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Transitioning to study MBA abroad: “GMP bridged that for me academically”
Sofia Udaipurwala, GMP alumnus, Batch 20, June cohort | School of Business at Stevens Institute of Technology
When I received the news that I had been inducted into Beta Gamma Sigma, I didn’t quite know how to react at first. It felt like a full-circle moment. My father is an alumnus of Stevens Institute of Technology and had maintained a 4.0 GPA; somewhere along the way, I had quietly set that as a standard for myself. Being recognised among the top 20% of students in an AACSB-accredited business school is a milestone and feels like a validation of years of consistent effort and belief.
What it means to be part of Beta Gamma Sigma
Being part of Beta Gamma Sigma means more than academic excellence. Professionally, it connects you to a global network of high-achieving individuals across industries and geographies who value leadership, integrity, and impact. Personally, it reinforced a simple idea: showing up consistently does compound over time.
That mindset carried me through my MBA. Maintaining a 4.0 GPA while balancing responsibilities was not about doing everything perfectly; it was about showing up every day. Once I take on something, I see it through. Some days were overwhelming, but focusing on one thing at a time made it manageable.
Stepping out of the comfort zone
One of the most defining shifts during my MBA happened outside the classroom. When I first started at Stevens, I was quite reserved. I did not know many people, and for a while, my world was limited to academics and my family. It took a push from my sisters in my second semester to step out and engage more. I joined the Business Intelligence and Analytics Club, started attending events, and slowly built a circle. Taking on the role of Social Chair and leading my capstone project as a team lead pushed me further. It helped me learn how to organise events, manage people, coordinate with stakeholders, and take ownership with confidence.
How SPJIMR’s Global Management Programme (GMP) prepared me
A big part of this growth traces back to the S.P. Jain Institute of Management and Research, Global Management Programme (SPJIMR’s GMP). It was one of the most intense and transformative phases of my life. Completing 54 credits in seven months meant constant exams, presentations, and deadlines. It did not give me time to ease in; it trained me to adapt quickly and perform under pressure.
The programme focused heavily on learning by doing, case discussions, and collaboration. Courses like ‘Management by Doing’ and ‘Design Thinking’ stood out for their focus on applying concepts rather than just learning them. More importantly, the programme pushed us to work closely in teams. Those long days of classes and projects did not just build skills; they built friendships for life that continue to be my support system across continents.
Transitioning to an MBA abroad: “GMP bridged that for me”
Choosing GMP was a conscious decision. I knew I wanted to pursue my MBA abroad, but I also wanted a smoother transition into a different education system. GMP became that bridge, preparing me both academically and mentally for what was ahead.
When I moved to the U.S., academics felt manageable because of that preparation. The bigger challenge was everything else: adjusting to a new culture, handling daily responsibilities, managing my part-time job, and building a support system from scratch. At SPJIMR, we lived and learned on campus, constantly surrounded by peers. In contrast, I had to create that sense of belonging myself in a new country. It took time, but after GMP, I was already used to figuring things out as I went, which made the transition easier.
Standing out through leadership and community
In many ways, SPJIMR helped me stand out without me realising it at the time. By the time I reached Stevens, I was comfortable with long hours, tight timelines, and consistent effort. That gave me the space to focus not just on academics, but also on leadership and community.
Looking back, this journey from GMP to Stevens—being recognised by Beta Gamma Sigma and receiving the 25 Under 25 recognition for academic excellence, leadership, professional development, and community impact—has shaped how I see growth. It is about stepping out of your comfort zone, continuous learning, taking ownership, and trusting the process even when it feels uncertain.
Advice for future GMP students
For anyone considering GMP or a similar path, my advice is simple: make the most of it. The programme is intense, but that is where its value lies. Use every opportunity to learn, collaborate, and push yourself. Focus not just on completing the programme, but on building skills, habits, and relationships that last long after it ends.
My recent achievements feel like a continuation of everything that journey set in motion. I am excited to keep learning and evolving into a better version of myself.