I have always learned best by applying concepts in real time. Coming from a background in Financial Markets and transitioning into the world of Ad Tech, I quickly realised the importance of solidifying my foundational knowledge in management, marketing, and strategy. As the Ad Tech landscape evolves rapidly, stepping away from work for a full-time program did not seem practical. However, an Executive MBA (EMBA) felt like the right fit; that is how I enrolled in the EMBA program at SP Jain Global.
I have always learned best by applying concepts in real time. Coming from a background in Financial Markets and transitioning into the world of Ad Tech, I quickly realised the importance of solidifying my foundational knowledge in management, marketing, and strategy. As the Ad Tech landscape evolves rapidly, stepping away from work for a full-time program did not seem practical. However, an Executive MBA (EMBA) felt like the right fit; that is how I enrolled in the EMBA program at SP Jain Global.
The SP Jain Global EMBA struck the perfect balance for me. It combined academic depth, practical application, and the flexibility to study alongside a full-time career. Let me be honest—it was far from easy. There were finance courses I never imagined revisiting, work trips that collided with assignment deadlines, and weekends that were anything but restful. However, I knew what I had signed up for, and each challenge shaped me.
Learning from a Diverse and Supportive Cohort
What truly elevated my experience was the cohort. These were individuals I genuinely looked forward to learning with. I missed them when electives split us apart, and celebrated the rare days when core modules brought us back together. Our group was incredibly diverse—spanning industries, geographies, and cultures—yet we shared an unspoken understanding. There was no sense of competition, only collaboration. Whether it was during classroom simulations, case discussions, or our Dubai immersion with Dean Gary, we all brought different perspectives that enriched every conversation.
Some of the most insightful learning came from those group sessions. Trying to agree on a strategy with multiple viewpoints often led to constructive chaos. But once we took a step back and filtered through it, we found clarity, often uncovering solutions that none of us would have reached alone. That, to me, is the essence of executive learning.
Applying Knowledge Through Real-World Projects
Beyond the classroom, I found immense value in the Mini Projects at Work (MPAWs) and Reflective Papers. These pushed me to step back, evaluate real-world situations, and apply structured thinking. I have always been intrigued by strategy, and through these projects, I developed the tools to dissect problems, ask sharper questions, and build more effective solutions. In an industry like Ad Tech, especially in the affiliate marketing space where the landscape is still forming, the ability to think critically and adapt is essential, and this program helped refine that skill.
The Global Strategy Immersion Project was another milestone. Working on a ‘Go-To-Market Strategy’ for a new region and sector was an eye-opening experience. It challenged my comfort zone and expanded my understanding of how businesses scale across borders. It felt almost as though I was part of a founding team, entrusted with making crucial decisions to drive success in a new market.
As I approach the final leg of the EMBA, I am preparing for the Applied Strategic Project—a four-month-long research initiative focused on my area of work. I am genuinely excited about the conversations this project will spark with industry leaders and peers. It will be an opportunity to go deeper into a space I care about, while producing insights I hope to share with my wider professional network. Would I have taken up a research project on my own? Probably not. And that is precisely what makes this journey so rewarding—it pushes you to explore parts of yourself you may never have tapped into otherwise.
Overcoming the Challenges of Work-Study Balance
Managing work, travel, and academics has been difficult, especially while deeply involved with clients, internal teams, and industry events. But integrating these experiences has made the learning that much richer. I often found myself drawing direct connections between classroom discussions and client conversations—something that has been incredibly valuable in my role.
Why I Recommend the EMBA Experience at SP Jain Global
If you are considering the EMBA, I wholeheartedly recommend SP Jain Global. From Ms Jhunilyn Ofiana to the entire program office, the support is personal and consistent. The ELO technology is seamless, but what truly stands out are the experiential opportunities—the Immersion, the Global Strategic Immersion Project, and the Applied Strategic Project. You may not grasp their impact until you are deep in them, but they stretch you in ways traditional learning cannot. It’s not an easy ride, but what got me through was simply showing up, staying grounded, and letting the experience shape me. Somewhere along the way, without even realising it, you grow. And before you know it, you ask yourself, “Where did the last 18 months go?”
Author Bio:
Yati Rungta manages Advertiser Partnerships for North America at Affinity Global Inc., where she works at the intersection of media, data, and performance. With a background that spans Financial Markets to Ad Tech, she brings strategic curiosity. Currently part of SP Jain Global’s EMBA Class of 2024, Yati is driven by change, fueled by learning, and grounded in purpose.
There’s more to the EMBA than meets the eye. Read more about alumni journeys, student life experiences, and faculty perspectives here.
