Student Spotlight: Radhika Goel
Radhika Goel is originally from Mumbai, India where she earned her undergraduate degree from the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay in Metallurgical Engineering and Materials Sciences. Following graduation from IIT Bombay, Radhika worked for two years as a Technology Analyst with Goldman Sachs after which she explored entrepreneurship at a few startups in Product Management and Strategy roles before beginning the Northwestern MEM Program. Outside the classroom, she has been professionally trained in belly and ballroom dancing, and even won a few modeling contests back in India. She is a math and astronomy geek who loves to learn about the Cosmos. She also enjoys all sorts of adventurous sports, and is tougher than she may appear – completing a medium-to-difficult level trek in the Himalayas to over 15000+ feet. We have asked Radhika to share her interests and what MEM experience has meant to her:
What is Your Favorite Class or Professor, Why:
I have just started in Fall 2017 and have had four classes so far. I loved each and every one of them! Getting deeper knowledge and real-world workings in Product Management by Professor Birju Shah (MEM490); getting to know my own leadership style and building upon it further with Professor Gail Berger (MEM424); applying math to solve tangible problems which might seem unfathomable at first with Professor Jill Wilson (MEM407); and learning to manage your own company in a fun way with Professor Dave Semb (MEM402)! They are all purely AWESOME!
What is the Best Part About MEM:
The best part about MEM is that there is something here for everyone! You can tailor your course as per whatever you’d like to do and learn more about! Also, due to this, you end up meeting experts from every field that you could imagine (and even the ones you didn’t know existed!). Plethora of new opportunities and a chance to grow in each field that you chose! Plus, whatever I learn here is very applicable to the real world. As I’m going through each course, I can visualize myself utilizing the skills gained and growing much more in my previous jobs, as well as, how I can leverage them in my job after the program.
How Do You Think your Experience Will Contribute to this Program?
Each student in the course brings a diverse set of expertise, experiences, and perspectives, which enhance classroom experiences for all colleagues around them. Along with this, we also bring varied networks which can be leveraged by each student in the program. I have a strong network due to my professional experience working with Goldman Sachs and can traverse my way around easily through the Indian Startup industry.
Word of Advice to Future Students:
Don’t think about it! Take the Plunge! You’ll love it here!
