Choosing where to study is a big decision. But sometimes, what you do after matters even more. At ESSEC Asia-Pacific, our alumni don’t just graduate with degrees—they leave with clarity, confidence, and a strong sense of direction. Here are two very different, but equally inspiring career journeys that began in Singapore.

Sai Krishna – From Engineering to Strategy

Senior Product Manager, SAP Linux

Sai grew up in South India and started his career with an electrical engineering degree. But he knew early on that he wanted more than just a technical role—he wanted to move into strategy and management. That’s when he discovered ESSEC’s Master in Management (MiM) program.

“I chose to start in Singapore because I didn’t want a radically different experience for my first time living abroad,” Sai explains. “It was futuristic and advanced, yet familiar enough to ease the transition.”

At ESSEC, he found a diverse peer group that challenged his way of thinking. Working alongside classmates from all over the world prepared him for his current role—collaborating with engineers, designers, and marketers at SAP.

Biggest takeaway: “You need to shift your mindset. To have meaningful conversations in business, you have to see things from different angles. That’s what ESSEC taught me.”

Medha Thakkar – From Finance to Cybersecurity

Head of Marketing, XRATOR | Event Organizer

Medha’s path took a few unexpected turns. After earning her Bachelor of Commerce and pursuing the ACCA, she realized she didn’t want to stay in finance. “I felt stuck. I had invested four years in a degree and suddenly didn’t see a future in it.”

She pivoted into ESSEC’s MiM program and felt an instant connection with Singapore. “I had visited once as a tourist and loved it. So when I saw ESSEC had a campus here, it was a no-brainer.”

Her biggest lesson? “Networking. It wasn’t just about meeting people but learning to connect with them. ESSEC helped me build a network that has led to every opportunity since.”

In fact, her current role came from a simple LinkedIn post: “I said I was new to Singapore and wanted to meet people. Someone in my network saw it and connected me with XRATOR. That post changed my career.”

Today, Medha also runs over 30+ B2B events annually, bringing people together across industries. “That joy of creating experiences for others. I discovered it at ESSEC.”

Lessons for the Next Generation

Both Sai and Medha share a common message:

• Be open
• Stay adaptable
• Meet people

“Do cool stuff with cool people,” Medha says. “Sometimes your next opportunity is just one conversation away.”

If you’re wondering where an ESSEC degree can take you, the answer is: anywhere you want if you’re willing to explore it.