Making the most of an opportunity is not something new for Arhant Rawal. Since joining the Illinois MBA in 2006, he has immersed himself in a variety of student organizations and activities and has enjoyed every minute of it. “The group dynamics are really an enriching experience. There is so much to learn from the varied backgrounds that people come from,” says Arhant, who is currently president of the Operations & Technology Management Association and a consultant with Illinois Business Consulting (IBC).

Unlike most international students at the Illinois MBA, Arhant had the opportunity to work in the United States prior to joining the program. He started in Pune, India, as a Systems Developer for Patni Computer Systems but in 2003 was given the chance to transfer to the company’s office in Bloomington, Illinois. In his three years there, he was promoted twice as he successfully led consulting teams in creating IT solutions for an array of clients.

Even the decision to pursue an MBA came out of his constant drive to maximize his potential: “Coming from an engineering background and working in the IT services industry, I wanted to get a formal education in business so that I could gain a better understanding of the business trends. Illinois MBA was a perfect match for me as it provided various opportunities to develop my business acumen and practice while learning through IBC and different student organizations.”

As one of the program’s most involved students, Arhant’s efforts are already paying off. He has recently accepted a summer internship offer from Motorola’s IT-PMO division in Libertyville, Illinois, and is excited at the prospect of combining his IT experience with his newfound business knowledge. Arhant’s ultimate goal is a career in IT consulting, and it seems he is well on his way.