Beyond the Classroom: The Real MBA Experience

When you think about an MBA, the first things that come to mind are rigorous coursework, case studies, and perhaps the occasional networking event. But the reality of the MBA experience goes far beyond the classroom.

In this candid conversation with Riteeka Sapru, a current MBA student at the Foster School of Business, we dive into the highs and lows, and the critical lessons learned during her first year.

From managing intense networking demands to managing the uncertainties of the job market, Riteeka shares what it really takes to survive—and thrive—in an MBA program!

Read on to discover the real MBA experience.

Shree: Hi Riteeka, thank you for joining us today! I remember you were just about to start your MBA journey at Foster. How has the experience been so far?

Riteeka: Oh, where do I even begin? The last time we spoke, I was so excited but also a bit nervous about what lay ahead. Now, looking back, I can honestly say it’s been a whirlwind—a mix of overwhelming challenges and incredible growth. I joined Foster with a clear goal in mind: to get into product management. And here I am, deep into a consulting internship. It wasn’t what I initially planned, but I’m learning so much, and I’m genuinely happy with how things have turned out.

Shree: That’s amazing! What was the biggest surprise for you when you started the MBA program?

Riteeka: I think the biggest surprise—and something I wish I had been better prepared for—was how intense the first year would be, not just academically, but socially as well. Before starting, I’d heard people say that an MBA is like drinking from a fire hose, but I didn’t fully understand what that meant until I was in it. The coursework is demanding, but what really caught me off guard was the amount of networking required. I’m naturally an introvert, so the social aspect was challenging for me. You’re constantly meeting new people, attending events, and trying to build connections, which is just as important as your studies. It’s a lot to juggle, and I wasn’t fully prepared for that.

Shree: Networking seems to play a crucial role in the MBA experience. How did you manage to do that? Especially as someone who identifies as an introvert?

Riteeka: It was definitely a learning curve. In the beginning, I struggled because I’m someone who enjoys my own space and quiet time. But in an MBA program, especially at a place like Foster, you quickly realize that being visible and making connections is key. What helped me was finding a balance—I didn’t try to force myself into being overly social, but I made sure to engage in meaningful ways. For example, I plan to be part of the pub clubs every Thursday. These are casual meet-ups where students gather at a pub after a long day of classes, and it’s a great way to network in a relaxed setting. I also made it a point to have at least two coffee chats every week. These chats were invaluable because they allowed me to connect with people one-on-one, which felt more natural to me.

Shree: How did you handle the academic side of things, especially during that challenging first quarter?

Riteeka: The first quarter was definitely tough. At Foster, the first quarter is packed with core subjects—finance, accounting, you name it. I remember being terrified of finance, but then we had an amazing Professor, who was just phenomenal. He has this way of breaking down complex concepts into small, digestible pieces, which makes it much easier to grasp.

Beyond academics, though, what really kept me grounded was the flexibility that Foster offers in terms of scheduling. By the time the second quarter rolled around, I was able to choose electives that interested me and structure my week in a way that gave me some breathing room. For instance, I’ve arranged my second-year schedule so that I have Mondays and Wednesdays completely free. This allows me to focus on other projects or just recharge.

Shree: That’s great to hear! I know you mentioned earlier that you’re currently doing a consulting internship. How has that experience been, especially in the current economic climate?

Riteeka: The internship has been a roller-coaster, to say the least. I was fortunate to secure my internship early, in January. The economy has made the recruitment process incredibly competitive. As for my internship, I’m working as a consultant at ZS, and it’s been both challenging and rewarding. The hours are long—but I’m learning a ton. What’s interesting is that even within consulting, I’m seeing how much AI is starting to influence the industry. Clients are increasingly interested in AI solutions. It’s a fascinating time to be in this space, though it’s not without its pressures.

Shree: Speaking of AI, how do you see it impacting your work in consulting?

Riteeka: AI is definitely making waves, even in consulting. At ZS, we’re developing our own AI platforms that can handle tasks that would traditionally require a person. For instance, instead of sending a consultant to solve an implementation problem, we might use an AI-driven product to do the job. However, it’s important to note that AI isn’t replacing the need for human expertise—at least not yet. While AI can take over repetitive tasks like data analysis or creating reports, the strategic thinking and problem-solving that consulting requires are still very much human-driven. I think the real impact of AI will be in enhancing productivity and allowing consultants to focus more on complex, value-added activities.

Shree: As you move into your second year, how do you feel about the challenges ahead?

Riteeka: I’m actually feeling optimistic! The second year is supposed to be easier, with more electives and fewer core classes. I’ve learned so much from the first year, and now I feel more in control. I’ve structured my schedule to have some free days, which gives me the flexibility to explore new opportunities or just take a breather.

Shree: What advice would you give the prospective students who are about to start their MBA journey ?

Riteeka: My advice would be to connect with current students, especially second-years, as early as possible. Get a real sense of what’s happening behind the scenes—the good, the bad, and the ugly. The economy is tough right now, so it’s better to be prepared rather than be caught off guard. Foster is a great school with a lot of opportunities, but you need to be proactive and realistic about what you want to achieve. And most importantly, don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone—you’ll be surprised at how much you can grow.

Thank you so much, Riteeka! Your insights have been incredibly valuable, and I’m sure they’ll help many students who are about to start their own MBA journeys.

Do reach out to me for a 1:1 evaluation to understand your fitment for an MBA