Deepika Naidu
Undergraduate Degree: Bachelor of Design, Symbiosis International University
Co-op or Internship Experience: Business Development Intern with Fresenius Kabi
What are your top 2 industries: FMCG / Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) and Technology and Product Based Companies
Are you part of any clubs or associations:
- VP of External Relations with Marketing Association
- Campus Account Manager with Canadian Marketing League
What made you pursue an MBA: My background in design sparked my interest in branding and marketing, especially in understanding how consumers interact with brands and experiences. Over time, I became increasingly interested in the strategic and business side of marketing, how decisions around branding, consumer behavior and business strategy impact organisations overall. Pursuing an MBA felt like the right step to strengthen my business knowledge and combine it with my creative and user focused background.
Why did you choose DeGroote: I chose the DeGroote MBA program because of its co-op program and experiential learning opportunities. Coming from a non-business background, I wanted a program that would allow me to apply classroom concepts in real world work environments and build practical business experience alongside my studies. DeGroote also stood out to me because of its inclusive, collaborative and welcoming community. It felt like the right environment for me to learn, grow and confidently transition into the business world while building meaningful connections.
What has been your favourite part about the MBA: My favourite part of the MBA experience so far has been being involved in club activities and organising large scale events. Over the past two years, we hosted two major events, and the experience taught me so much beyond the classroom. I learned about collaboration, negotiation, stakeholder management, branding, event planning, promotions and budgeting, while also working with diverse groups of people. I especially enjoyed the fast paced, high-energy nature of bringing everything together, from planning marketing campaigns and creating engagement strategies to ensuring everything ran smoothly on the event day itself. It has been one of the most rewarding and hands on parts of my MBA journey.
What is one quick tip you have for a first-year MBA student: One quick tip I would give to a first year MBA student is to get involved in as much as you can. Academics are important, but a huge part of the MBA experience comes from everything outside the classroom. Joining clubs, attending networking events, participating in case competitions, taking part in the MBA Games and supporting different initiatives helps you build connections, gain practical experience and grow personally and professionally. You meet incredible people who make the entire experience far more meaningful, and many of the skills and opportunities you gain come from these co-curricular experiences. There is always something happening throughout the year and being part of it is extremely rewarding.
What has been your favourite course at DeGroote, and why: My favourite course at DeGroote has been Digital Marketing. Although it had a heavy workload, I genuinely enjoyed every assignment because the subject aligned closely with my interests and background. The course was very hands on and practical, which made the learning experience exciting and engaging. From analysing websites using Google Analytics to developing and pitching a digital campaign to a real client, each project felt meaningful and relevant to real world marketing work. Overall, it was a challenging but extremely fun course that strengthened both my analytical and creative skills.
What I wish I knew on Day 1: To start applying for co-ops early and stay consistent with applications. It’s easy to wait until your resume feels perfect, but applying early and improving your applications along the way helps you learn faster and opens up more opportunities over time.
What is one of your favourite weekend activities: It’s just meeting up with friends and relaxing. It can be anything from getting food together, hanging out at someone’s place or going on hikes or picnics. I really enjoy having that balance and social time outside of school and work, it’s a great way to recharge before the next week starts.
Who is your favourite author: Mitch Albom
What would be your “walk-on song”: Dura by Daddy Yankee
Do you have a hidden talent: I can solve three different types of Rubik’s Cubes
What is your favourite TV show: Friends!
What is your favourite podcast: Simple Ken
Email: naidud1@mcmaster.ca