The Setting Sail Series is a collection of blog posts from graduating Career Captains that include their favorite Brandeis International Business School memories, as well as advice for incoming and returning students. In this blog post, Harsh Sanghvi, MSF’24, – also known as the “First Impressionist”, for his impressive ability to put his best foot forward in all situations, shares his tips and tricks for navigating business school.

The MSF (Master of Science in Finance) program and my time working as a Career Captain have been invaluable in preparing me for my desired career path in the investment banking industry. 

Through the various career development workshops, networking events, and one-on-one coaching sessions, I’ve gained practical skills in areas such as resume building, interview preparation, and professional branding. Additionally, the opportunity to interact with industry professionals and alumni has provided me with insights into different career paths and a better understanding of the expectations and challenges in my field.

In short: participating in events on campus and leveraging your program’s resources are the best way to prepare yourself for what’s ahead.

Here are some additional pieces of advice for you as you navigate your journey at the business school.

Foster connections and build strong bonds

Building strong relationships has always been a priority for me. I made a conscious effort to be actively involved in team meetings, volunteer for projects, and participate in social events organized by the CSE. This allowed me to collaborate closely with others, learn from their experiences, and foster a sense of camaraderie.

Additionally, I made it a point to be approachable, reliable, and willing to lend a helping hand whenever needed, which contributed to building trust and respect among my peers and the staff.

For incoming graduate students looking to grow their professional network and improve their networking skills, my advice would be:

• Attend as many relevant events, conferences, and workshops as possible, both on and off-campus. 
• Actively participate in class discussions and group projects to build relationships with classmates and professors.
• Reach out to alumni or professionals in your desired field for informational interviews or coffee chats. 
• Seek out opportunities to volunteer or get involved in student organizations or professional associations.
• Practice your elevator pitch and be prepared to articulate your goals, experiences, and unique value proposition.

Gain professional experience by participating in career development events

One successful career development initiative I was involved in was the “New York Industry Trek” event. This event brought together professionals from various industries to share their experiences, insights, and advice with students and an opportunity to visit giants like HSBC, BlackRock and Deloitte. 

I learned a lot in terms of communication, professional behavior, asking the right questions and networking with anyone and everyone.

Effective Time Management is Key

Balancing academic, CSE, and extracurricular commitments was a challenge but I found that effective time management and prioritization were key. I made use of a digital calendar and to-do lists to keep track of deadlines and obligations.

Eventually, I learned to prioritize tasks based on their importance and urgency, and to avoid procrastination. When faced with particularly demanding periods, I didn’t hesitate to seek help or guidance from professors, advisors, or peers.

Especially for group projects…

I can recall facing the challenging situation of juggling multiple group projects with conflicting deadlines while being a student. It was difficult to coordinate schedules and ensure effective collaboration among team members. 

To overcome this challenge, I took the initiative to create a shared project timeline and regularly communicated with team members to address any issues or concerns. 

Additionally, I leveraged my time management skills to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines without compromising the quality of the work.

Gain – and maximize – student leadership experience

To become an effective and valuable student leader, one needs to possess qualities such as strong communication skills, organizational abilities, adaptability, and a genuine desire to serve and support others.

Additionally, competencies like problem-solving, decision-making, and the ability to work collaboratively in a team are crucial. Leading by example, being accountable, and fostering an inclusive and supportive environment are also key to inspiring and motivating others.

Immerse yourself in the supportive community

What has made Brandeis International Business School so special to me is the supportive and inclusive community, the emphasis on experiential learning, and the opportunities for personal and professional growth. 

The faculty and staff have been incredibly supportive, providing guidance and mentorship throughout my journey. The diverse student body and exposure to different perspectives have broadened my horizons and prepared me to navigate a globalized business world. 

Overall, Brandeis has been instrumental in shaping me into a well-rounded, ethical, and socially responsible leader.

Finally, remember to step out of your comfort zone

If given the chance to rewind my Brandeis journey, I would make an effort to step out of my comfort zone even more. 

While I did engage in various extracurricular activities and leadership opportunities, I would encourage my past self to be even more proactive in seeking out new experiences, taking calculated risks, and embracing challenges. This could have included pursuing additional internships or research projects or exploring entrepreneurial endeavors. 

Looking back, I realize that some of my most significant personal and professional growth occurred when I pushed myself beyond my limits.

Good luck! I wish you the best on your Brandeis International Business School journey!