Rohit Kalkundre (MSBA ’24)
Rohit Kalkundre
A Data-Driven Path to Qualcomm with Help from a Rady MSBA
For Rohit Kalkundre, MSBA ‘24, the decision to pursue a Master of Science in Business Analytics was driven by a desire to gain both the technical expertise and business acumen that would enable him to thrive in the fast-evolving field of data analytics. After careful consideration, he chose the MSBA program at the UC San Diego Rady School of Management, drawn by its academic depth, rigorous curriculum, and the opportunity to develop critical thinking skills that would shape his future career.
Rohit was attracted to the flexibility Rady’s MSBA program offered. With the ability to tailor the curriculum to suit specific career goals, he was able to select electives in areas like finance, marketing, and technology, allowing him to focus on the areas that would best complement his career aspirations. “The ability to choose electives that aligned with my interests was a huge draw for me,” he said. “It allowed me to build a personalized educational experience that was focused on my long-term goals.”
“The Rady School’s experiential learning approach not only built my technical skills but also improved my critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.”
The analytical rigor embedded in Rady’s curriculum equipped Rohit with the skills needed to thrive in a data-driven career. “Courses at Rady were designed to simulate real-world business scenarios, which gave me the opportunity to apply what I learned to practical challenges,” he recalled. “This experiential learning approach not only built my technical skills but also improved my critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.” Rohit’s favorite course, Customer Analytics with Professor Vincent Nijs, was a particular highlight. “It was one of the most challenging yet rewarding courses. Professor Nijs’ approach—having us work through assignments before diving into theory—pushed me to develop a deeper understanding of AI, data modeling, and marketing,” he said. “The skills I developed in that course have influenced how I approach problems today.”
Another key experience for Rohit was his involvement in the Rady Data Analytics Club, where he served as Vice President. “Being part of the club was incredibly rewarding. It gave me the chance to organize workshops, networking events, and guest speaker sessions,” he said. “Through these activities, I was able to connect with industry professionals, alumni, and peers, all while developing leadership skills and gaining practical experience in event management.” This involvement helped him build a strong professional network.
When it came time for the interview process for his current role at Qualcomm, Rohit was well-prepared. The interview process, which included five rounds covering both technical assessments and behavioral evaluations, required him to demonstrate his proficiency with analytics tools and his ability to communicate insights effectively. “The skills I honed at Rady, particularly the ability to tackle data-driven challenges, played a significant role in my success during the interview process,” he explained. Kalkundre credits the Rady Career Management Center for helping him refine his interview skills. “The mock interviews and one-on-one coaching sessions were incredibly helpful. They helped me anticipate the types of questions I might face and gave me the confidence to approach each stage of the process with clarity.”
“It’s not enough to simply generate data. At Rady I learned to understand the ‘why’ behind the data and how it could be used to support better decision-making.”
Now working as a data analyst at Qualcomm, Rohit is thrilled by the scope of opportunities to make an impact. “What excites me most is the chance to build creative, data-driven solutions that directly support program managers in making more informed decisions,” he shared. His day-to-day work involves analyzing data to identify trends, optimize processes, and provide actionable insights that drive business value. Rohit’s ability to not just build tools but understand the underlying business context was key to his success. “At Rady, I learned that it’s not enough to simply generate data. I learned to understand the ‘why’ behind the data and how it could be used to support better decision-making,” he said. “That mindset has been essential in my work at Qualcomm.”
Originally from Pune, India, Kalkundre has enjoyed his two years in San Diego. “The UC San Diego campus is stunning, and some of the best sunsets I’ve seen have been right from the Rady School, overlooking the ocean. More than anything though, I’ve met some incredibly kind and genuine people here. That sense of warmth and community has made my time in San Diego really special.”
Looking back on his MSBA experience, Rohit offers this advice to others considering the program: “The MSBA program at Rady is demanding, but it’s incredibly worth it. My advice would be to stay open to continuous learning and remain flexible in how you approach new technologies, especially AI. The world of data analytics is evolving rapidly, and having the ability to adapt is key.”
