From Entrepreneur to MS Management Science Student

Shrutik Dode, MS Management Science alum

By Shrutik Dode, MS Management Science Graduate

The professors, my classmates, non-teaching staff and every single person I had any interaction with offered help, taught me something new, motivated me to push my boundaries, and showed me how to do things differently than I already knew.

A Rocky Start

After studying engineering for four years, working more than six years in the industry and successfully launching my own business venture, I made another life-altering decision to pursue my master’s in management science at the Jindal School of Management. Frankly, I was skeptical. I was not sure I could transition back into student life after such a long academic gap. The first semester was brutal for me, not because the classes were difficult but because I never asked for help.

Finding My Academic Community

Everything changed when I met some awesome people. The professors, my classmates, non-teaching staff, and every single person I had any interaction with offered help, taught me something new, motivated me to push my boundaries and showed me new ways of doing things. When I realized my time here as a student was flying by, I decided to experience everything the school has to offer. Whether that meant having lively discussions with the professors and classmates, watching movies at the Meteor Theater, playing pool at the student union, having debates in the library conference rooms, playing guitar at the Plinth, volunteering at the comet cupboard, assisting with the numerous club activities or simply strolling around the campus. It always feels like there is so much more left to do.

Feeling Proud and Grateful

In a few days, I will be graduating with Honors. I send my deepest gratitude to all my awesome professors and the bright people involved in the Management Science program. Along with all the fond memories, the most important advice I could give is to ask for help when needed, be kind, give help wherever you can, and, best of all, keep learning – never settle.

“There is no passion to be found in playing small — in settling for a life that is less than you are capable of living.” — Nelson Mandela

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I am nothing but thankful to the Management Science team, the Jindal School of Management faculty, some wonderful peers, and that program ambassador for a wonderful experience. If you are reading this to learn about the program, I would like to pay it forward by shedding some light on my own experience.

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I was astounded by the level of interest shown when I applied for my internships and the variety of the options available to me. The University of Texas at Dallas Management Sciences program was the best fit for me. It allowed me to select courses from various technical and managerial domains, which helped me build a dynamic skillset and provide me global exposure.

Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD in Operations Management?

Bachelor’s Degree Program

Build the skills to do rigorous analysis of operational information through various courses in supply chain and logistics. These skills are in high demand across the corporate world and prized in government and not-for-profit sectors.

Master’s Degree Programs

Find the Operations Management graduate degree that matches your interests. Visit a program below for more information.

PhD Concentration in OM

Develop strong research skills that are especially relevant for students interested in an academic career. Research seminars are held weekly, and each year the Operations Management area sponsors a seminar series to bring researchers from other universities to UT Dallas.