<p>Future IT leaders from around the globe can find their place at the center of technology when they pursue an <a href="/content/sps-nyu/explore/degrees-and-programs/ms-in-management-and-systems.html" title="Master's in Management and Systems">MS in Management and Systems</a> at NYU SPS. Meeting real-world experts in the classroom means students in the program have the tools to become indispensable in their field, which has certainly been the case for alum Samarth Bedakihale, who graduated in 2016.</p> <p>We recently reconnected with Samarth to see where he is now and to pick his brain about his advice for future students in the program.</p>

<p>Samarth Bedakihale was born and raised in Nippani, a small town in Karnataka, India. He started his academic career with an undergraduate degree in Computer Science in Bangalore, which led to a position in Nokia's R&amp;D division. Early in his career, he was responsible for product delivery in emerging markets such as India, Indonesia, and Nigeria. These experiences deepened his passion for problem-solving and sparked an interest in leveraging technology to create customer value and build meaningful relationships.</p> <p>Samarth eventually felt the itch to merge his passions for technology and business and decided to transition from engineering to consulting. Seeking the business communication and management skills he needed to thrive in consulting, he set his sights on NYU's <a href="/content/sps-nyu/explore/degrees-and-programs/ms-in-management-and-systems.html" title="Master's in Management and Systems">MS in Management and Systems</a> program. Since graduating, he has continued to grow and evolve as a professional and currently serves as a senior manager at PwC Consulting, specializing in data strategy, analytics, and reporting for the asset and wealth management industry.</p> <p>Outside of his professional life, Samarth enjoys tennis, hiking, and exploring new restaurants. Recently, he has developed a love for skiing, regularly taking trips to the mountains with his extended family. He believes that maintaining hobbies is essential to balancing a demanding work life and supporting physical, mental, and emotional well-being.</p>

<p>Samarth's decision to pursue a master's degree at NYU was driven by three key factors: the curriculum, the diverse environment, and the opportunities available in New York City. The MS in Management and Systems program, particularly with a concentration in Strategy &amp; Leadership, was a perfect fit for his goal of transitioning into consulting.</p> <p>During his time at NYU, Samarth faced numerous challenges, including culture shock and communication barriers. However, he quickly adapted by seeking support from the SPS International Student Support Center, joining the Toastmasters Club, and working with a speech coach. These efforts improved his English communication skills and boosted his confidence, enabling him to participate actively in networking events and group projects.</p> <p>Samarth also took full advantage of the numerous opportunities available at NYU, attending events, panel discussions, and networking sessions. His involvement in the Dean's Scholar Program and his role as the NYU SPS Convocation Banner Bearer highlighted his contributions to the school and the broader NYU community.</p>

<p>Samarth's experience at NYU SPS played a crucial role in his transition from an engineering role to a techno-functional position in consulting. The courses he took, particularly in strategic communications, marketing, and applied consulting, broadened his perspective and taught him how to translate technical jargon into layman's terms. These skills were instrumental in securing a position at PwC Consulting, where he has worked for nearly eight years.</p> <p>One of the most significant challenges in Samarth's career was a project for a large private equity client, where he was tasked with modernizing their data assets. Despite encountering difficult client contacts and a leadership turnover, Samarth successfully navigated the challenges by leveraging his network and rapidly upskilling himself. His efforts paid off when the client extended the engagement and requested that he lead it.</p> <p>On the success side, Samarth was honored to receive a full scholarship through PwC's scholars program, a recognition of his hard work and contributions over the years. This unexpected success reinforced his belief in the importance of diligence and dedication in achieving professional growth.</p>

<p>Samarth is excited about continuing his career at PwC, focusing on growing into a leadership role and expanding his influence with clients. He is also committed to continuous learning and building a collaborative team that enjoys working together.</p> <p>For incoming NYU SPS students, Samarth offers several pieces of advice. First, he emphasizes the importance of building genuine relationships rather than just networking for internships and jobs. He also encourages students to take initiative, be proactive in seeking opportunities, and enhance their storytelling skills to stand out in interviews. Finally, he advises students to balance their studies with social activities, as engaging in extracurriculars can enrich their overall experience.</p> <p>Working in any tech-centered field means constantly adapting to new innovations and industry changes. Like many tech professionals, Samarth has become an expert on staying ahead of the curve and encourages new students to stay flexible and curious. &quot;As AI becomes more prevalent, it's important to understand the mechanics behind it, not just surface-level applications like ChatGPT prompts,&quot; he advises. &quot;Explore courses on building language models, custom GPTs, and the underlying technology to gain a deeper understanding of how AI works behind the scenes.&quot;</p>