DBS Ambassador Stories
DBS ambassadors are very important to us in building good relationships with new students and external partners worldwide. Here you will see some stories from a number of ambassadors who have voluntarily taken on various roles.
Nishant Pandey
A current student on the MA Financial Management programme, Nishant has been organising charity football events in aid of the Haiti Scholarship Appeal. Nishant's work has seen groups of MA, MBA and MSc students getting together to play the beautiful game alongside DBS staff and alumni. He comments;
"Initially the football match was a way to get people together and expand our regular playing group. However, we thought that it would be great to combine a charity aspect to it and of course the Haiti crisis was prevalent at that time. Thus many students wanted to do something and this event seemed perfect for us and in effect something different to do as opposed to the usual charity efforts of a sponsored party at Fisher House! It also allowed us to do something positive and worthwhile for the future students of the business school. Importantly, not only for the Haiti fund but hopefully, an event that can continue every year in the name of this fund (or other charity initiatives) and one which alumni in the future can get involved with. Having proposed the idea to the players everyone was incredibly enthusiastic. This not only gave us an opportunity to primarily help out the fund, but also get everyone together in a term in which we have seldom been together, as well as fuel rivalries and of course build on the already very strong friendships with cohorts. In addition it is something in which people always want to get involved and aids not only a charitable process but also a social one".
Dinesh Kumar
Dinesh is an alumnus of the full time MBA cohort from 2007-2007. Dinesh has been instrumental in keeping the Business School in the minds of fellow alumni in India. Based in Hyderabad, Dinesh has held events and met with DBS staff on a regular basis and heads up the Local Association group in that area. Dinesh is frequently found with DBS staff assisting with the coordination of development activities in India, as well as spending a great deal of time with staff from the Universities International Office assisting with University recruitment. Dinesh gives educated and valubale advice to those considering applying at Durham University, as well as coordinating alumni and keeping everyone in touch.
Utsav Malhotra
They say, "Experience is not what happens to you, but what you do with what happens to you." For me, the time spent at Durham Business School was probably one of the most enriching life experiences. One year later, I was not only in possession of a coveted MBA degree but also richer by dozens of friends around the globe who I knew I could count on for almost anything I needed. I had developed a renewed perspective on business & management and most importantly a new dimension to my thought process. Life had changed, all in a span of 12 months, as though something miraculous had happened. I’m sure my fellow Agorians will agree, an MBA is no magic wand, though it surely is a guide that can help you search your own ‘Magic Wand’.
Having said that, I now work as a full-time management consultant, helping individuals and business reinvent themselves. I now seem to ‘magically’ know all the answers. I keep getting a lot of enquiries from excited, enthusiastic, passionate and in some cases desperate MBA aspirants who, invariably seem to be overwhelmed with the decision making process – who wouldn’t be if bombarded with an overdose of rankings, advertisements, peer-pressure and a host of other external influences. The anxiety is understandable and so are the associated apprehensions, however all that it calls for is someone to lend an ear. I had no-one to guide me while I was undergoing the same emotions but this is my turn to plough back. An MBA ( for that matter any other specialized masters - MA or MSc ) are, in my opinion a rather momentous decision for any individual. It requires a significant investment – financially, intellectually and emotionally and having someone help you make the decision is always appreciated. Of late, I have been involved in counseling scores of such aspirants each year. Most of whom have been delighted to speak their minds and have me speaking to them at the other end. It is this joy of helping someone else find his own ‘Magic Wand’ that propels me to take up this cause even more sincerely – I think, this is my calling. And maybe yours!
Mike Burrett
Mike is currently a mentor on the very successful mentor scheme in which Agora matches current students on all Business School programmes with alumni of a similar background. During this academic year Mike has been matched with three current full time MBA students, with whom he has had a very successful and Mike believes, productive relationship in guiding them through their studies in an informal manner. Ambassadors such as Mike give a great deal of support to students and strengthen the network which supports all students and alumni from their first day at DBS. Mike brings a wealth of experience to students having completed his MBA 15 years ago and holding a place on the MBA Advisory Board. Mike’s business background covers international operations for US energy company as a Senior Vice President. He has also played pivotal roles in the MBA boardroom activities and business projects. Mike not only assists those officially registered on the mentor scheme, but also those students who have come to him for general advice and support.