Barbie Tyagi's Journey: Breaking Barriers in the Rutgers MBA Program

Barbie Tyagi, a bright star in the Rutgers Full Time MBA Program, arrived in the U.S. for the first time, filled with excitement yet plagued by nerves. During her initial networking event, she felt the weight of her transition from India, a place she called home, to the bustling environment of New Jersey. Despite her anxieties, Tyagi quickly noticed the warm embrace of her new community. "I was thrilled yet anxious, knowing that the culture here is so different from what I was used to in India," she confessed. However, the kindheartedness of the people helped her shed her initial apprehensions quickly.

With a solid academic background, having completed her undergraduate degree in economics from the University of Delhi, Tyagi's professional journey took her to Gurugram, India, where she was employed as a senior risk analyst at Genpact. A pivotal conversation with her manager ignited a flame within her, pushing Tyagi to consider the next step in her career: pursuing an MBA. It was through her uncle, a Rutgers alumnus, that she discovered the allure of the university’s renowned curriculum, which seemed to perfectly align with her aspirations.

"Everything just clicked for me – I knew this was exactly where I wanted to be," she expressed, eagerly anticipating the completion of her MBA next year. Tyagi recalls the moment vividly when she made the decision to move halfway across the world, envisioning a future filled with possibilities and opportunities.

As an international student, Tyagi recognized the obstacles that may come her way, especially regarding internships and career opportunities. In a significant leap towards securing her professional future, she was thrilled to announce that she had landed a summer internship with Dell, a goal that seemed daunting but achievable with the right resources. Tyagi attended the information session hosted by Dell, actively sought out mentorship, and applied for the internship, showcasing her determination and initiative.

The support from Rutgers' MBA Office of Career Management proved invaluable. Dean R. Vera, assistant dean and director of the office, provided Tyagi with personalized coaching during a one-on-one session. This preparation was crucial in identifying gaps in her knowledge and equipping her with the tools necessary for the competitive internship interview process. Tyagi further benefited from peer mentorship, receiving insights from a fellow student who had previously completed an internship at Dell.

"The resources bridged the gap between where I stand and where I started," Tyagi remarked. "Having someone who could pinpoint where you lack was important. Without these resources and guidance, you operate blindly." Dean Vera recognized Tyagi's diligence, stating, "She was determined to secure a summer internship offer with Dell, and she did so by having a mock interview with me and preparing for the case question using one of our resources."

Navigating the intensive demands of the MBA program has been a formidable challenge for Tyagi. Managing her time effectively while serving as president of the finance club, along with participating in several case competitions, requires constant vigilance and adaptability. "Everything requires you to be on your toes managing your time," she noted, emphasizing the importance of striking a balance between academic obligations and extracurricular involvement.

Tyagi’s hard work and strategic approach have undoubtedly paid off, but she also shares her wisdom with fellow international students, encouraging them to embrace their new journey. "Embrace the unknown. Coming to a new country can be intimidating, but take full advantage of the resources the school has to offer," she advised, highlighting the importance of leveraging available support systems to thrive in a foreign environment.

With her sights set on securing a full-time position at Dell following the internship, Tyagi's story is a testament to the power of determination and the significant impact of thorough preparation and resource utilization. The journey she embarked on at Rutgers is, without a doubt, just the beginning of what promises to be a remarkable career ahead.