Growing up in Mumbai, a city that constantly teaches you resilience and the value of hustle, shaped my outlook from an early age. My academic foundation lies in MSc Psychology (HRDM), a field that sparked my fascination with the human side of business. I carried this perspective into my role at Accenture Strategy & Consulting, where I worked on complex organisational challenges.
However, as I navigated the corporate landscape, I realised that while I understood the people behind organisations, I wanted to understand better the global structures in which they operate. At this stage of my career, I was looking for more than just another qualification. I wanted an environment where I could bridge psychological insight with international business strategy.
The Global MBA (GMBA) program at SP Jain Global, delivered across top business hubs, felt like the perfect catalyst for this evolution. It offered the opportunity to test my ideas in some of the world’s most dynamic business environments.
Moving from the familiar energy of Mumbai to the structured innovation of Singapore and the futuristic ambition of Dubai was a truly transformative experience.
In Singapore, I observed how precision, discipline, and long-term sustainability shape business thinking. In Dubai, I experienced the power of bold vision and rapid scaling.
Equally impactful was collaborating with a cohort representing diverse nationalities and professional backgrounds. I realised that global business is not simply about trade routes or currencies. It is about the ability to find common ground among people with very different perspectives.
Courses such as Managing Consulting Process, Client Relations, and Consulting for Digital Transformation felt familiar but brought a global dimension that constantly challenged my thinking.
Other courses, including Blue Ocean Strategy, Customer Value Management, and Competitive Dynamics, became a laboratory for real-time decision-making. There is a unique clarity that emerges when you commit to a major simulation decision and immediately see how markets and competitors respond. It shifts your mindset from analysing case studies to navigating a live business ecosystem.
One of the most memorable highlights of the program was my Industry Project with Microsoft, where I worked on a Go-To-Market (GTM) strategy. Instead of analysing a historical case, I was helping design a strategy for a global technology leader. Navigating real market complexities—where answers are rarely straightforward—was both challenging and incredibly rewarding.
Outside the classroom, being part of Stratbuzz (Business Club) under the guidance of Dr Umesh Kothari was equally transformative. These sessions went beyond discussing strategy. They focused on deconstructing it—understanding the deeper why behind every strategic move a company makes.
Between late-night debates at Stratbuzz and high-stakes assignments, the program gradually evolved from a collection of courses into a coherent journey that shaped how I want to lead.
The greatest challenge during the program was the unrelenting pace. Relocating from Singapore to Dubai while managing an intensive academic schedule required significant mental endurance.
Initially, I experienced a degree of imposter syndrome, particularly when tackling quantitative modules such as Corporate Valuation, Accounting, and Risk Management.
What helped me overcome this challenge was the program’s collaborative learning environment. Professors were highly accessible and frequently used case studies to break down complex financial concepts into practical frameworks. At the same time, my classmates—many of whom had strong finance backgrounds—became invaluable learning partners.
This peer-to-peer learning environment played a crucial role in helping the technical concepts truly stick.
Being named to the Dean’s List is certainly gratifying. Still, above all, it represents proof that individuals from non-traditional backgrounds can thrive in a fast-paced global business environment.
For me, it validates the journey rather than the title.
One of the most important lessons I would share with future students is this: your unique background is your advantage. Whether your foundation is in psychology, engineering, or the arts, it brings a perspective that enriches the learning experience.
Do not spend the entire year buried in the library. The real return on investment lies in the people you meet and the relationships you build. Explore the cities you live in. Ask questions early—even the ones that may seem obvious.
That is where the real transformation happens.
Himani Kamdar, a Global MBA graduate (Class of 2026), with an academic background in psychology and professional experience at Accenture Strategy & Consulting, brings a unique perspective that blends human insight with business strategy. Her interests lie in consulting, organisational transformation, and global market strategy.
Recommended reads:
Choosing Better: What Global MBA taught me about career growth
Beyond Borders: The Art of Cross-Cultural Resonance in Modern Marketing
Breaking Barriers and Building Futures: The Leadership Journey of Aakanksha Bhargava, a GMBA Alumni