Reflections and Resilience: Lessons from a Transformative Year
Author: Rishita Saha, Full-Time MBA
As the year draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on an incredible journey filled with challenges, discoveries, and growth. Balancing the demands of an MBA program at Fisher College of Business with my roles as a graduate assistant, and student of product management, marketing, and analytics has been transformative.
Here are some of the key learnings and insights that shaped my year
1. The Power of a Growth Mindset
In the fast-paced world of business school, where every week brings new projects, exams, and networking opportunities, adaptability is essential. I learned to embrace uncertainty as a catalyst for innovation. Whether it was tackling a complex case study or contributing to faculty research, each challenge became an opportunity to stretch my skills and perspective.
2. Collaboration is the Cornerstone of Success
Working closely with peers, professors, and industry professionals taught me the value of diverse perspectives. Through group projects and my role as a graduate assistant, I saw firsthand how collaboration can turn individual ideas into impactful solutions. This reinforced my belief that strong teams fuel great outcomes.
3. Bridging the Gap Between Theory and Practice
Courses in product management and analytics taught me how to navigate complex business problems. Meanwhile, applying these frameworks to real-world projects, like developing a marketing plan for SEA Change, a Columbus based non-profit, helped bridge the gap between theory and execution. The ability to test ideas in a practical setting has been incredibly rewarding.
4. The Importance of Leadership and Resilience
This year challenged me to grow as a leader. Drawing on my previous experiences at GE Appliances and IBM, I found new ways to lead with empathy and clarity, whether it was in the classroom, in collaborative projects, or during my graduate assistantship. Resilience became a key theme—not every plan works out, but every setback is an opportunity to learn.
5. The Value of Community
Being a part of Fisher’s diverse and inclusive community has been a highlight. The support from fellow Forté Fellows, classmates, and mentors has not only helped me thrive academically but also enriched my personal journey. Sharing stories, celebrating milestones, and working toward common goals underscored the importance of a strong, supportive network.
As I prepare to step into a new year, I carry these lessons with me—not just as a student but as a future leader eager to tackle the world’s challenges. Whether through leveraging data for strategic decisions, building customer-centric products, or empowering teams to succeed, I’m excited to apply what I’ve learned in meaningful ways.
To my peers, professors, and the Fisher community: thank you for being part of this transformative journey. Here’s to a new year filled with opportunities, growth, and impact!
