New MEM Students Share Excitement to Get Started

In September, Northwestern's Master of Engineering Management (MEM) program welcomed its newest cohort of students to campus. As part of their orientation experience, the students reflected on what it was about MEM that initially appealed to them, what they are most looking forward to about their time in the program, and how they think MEM will help them achieve their professional goals.

Here are some of their answers. 

What about the MEM program initially appealed to you? 

Marc Cheah (MEM '25): The MEM program at Northwestern is a unique blend of technical and business education which offers a perfect bridge between engineering and leadership. I wanted to gain management skills necessary to lead teams and drive innovation more effectively.

Rishab Jayakumar (MEM '25): As a working professional deeply immersed in a technical role, I've come to appreciate the critical importance of strong management support in day-to-day operations. The synergy between a team's immediate objectives and the long-term vision set by management is essential to a company’s success. The MEM program offers an excellent opportunity to enhance my technical expertise while developing the managerial skills needed to bridge these two domains effectively.

Suwatika Kumaran (MEM '25): As someone with a technical background in systems applications and processing , plus engineering, I found MEM to be the perfect bridge between engineering expertise and business leadership. The program offers the opportunity to deepen my knowledge in areas like product management, project leadership, and digital transformation, while also equipping me with essential business skills such as strategy, finance, and organizational behavior. 

Nandini Rajput (MEM '25): The MEM program at Northwestern University appealed to me initially due to its unique blend of engineering and management principles. The program's concentration in Managerial Analytics, coupled with its strong industry connections and real-world applications, aligns perfectly with my background in petroleum engineering and my aspirations in consulting and project management. Additionally, Northwestern’s reputation for academic excellence and its vibrant campus community were significant factors in my decision.

Athira Unnikrishnan (MEM '25): It was important to pursue a management program that equips me with the skill set to manage tech products and projects.

What are you most looking forward to in MEM? 

Cheah: I am especially excited about tackling real-life projects during the MEM program that have the potential to make a meaningful impact. Applying the concepts and tools from both engineering and management to solve complex, real-world challenges will allow me to bridge the gap between theory and practice.

Karan Gupta (MEM '25): I am most looking forward to the opportunity to learn from Northwestern’s world-class faculty and work alongside some of the brightest peers in the world. The MEM program offers an incredible platform to build on my product knowledge, collaborate with innovative minds, and solve complex challenges together. I’m also excited to tap into Northwestern’s extensive alumni network, gaining insights from industry leaders and establishing meaningful connections that will be instrumental in my long-term career growth. The chance to be part of such a renowned community is an experience I am truly eager to embrace. 

Kumaran: I am looking forward to gaining a well-rounded understanding of both the technical and managerial aspects of engineering through my MEM experience. Specifically, I’m excited about the opportunity to learn from industry experts and collaborate with a diverse cohort of peers, which will broaden my perspective on leadership, innovation, and product management. The hands-on projects and case studies that focus on real-world challenges are particularly appealing, as they will allow me to apply my existing technical skills while developing strategic thinking and leadership abilities. 

Unnikrishnan: The MEM program has a diverse cohort in terms of undergraduate backgrounds and professional experiences. I'm excited to interact with them and learn from their experience. I believe together we can build a great learning community. 

Bharath Yedla (MEM '25): I have a strong foundation in technical knowledge, and through the MEM program, I aim to develop essential management skills while fully utilizing the rich resources available on campus. My goal is to leverage this blend of expertise to start my own venture after completing the MEM program, positioning myself for entrepreneurial success in a dynamic business environment. 

How do you think MEM will prepare you for your professional goals? 

Gupta: The MEM program will equip me with essential managerial, analytical, technical, and leadership skills needed to excel in a customer-facing product role. The curriculum’s focus on artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies will deepen my understanding of the tools shaping the future of business, while the hands-on projects and collaboration with diverse peers will sharpen my ability to solve complex problems. These experiences will prepare me to effectively lead teams and drive innovation in a dynamic, tech-driven environment after graduation.

Jayakumar: The extensive curriculum and the faculty's wealth of knowledge will not only equip me with essential theoretical foundations, but also immerse me in industry-specific examples, allowing me to apply my learnings practically and swiftly. This experience will undoubtedly broaden my horizons and spark a deeper curiosity to explore innovative techniques from various industries — something I’m eager to implement, whether in a technical role or while pursuing future entrepreneurial endeavors.

Kumaran: The MEM program will equip me with a blend of technical and business skills, such as product strategy, project management, and leadership, which are essential for transitioning into product management roles. The program’s focus on real-world applications, digital transformation, and cross-functional teamwork will prepare me to effectively manage technology-driven products and lead innovative solutions in my future career.

Rashmi Mohapatra (MEM '25): MEM will set me with the right set of skills and attitude to be leading the product segment in any area of engineering discipline.

Rajput: The MEM program will equip me with a comprehensive skill set that bridges technical expertise and managerial acumen. The program’s focus on analytics will enhance my ability to make data-driven decisions, a crucial skill in consulting, analyst, and project management roles. The collaborative projects and networking opportunities offered by MEM will also help me build valuable connections and gain practical experience, preparing me for the dynamic challenges of the professional world. 

Annie Wang (MEM '25): The MEM program establishes the foundation for strategic planning, business innovation and managing evolving technologies. It perfectly aligns with my interest in utilizing technologies to make data-informed product decisions and building multidisciplinary teams. 

Yedla: I believe the MEM program will challenge me to grow, pushing me to develop the skills and mindset required to become the kind of leader the world is looking for. It will prepare me to confidently manage and lead cutting-edge products, especially in the rapidly evolving field of AI, where I aim to make a significant impact.