MBA Mama Spotlight: Deepthi Desai of Fuqua
Deepthi Desai, a first year MBA Candidate at Duke’s The Fuqua School of Business, shares great advice for moms who are ready to make that important investment in themselves and obtain their professional graduate degree. A former engineer, Deepthi has lived in the US for the past eight years with her husband and together they have a six-year-old daughter and a one-year-old son.
By MBA Mama Guest Blogger: Deepthi Desai // Being a working mom is challenging in and of itself. Adding the whole package of GMAT preparation, school preview events, essay writing and interviews to your everyday schedule is daunting. To be honest, having kids and doing a Top MBA program is TOUGH but doable provided you take care of everything mentioned below. I want every mom who wants to invest in herself (I don’t want to say “be ambitious”) pursue her MBA with pride, and planning.
If you are not scared of your dreams, they are not big enough!
Finding the right school:
I believe finding the best school that fits your needs — be it in terms of career options, climate, culture, etc. — is the first right step. This is not only for moms but everyone one who is considering to get an MBA. After all, you want to invest your time, energy (and of course, money) in the school that you will be most happy with. This is not just about a 2 year commitment , it’s about the process of making life long friends, building your network and setting up a new launch pad for your career.
Setting expectations with people around you and finding the support system:
This is very important, especially being a mother. Having an understanding partner is an asset. There are people around you who demand your time but sometimes you have to start being selfish and act like you are SINGLE. Setting expectations with your family and immediate family on your availability is key. Finding the right child care adds immense value. For instance, I brought my mother-in-law from India to take care of my 9 month old while I’m gone which gives me so much peace. I know there are other moms here at Fuqua who explored different childcare options that work best for them. Setting expectations within the teams you operate during course work is also important. Prepare as best you can, and when you don’t have time be sure to accept as much help as is actually needed! Getting baby sitters when possible, maybe hiring a house cleaner every now and then, buying carry-out dinners, preparing meals during the weekend for the whole week — all of these things will help you stay sane during your program.
Balancing Acts and Shifting Priorities:
Business school is a place where you are flooded with opportunities and you have very serious time constraints. The skills of prioritizing, spending energy on right things, and best utilizing your time play a key role in your success. I believe moms can rock this piece as we have practiced knowing priorities and where to invest in energy and what is most important to us when it comes to balancing our work with our families. A lot of singles struggle with this as they want to be all over to ensure they are not missing out on anything by not being present. Moms I know elegantly carry themselves and are clear on how to balance their priorities in academics, career, personal and social activities.
Set an example:
I am working to motivate other moms, single ladies planning a family, and even my daughter, to invest in themselves and to show them that we do not have to give up on our dreams or aspirations for the family. It takes a ton of patience, planning and perseverance, however I’m sure the fruits at the end of the labor are worth it.
I believe MBA is like the game of Chess. You have to strategically choose your moves and power, take help and beat the enemy (i.e. thought that you can’t do your MBA because you’re a MOM). After all, the immense amount of planning you’ve done to get to this point in your career or application process puts you up for success.
Wishing all Moms a fantastic future!
