Ravinder Ramalingam, director and co-founder of White Giant Cashews, a cashew manufacturing company based in Tamil Nadu, India, is pursuing a part-time MBA with a specialization in entrepreneurship and innovation at the University of Delaware’s Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics. Ramalingam shared why he chose to continue his studies at Lerner, and specifically about his experience in the program so far.
Lerner: Why did you go back to pursue your graduate degree? Why did you choose Lerner College for your studies?
Ramalingam: I started my own cashew business. After many years in the IT industry, I wanted to start something of my own and become an entrepreneur. My main motivation was to create job opportunities in my hometown and give back to the community. I also liked the idea of building something for myself, where my time and effort would help me grow. Having control over my time and working towards my own goals made starting a business the right next step for me.
My career in software, and running my company taught me many practical lessons. To grow and manage it better, I realized I need formal business knowledge, which is why I decided to pursue a graduate degree. I chose Lerner College because of its strong focus on entrepreneurship, practical courses, and the flexible part-time MBA program that fits my business and travel commitments. It also offers opportunities to network with peers and access resources like Horn Entrepreneurship, which will help me grow my business and skills.
Lerner: What did you learn through this opportunity that you wouldn’t have learned anywhere else?
Ramalingam: The MBA program at the Lerner College will give me opportunities unique to this program, like learning from successful entrepreneurs, attending networking events, and using resources like the Venture Development Center. I believe these experiences will help me grow my business, build a strong professional network, and become a better entrepreneur and leader.
Lerner: Please share an example of a course or concept that you were able to apply directly to your life and/or career.
Ramalingam: The course I am enrolled in is BUAD 670 Managing People, Teams, and Organizations. I believe it helps me understand team dynamics, leadership styles, and how to motivate employees. I plan to apply these ideas in my manufacturing business by improving communication, handling conflicts better, and creating a more structured work environment to increase productivity.
Lerner: Describe an important connection you have made through your graduate program.
Ramalingam: I have just started the graduate program, so I am still beginning to build connections. I am really looking forward to meeting my classmates and professors and learning from their experiences. I am excited to build strong relationships and grow my professional network during this program.
Lerner: If you were to describe your classmates in one word, what would that be and why?
Ramalingam: We are all here to learn, grow, and improve ourselves, and I am excited to continue getting to know my classmates better.
Lerner: How do you balance your career with your studies?
Ramalingam: I balance my career and studies by planning my time carefully. I organize my work and set aside specific hours for my classes and assignments, so I can focus on both my business and my MBA program.
Lerner: Fill in this sentence: “My graduate program helped me become…”
Ramalingam: My graduate program will help me become better at managing my business while learning new skills to grow and improve my company.
Lerner: What are your plans or next steps for the future?
Ramalingam: My plan is to grow my cashew business and explore new opportunities. I want to use what I learn in my MBA to run my business better, expand globally, and become a stronger leader.