Shikhar Darbari
Undergraduate Degree: Bachelor of Science, Energy Engineering, Pennsylvania State University
Co-op or Internship Experience:
- WT1 – Digital Solutions Specialist, Ricoh
- WT2 – Tech Risk Consulting, KPMG
- WT3 – Tech Risk Consulting + AI, KPMG
What are your top 2 industries: AI and Marketing
Are you part of any clubs or associations:
- President, DeGroote MBA Marketing Association
- Director of Spirit, MBA Games
What made you pursue an MBA: I had gone too technical and narrow during my previous education and experiences. I did energy engineering and analytics and felt quite confined to the energy industry. The MBA gave me a chance to look beyond and widen the scope of opportunities I can look at. Plus, I wanted to delay entering the real world 🙂
What has been your favourite part about the MBA: Leading the Marketing Association has been quite a fulfilling experience! From a completely dysfunctional club, my team and I have managed to make it the top club that is known for throwing the most fun events. We will put structures in place that’ll hopefully allow for this to continue after we graduate.
What is one quick tip you have for a first-year MBA student: Join everything! Academics is only one part of the MBA journey – there’s so much more to gain from getting involved. Put yourself out there and you’ll be surprised how many doors open. It’s also a great way to build the critical thinking and soft skills that matter more than ever in the age of AI.
What has been your favourite course at DeGroote, and why: Entrepreneurship with Dr. Marvin Ryder! I love the course structure and his teaching style, he challenges you to think deeply and pushes you out of your comfort zone. This is a class where you have the creative freedom to explore a real business problem, learn about execution, and get expert feedback from someone who has taught about entrepreneurship for decades.
What I wish I knew on Day 1: Coop application process and realities. Some issues disproportionately affect international students, so it would be good to know the process for these topics, such as housing, taxes, Canadian Drivers Licence (need specific documents from your home country), etc.
What is one of your favourite weekend activities: SUMMER – Concerts. Is that an activity? If not then hiking, exploring, working out. WINTER – nothing, working out.
What would be your “walk-on song”: Play Hard – David Guetta
Do you have a hidden talent: I can crack my fingers weirdly. I can also burp out full sentences.
What is your favourite TV show: Game of Thrones, Friends, Two and a Half Men, How I Met Your Mother, Dragon Ball
Email: darbaris@mcmaster.ca