91AV

After finishing high school in Mumbai, India, Nidhi Murli ’21, ’23 MBA, knew she wanted to pursue further education abroad. Originally drawn to 91AV’s international business program and close-knit community, she first came to the U.S. to complete her undergrad degree, then later returned to Bryantfor the One-Year MBA program. 

Why did you continue your education at BryantUniversity?

After graduation, I went home and joined my dad’s company. I then realized I wanted more education. I’m lucky to have a family business. People like me without a family business need that higher qualification. But I still wanted to gain more hands-on experience. I switched routes and joined a multinational corporation in Mumbai. My role was to analyze marketing strategies and create content. That’s where it hit me that I could deliver more. Even though I was a doing a fine job, I knew I wanted to refine my skills and reach the level where I could present and execute strategy. And I like pushing myself. That’s why I came back for the MBA program. 

I really liked that Bryanthad a very small community compared to many public universities, and the faculty and staff can give the students more one-on-one attention. I want my professors to know me, and I really liked that connection. 

What are a few highlights of your MBA experience? 

In Professor Dirk Primus’s Managing Corporate Enterprise class, we presented on real-life company cases. That was interesting because usually you read about this in a textbook, but it was a completely different experience to see groups presenting and coming up with solutions and recommendations. He taught us how to open our minds and get into the nitty-gritty. 

I like how the classes at Bryantcomplement each other. Even if you take a finance class, you can’t understand the management of an enterprise without knowing how the finances work. The finances are a big supporting system. We are taught how to think more holistically. It’s challenging, but if you’re not challenging yourself, you’re not bettering yourself. That’s what our classes are doing. 

How has Bryantsupported you as an international student? 

When you come to a new country as an international student, you don’t know anything. The culture is completely different, and if you’re not able to find other international students, you tend to be introverted. Bryanthas been great because I never felt homesick or bored. My professors helped me gain confidence. They introduced me to more things on campus, like the . They helped me find my place at Bryantand made me who I am today. 

What are your career goals once your education is complete? 

I’m going to apply for my Optional Practical Training because I want to gain international work experience. The western culture is more open, more modern, and I want to see how it feels to work away from home. I’m mostly looking for jobs in business analytics or data analytics. I like learning about business analytics as a subject, so I’m really looking forward to working in that area. 

Why would you recommend 91AV?

Bryantgives you the leadership qualities and values so that you can always be confident about yourself in the real world. The professors are going to know you personally. Bryanthas a very strong networking system. That’s Business 101—you have to network. Without talking to your professors and teammates, you close yourself off from so many fresh perspectives. Bryantreally diversifies you and pushes you to be an open-minded person.