Ravi Sharma

Name: Ravi Sharma

Current Ambassador Position/Program: MBA Student Ambassador

Program (Full-Time, Part-Time): Part-Time MBA

Concentration/Area of Emphasis: Self-directed

Current Employer Outside Belk College: Duke Energy Renewables

Position: Lead Market Strategy Analyst

Anticipated Graduation: Fall 2020

Previous Institution and Degree: Iowa State University – B.S. in Aerospace Engineering & North Carolina State University – M.S. in Mechanical Engineering

Favorite Place in Charlotte: Freedom Park, Dilworth, East Boulevard

Hometown: Mayaguez, Puerto Rico

Dream Job: Building renewable energy in the developing world

LinkedIn Profile

Alumnus
2020
Master of Business Administration

What degree are you pursuing and why?

I’m pursuing an MBA for a few different reasons. I believe in continuous learning throughout one’s career and that you learn the most when you can combine practical experience with theory to understand the “whys”. In addition, it has been great meeting others outside of my organization, learning what they do and how they do it.

Why did you choose the Belk College of Business over others?

I chose the Belk College because I viewed it as a strong program, local, and connected to the Charlotte area. I also perceived a very high value per dollar spent on the program (good value for the tuition cost). Finally, I appreciated the flexibility of the program, both in the number of credits taken per semester, as well as a variety of courses and concentrations (which I didn’t see in other local programs).

What lessons have you learned in your courses that you were able to apply on the job?

My current role is mostly strategy, mixed in with economics, policy, and business development within the renewable energy space. In a job, you tend to learn how your organization looks at and solves problems. When you’re in the classroom and interact with others outside of your organization, you learn how others have tackled issues, and ultimately where your organization is strong or can be improved. Once you start identifying solutions to your organization’s problems, you become invaluable.

What can you share about your experience so far being an Ambassador, and what do you hope to accomplish this year in your role?

This year, I’m hoping to help support prospective MBA students with their questions, my peers in the program with networking events, as well as the Belk College in general.

What has been the best part of your academic experience so far? Is there a particular “a-ha moment” that will stay with you after you graduate?

At orientation, the guest speaker spoke about finding that “sweet spot” in your career – the intersection between doing what you love, what you’re good at, and what compensates you well. The MBA program is an experience that can help you get closer to this intersection.

How would you describe the Belk College of Business to someone considering a master’s program?

The programs are flexible enough where it is up to you to make your own experience. There are plenty of career and networking opportunities, speakers, and other events available and communicated to students. You can attend and enrich your experience, or you can just attend class and go home. It is up to you.

How has the Belk College of Business assisted in your career growth?

I've changed jobs since starting the program and I believe that the MBA played a big role in landing the position. From the business courses, to electives in energy, to career services helping with my resume - it came together.

What is your most important piece of advice to an incoming graduate student?

Don’t pursue an MBA to fill a couple of lines on your resume and expect that it will get you a job or a promotion. Pursue it to really learn something that you’re interested in and can add value to an organization. Be open-minded and try to ignore the instinct of looking at things solely through your own experiences and industry.