students pose in front of sign for zoominfo
Boston Industry Trek to Zoominfo
Finding Career Inspiration | Puja Yadav, MSBA’26

In this CSE Connect original blog post, Brandeis International Business School Captain, Puja Yadav, MSBA’26, shares key lessons and career insights gained from engaging with guest speakers, alumni, and industry leaders during her first semester.

Amidst the whirlwind of my first semester—grappling with technical subjects outside my comfort zone, adapting to the demands of graduate school, and settling into a new country—one of the most enriching aspects of my experience has been engaging with guest speakers, alumni, and industry leaders at Brandeis International Business School

These interactions offered a front-row seat to industry practices, emerging trends, and invaluable actionable career strategies. In this blog, I reflect on the key takeaways from these experiences—lessons I hope to carry with me as I chart my professional journey.

Zach Rieken, CEO Living Proof, visits Marketing Courses at Brandeis International Business School

Learning from Alumni Panels and Guest Speakers

Launch Your Global Career Speakers

The speaker series in my fall required career course, “Launch Your Global Career,”  has been a highlight of my experience so far at the business school. The diverse lineup of alumni and second year MSBA (Master of Business Analytics) students offered practical advice and real-world insights. 

One second-year MSBA student encouraged us to adopt a proactive mindset from day one, emphasizing small, consistent actions such as daily outreach to grow meaningful connections. Her mantra, “practice over perfection,” resonated deeply, reminding me that incremental progress is better than waiting for the perfect moment.

She also highlighted the importance of foundational skills like teamwork, adaptability, and self-awareness, which are critical for even highly technical fields. She encouraged us to seek feedback actively, engage in teamwork, and prioritize continuous growth.

Marketing Class Guest Lecturers

As someone with a marketing background, I was particularly excited to attend guest lectures for courses such as Marketing Management and Branding Strategy – and that these classes were open to students not registered for the course.

One speaker explored the intersection of creativity and data, using Coca-Cola as an example of how cultural storytelling can build lasting emotional connections. Another delved into Burberry’s brand strategy, showing how the company balances innovation with its heritage to sustain customer loyalty. 

These insights not only reinforced my appreciation for storytelling but also highlighted the role of technology—like augmented reality (AR) and artificial intelligence (AI)—in creating more immersive consumer experiences.These sessions were a part of Professor Grace Zimmerman’s classes and were open to students across the business school. You can register for events like these on Handshake as they become available.

group of students pose in TripAdvisor Lobby
Boston Industry Trek to TripAdvisor!

Insights from Industry Events and Campus Visits

TripAdvisor Trek

The TripAdvisor trek was a multi-faceted experience that included both an exploration of their innovative tools such as personalized travel recommendation algorithms, user-friendly trip planning interfaces, and data-driven platforms for enhancing customer experience and a speed networking session with Brandeis alumni and other team members. 

This session offered valuable insights into career strategies, particularly in the fields of analytics and AI. Alumni shared practical tips on the tools they use daily, such as Tableau and SQL, how AI is transforming their analytics workflows, and what hiring managers look for in potential candidates.

ZoomInfo Campus Visit

At ZoomInfo, I gained a deeper understanding of how analytics drives business strategies. Their team showcased how data enhances decision-making processes, from improving customer engagement to streamlining operations. It was a reminder of the critical role technical tools like Python and Tableau play in building actionable insights.

students network with alumni
CSE Student/Alumni Speed Networking Event

The Value of Networking and Mentorship

Networking at the business school has been a deeply personal and inspiring experience. During Alumni Speed Networking events, what struck me most was the candidness of the conversations. Alumni reminisced about their time at Brandeis, sharing heartfelt memories and the strong connection they still feel to the school. 

As someone just starting out, hearing these stories was both comforting and motivating—it showed me that I’m part of a community that genuinely supports its members. These moments reaffirmed the value of building relationships that inspire and guide you every step of the way.

Looking Ahead

These experiences have given me a clearer perspective on what it takes to grow professionally, and I’m committed to applying these strategies with purpose and consistency. Here’s how I plan to stay on track:

  • Start Early and Be Intentional
    Consistent small steps—networking and attending events—have created opportunities. I’ll keep building momentum by staying proactive and focused on my goals.
  • Leverage Technology
    Tools like SQL, Tableau, and Python have become integral to many industries. I aim to deepen my proficiency in these areas and showcase my work through a professional portfolio that highlights my technical and analytical skills.
  • Seek Feedback and Mentorship
    The mentorship I’ve received so far has been invaluable, helping me see the bigger picture and stay motivated. I plan to continue building these relationships, seeking advice, and learning from the experiences of alumni, professors, and peers.
  • Embrace Storytelling
    Whether in marketing or analytics, the ability to convey ideas clearly and effectively is crucial. I want to continue honing this skill, ensuring I can connect my work to larger goals and communicate its impact.

As I move forward, I’m grateful for these experiences and encourage others to embrace them with the same curiosity and commitment.

By Puja Yadav
Puja Yadav Business School Captain