Parag Murlidhar Shirnamé

Boston University, Questrom School of Business

“Diplomat, climber, executive who forges partnerships, opens new markets, and grows profits globally.”

Age: 52

Hometown: Waltham, MA

Fun fact about yourself: I’ve climbed 2 of the 7 Summits (the tallest mountains on each continent) and speak 6 languages – that’s a combination of adventure and global awareness! With my background in diplomacy, combined with my success in turning around partnerships, I have a knack for finding common ground and making deals.

Undergraduate School and Degree: MBA in Marketing from Pune University, B.Sc. from Jawaharlal Nehru University, PhD (Honeris Causa) in International Trade & Investment

Where are you currently working? I work as Vice President – Client Relations responsible for International growth at Aurus, which is a semi-integrated payment gateway.

What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career? In just three years, I spearheaded a trade boom between Queensland and South Asia, boosting trade value from $4.69 billion to over $10 billion. This global success story highlights my talent for building partnerships, navigating international complexities, and driving business growth.

Why did you choose this school’s online MBA program? Questrom offers the right mix of academic rigor, industry access, and affordability – all crucial ingredients for launching a successful private equity firm. It’s the perfect environment to hone my skills, build my network, and turn my entrepreneurial dream into reality. There is also the location advantage since Boston is a powerhouse for finance and private equity firms. Being immersed in this ecosystem offers me an unparalleled access to networking events, guest speakers, and potential internships. Finally, Questrom boasts a strong alumni network, connecting me with industry veterans who can be invaluable mentors.

What was your favorite part of being in an online MBA program? The online format fostered a unique learning environment where the challenges and experiences of a global cohort enriched the curriculum in ways a traditional program simply couldn’t. Running the LATAM Harvard simulation became the embodiment of this collaborative spirit, putting our learnings into action and solidifying the value of a diverse online learning experience. Some colleagues were navigating the complexities of business amidst the realities of a war zone. Their perspectives added an invaluable layer of resilience and resourcefulness to our team discussions. The professors deserve immense credit for making even challenging subjects like data analytics, valuation, and global business come alive.

What was the most surprising thing about an online learning environment? I was surprised by the level of camaraderie and connection I developed with classmates despite the physical distance. Perhaps shared online discussions, group projects, or even virtual social events fostered a stronger bond than I had anticipated. Professors in traditional programs can be intimidating or difficult to reach outside of class hours. I have been surprised by the approachability and responsiveness of our OMBA instructors. They held virtual office hours, provided detailed online feedback, or fostered active live video discussions every week, where I could easily engage with them.

How did your online experience compare with your in-the-classroom experience as an undergraduate student? Traditional classrooms fostered a vibrant social atmosphere and immediate feedback from professors and peers. In the Online MBA, the program offered flexibility in scheduling and the opportunity to learn from a globally diverse group. However, replicating the same level of spontaneous interaction required more effort.

What is your best piece of advice to an applicant for thriving in an online MBA program? My advice to a prospective student of OMBA is to unleash the potential of your global MBA network and master time management and self-discipline to thrive.

How has your online education helped you in your current job? The diverse online environment and focus on global business has equipped me with a broader understanding of international markets and cultural nuances. It helped me in navigating cross-border negotiations and developing marketing campaigns for international audiences, particularly North America and Europe.

Did you earn a promotion while in the program or immediately after graduation? I spearheaded a strategic European expansion, driving significant growth while leading the successful launch of the company’s flagship product line.

Why did you pursue an online MBA program instead of a full-time residential program? The online program’s flexibility allowed me to continue working at Aurus, where I was successful in driving growth and partnerships. This continuity provided valuable real-world context for my online studies and allowed me to immediately apply my newly-acquired knowledge to my current role. Besides, online MBA was more affordable than full-time residential programs providing a global outreach compared to a residential program.

Number of Hours Per Week Spent on an Online MBA: I spent between 15 to 25 hours per week to absorb information, complete assignments and engage in study groups with my teams.

What is your ultimate long-term professional goal? My ultimate long-term professional goal is to launch my own private equity firm. My extensive experience in business development and strategic partnerships, success in driving growth and profitability and international business experience aligns well with this goal.

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