resources and support systems for non-STEM candidates entering tech, which helped diversify our team and enhance our creativity. This included being recognized as a key player in securing a partnership with Yahoo, which is projected to significantly boost revenue.
Vision for the MBA Experience: I want my MBA experience to be defined by the connections I build with classmates from diverse backgrounds. Hearing their stories enriches my perspective. For example, I’ve enjoyed talking with a classmate who served in the military and another who has venture capital experience. Their insights are invaluable. The warmth and openness I have experienced from my peers, especially from the South American cohort, fill me with excitement for what lies ahead in our shared journey.
Advice for Future Applicants: My best advice? Be yourself. It’s crucial to let your personality shine through in your application, especially in the “25 Things About You” essay. Authenticity matters at Fuqua. From what I’ve seen, the most memorable applications are those that showcase individuality. Embrace your unique experiences—those are your strengths.
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Class of 2026,Duke University,Fuqua School of Business,MBA,Mohit Chandel
