Nationality: India
Current Job: Professor and GS1 France Chair, HEC Paris, France
Graduation: NUS Business School, Year 2008
Undergraduate: Management Development Institute, India
"PhD marks the beginning of a transformed outlook - the beginning of a lifelong in-depth enquiry into seemingly simple things that can have profound implications."
In retrospect, would you still have chosen to do a PhD? Why?
Yes, I would have still chosen to do a PhD because it is the stepping stone to a profession in academics. My inherent interest in research is what drove me to do a PhD in the first place. Academics as a profession offers me freedom to examine research problems that interest me !
On hindsight, would you still have chosen NUS to do your PhD?
NUS provided me with a great academically stimulating environment to pursue my research interests. In addition, NUS offered me opportunities to pursue my other interests such as sports, organizing events etc. So definitely, I would have still chosen NUS for my PhD.
On hindsight, would you have chosen the same research topic for your PhD?
Business and social environment is continuously evolving and so is the role of technology, which has been the broad area of my research. When I did my PhD, the problems related to the integration of technology with business and society were different. If I have to pursue my PhD now, it would perhaps be related to the use of artificial intelligence and data science for business and society. So, my research topic would definitely be different!
On hindsight, would you have chosen the same research supervisor for your PhD?
I learnt a lot from my research supervisor Prof. Thompson Teo. The nuances of designing and conducting good research, and finally publishing it in a good journal were the skills that I picked up from him. I also appreciate him for the freedom and support he gave to me throughout my PhD studies. Yes, I would definitely choose him as a research supervisor.
How did NUS prepare you for your career?
I picked up some of the teaching skills at the workshops at NUS. Moreover, opportunities to teach in programs at NUS were very beneficial. In addition, NUS Business School provided me with the freedom and support to present my research work at different international conferences, which was very helpful in crafting my future career.
Suggest 2 or 3 things that graduate students should do to prepare for their professional careers?
The three things that I think are the most important for an academic career are:
(1) perseverance
(2) self-discipline
(3) sharing
Name 2-3 things you wished you had been told when you started graduate school?
PhD is not just a degree, it transforms the way you will think in the future.
What advice would you give someone considering doing his/her PhD at NUS?
Don’t focus only on your research. Take time off to pursue other interests as well e.g. sports, music, meditation etc. I used to spend a lot of my time during the weekends on sports and meditation, which helped me work well on my research too.
Briefly share something fun in your graduate journey at NUS that you remember.
Actually, every day was enjoyable. I had a very good cohort of supportive friends and colleagues. In addition to sports, we would plan getaways to different places. One of the most enjoyable event that I still remember till today is the PhD getaway that we organized in Sentosa during our first year.
Any other words of wisdom to share?
PhD is very different from other academic degrees, which indicate the completion of a particular scholastic course. PhD marks the beginning of a transformed outlook – the beginning of a lifelong in-depth enquiry into seemingly simple things that can have profound implications. No wonder the degree is called the doctor of philosophy!!!