MBA Candidate @UCLA Anderson
With over 5 years of experience under his belt, Sai, a BIT Mesra graduate achieved a noteworthy GMAT score of 740, underscoring his analytical skills. Starting his career at Toolyt as a Customer Success Manager, he later moved to ZS Associates as a Decision Analytics Associate Consultant. At ZS, he was distinguished by rapid promotion and significant contributions to the establishment of a practice area in ZS’s Pune office.
Sai Chandan’s tenure at ZS Associates as a Decision Analytics Associate Consultant in the Strategy Consulting domain for the healthcare industry was marked by significant achievements and leadership. Moreover, Sai led the end-to-end launch of 15-20 products for major pharmaceutical companies in the US and UK, developing and implementing Go-To-Market strategies that involved mapping patient journeys and optimizing promotional spend.
As a key figure in launching the commercial modeling team in ZS’s Pune office, Sai earned a reputation as a “Commercial Modeling Champion” and was frequently consulted by client teams. Additionally, his dedication to knowledge sharing is reflected in his training of over 500 employees across ZS, as well as his active involvement in hiring top talent through various recruitment initiatives.
During his college years, Sai Chandan Redyy made significant contributions to AIESEC, reflecting his deep commitment to leadership and social impact. In 2014, he led a noteworthy initiative that involved preparing and delivering comprehensive computer training—from basic to advanced levels—to underprivileged children and adults in Mauritius. This project, sponsored by UNDP and Microsoft, not only showcased his technical expertise but also his dedication to bridging the digital divide and empowering marginalized communities.
Through these experiences, Sai demonstrated his ability to drive change and foster development in diverse settings, solidifying his reputation as a leader committed to creating positive social and professional impact.
Post-MBA, Sai aims to join top strategy management consulting firms such as McKinsey, BCG, or Bain, with a focus on expanding his expertise in the healthcare sector and exploring other industries in the U.S. His long-term vision is to revolutionize the healthcare landscape in India by introducing standardized care across states, thus improving overall healthcare efficiency. Sai believes that understanding both U.S. and Indian healthcare systems will be crucial in developing a framework to enhance healthcare management in India, making quality care accessible nationwide.
Overcoming Weaknesses and Challenges
Sai’s academic journey was marked by significant challenges. Raised in a typical Indian household where academic excellence was heavily emphasized, he excelled in his schooling and cracked one of India’s toughest engineering entrance exams. However, once at BIT Mesra, the freedom from parental oversight led to a focus shift. With less academic pressure, Sai engaged more in extracurricular activities, leading to a noticeable decline in his grades. This dip in academic performance became a major hurdle, affecting his campus placement opportunities and causing disappointment within his family.
Despite these challenges, Sai’s resolve remained strong. He recognized that his GPA was a hurdle but refused to let it define his future. Determined to succeed, he embarked on a job search in the dynamic startup ecosystem immediately after graduation. His perseverance paid off as he secured a position in a startup, gaining valuable experience and exposure. Later, transitioning into consulting at ZS Associates, Sai faced and overcame one of the most challenging selection processes. His role in setting up a new practice area and managing complex projects further demonstrated his ability to turn setbacks into opportunities for growth.
GyanOne’s role was crucial in Sai’s successful application to UCLA. Their expert guidance helped highlight Sai’s unique strengths and experiences while addressing his academic challenges effectively. Through strategic advice and support, GyanOne played a key role in framing Sai’s application narrative, showcasing his resilience, achievements, and aspirations. Their assistance was instrumental in securing Sai’s place at UCLA, illustrating the significant impact of tailored support in the competitive MBA admissions landscape.
Despite facing the challenge of a lower undergraduate GPA, Sai successfully transitioned from a Customer Success Manager at Toolyt to a Decision Analytics Associate Consultant at ZS Associates, achieving notable milestones along the way.
The UCLA Anderson MBA program, with its diverse concentrations and the acclaimed Parker Career Management Center, provided the perfect fit for Sai’s goals. Integral to his success was the guidance and support from GyanOne, whose expertise in crafting compelling applications played a crucial role in his admission.
Sai Chandan Redyy’s story vividly illustrates how overcoming academic and personal challenges, coupled with strategic career decisions and expert guidance, can lead to extraordinary achievements. His journey from academic struggles to gaining admission at UCLA is a powerful example of resilience and the transformative power of targeted, professional support.
The UCLA MBA Program
Integral to the success of UCLA Anderson’s MBA students is the Parker Career Management Center, which has earned recognition as one of the top career centers globally by the Financial Times. This prestigious center provides invaluable career guidance and resources, contributing to an impressive 99% internship placement rate for its students.
The Class of 2026 exemplifies the program’s excellence and diversity. With 3,079 applications received, the class size stands at 305 students, who bring an average GPA of 3.5 and a mean GMAT score of 714. The program boasts an average of 5.4 years of work experience, with a broad demographic range including 43% women, 8% LGBTQ+ students, 4% military veterans or active duty, and 41% international students. The average age of students is 29, and 87% are switching careers, highlighting the program’s appeal to a wide range of professionals seeking transformative career opportunities.
Placement Statistics
UCLA MBA graduates see substantial returns on their investment, with those holding permanent U.S. work authorization reporting a mean base salary of $151,140 and a median salary of $150,000, within a range of $61,984 to $215,000. For graduates with non-permanent U.S. work authorization, the mean salary is $150,306. Those who reported salaries with permanent U.S. work authorization earned an average of $153,066, with a median salary of $165,000 and a range from $65,000 to $215,000.
Top Hiring Firms
UCLA Anderson’s MBA program has a strong reputation for placing graduates in leading firms across various sectors. During the 2022-2023 school year, numerous top organizations sought out UCLA Anderson talent, highlighting the program’s strong industry connections and the high demand for its graduates. Notable firms that hired four or more full-time MBA students include Amazon Inc., McKinsey & Company, and Nike, Inc. Additionally, technology giants such as Google Inc. and Microsoft Corp. were prominent employers, alongside consulting powerhouses like Bain & Company, Deloitte, and Boston Consulting Group (BCG). Other significant employers include Adobe Systems Inc., PwC, and Amgen Inc. The diverse range of hiring organizations—from Sony Interactive Entertainment (Playstation) and Warner Bros. Discovery to Cisco Systems and Genentech—demonstrates the broad appeal and versatility of UCLA Anderson graduates across multiple industries.
Final Thoughts
Credits :
https://www.anderson.ucla.edu/sites/default/files/document/2023-04/UCLA-Anderson-Class-of-2022-2023-Employment-Report-Final.pdf
https://www.anderson.ucla.edu/degrees/full-time-mba/admissions/class-profile
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