My MBA Journey: Charanya Krishnan Rao, Texas A&M (Mays), One to Watch

Last Updated on August 10, 2023 by Robert C. Hoopes

Charanya Krishnan Rao, a graduate of Texas A&M University’s Mays Business School, is an accomplished individual who values integrity, selfless service, and honesty. Before attending business school, Charanya worked as the Chief Economist at UTI Mutual Fund in Mumbai, India.

During her time at Texas A&M, Charanya showcased her leadership skills in various roles, including representing the school in a leadership meeting with the university’s President. She also interned at Bank of America and participated in a food camp organized by the bank, where she helped distribute, stock, and pack food for low-income families.

One of Charanya’s proudest achievements during her MBA program was reaching the final round of the Venture Challenge Contest. This experience allowed her to work effectively with her team under stressful situations and receive feedback from a diverse audience.

In her professional career, Charanya’s most significant accomplishment was winning the Asia’s Best of Best award for her innovative investor education campaign. Her campaign aimed to encourage women investors to invest in the stock market.

Charanya chose Texas A&M University and the Mays Business School because of their strong value system and alignment with her own values. She speaks highly of her favorite MBA professor, Dr. Rogelio Oliva, for Operations Management, crediting him for developing her critical thinking skills and teaching her to ask the right questions in the business world.

Among her favorite MBA courses was Corporate Finance Part II, where she learned valuation techniques and how different stakeholders can increase a firm’s value. She also admires the respect shown inside the Memorial Student Center at Texas A&M, where no one is allowed to wear caps or walk over the grass as a mark of respect for those who sacrificed for the country.

Looking back on her MBA experience, Charanya regrets not being able to participate in case competition groups due to time constraints. However, her peers describe her as dedicated, reliable, and proactive in delegating tasks to teammates based on their skills and motivations.

After graduation, Charanya will be working as an Associate Vice President at Bank of America. She has aspirations to transition into buy-side financial analysis and eventually open her own financial advisory startup.

Overall, Charanya Krishnan Rao has made a significant impact during her time at Texas A&M University. She is praised for her leadership, dedication, and ability to think critically, and is expected to excel in her professional career.