Kumar Gaurav, MBA student at Clark University School of Business (CUSB), turned his entire business school experience into an opportunity.

As an international student and a first-generation college student, Gaurav sought to find a university where he felt understood and valued, both academically and personally – a place where he could not only excel academically but also become part of a supportive and inclusive community. He found both immediately.

“Clark University stood out to me for its small class sizes, which gave me the opportunity to express my thoughts and opinions in class, feel heard, and be empowered to learn and grow,” he stated. “Its diverse campus accepted me with open arms and made me feel right at home from the start.

Gaurav’s decision to join Clark was also driven by the institution’s unique ability to merge academics with opportunities for personal growth. The university’s emphasis on global citizenship, personalized learning experience and supportive environment also resonated with his ambition to make a meaningful impact. Back in India, Gaurav had completed his under graduate degree in Mechanical Engineering. He realized he wanted to complete an MBA in a place where social impact mattered.

Gaurav has found many classes at Clark to be pivotal in his development. Courses like Branding Strategies with Professor Thomas Murphy, where the class analyzed brands like Keurig Dr. Pepper’s C4 energy drink compared with Monster and Red Bull. The course helped Gaurav develop the skills needed to assess brand positioning, which he was able to apply during his internship at CYBEX (a leader in child safety products), an opportunity that presented itself through Clark alumnus and adjunct Professor Lawrence Norman’s popular class, Marketing to You, an informative class for Guarav on consumer behavior. Another course that helped Gaurav assess CYBEX’s online presence effectively was Digital Marketing Analytics with Dr. Atefeh Yazdanparast Ardestani, where he learned to analyze key metrics and use tools to identify effective keywords. Finally, Gaurav spoke with a smile about one of his favorite classes that he took as part of his MBA, Responsible Management in a Global Economy, with CUSB Dean, Dr. David Jordan. Dean Jordan encouraged the students to consider how companies can be socially responsible, which helped Gaurav approach his work at CYBEX with a broader perspective, focusing on the impact of marketing on communities.

“Dean Jordan’s passion for global issues and using business as a force for good was truly inspiring,” Gaurav added. “I’m thankful for the chance to learn from all of my great professors who genuinely want to see their students succeed. These classes and experiences truly prepared me for my role at CYBEX and equipped me with skills I’ll carry into my future career.”

Gaurav also took advantage of the “fantastic opportunities for student growth through workshops and events by our student groups, such as the Clark American Marketing Association.” He noted that the chapter’s “Personal Branding and Persuasion Workshop,” led by CUSB Professor John Dobson, provided important practice in presenting ideas and arguments clearly and confidently.

Outside the classroom, Gaurav was fortunate to attend several conferences and events that played a key role in his learning and growth. Two of the most impactful experiences were the Worcester Economic Club events and the Black Week Conference.

Gaurav shared that attending Worcester Economic Club events was a valuable learning experience and expressed his gratitude to Alan Ritacco, operating partner at The Kernel LLC, for his mentorship and support. Thanks to Alan, he had the opportunity to meet inspiring leaders such as James Keyes, CEO of 7-Eleven, and Adam Selipsky, CEO of AWS.

“It was a surreal experience,” he said of his meetings with such high-level executives, and it reminded him how unexpected connections can shape one’s journey.

Another unforgettable experience for Gaurav was attending the Black Week Conference in New York, where he had the opportunity to meet industry leaders and executives from companies such as Kickstarter, Peloton, Eastside Golf and the NFL. The conference opened his eyes to the significance of culture in business and the rising importance of multicultural marketing.

Gaurav noted, “Clark University made these experiences possible by creating opportunities for all students to attend such impactful events. These conferences didn’t just teach me valuable lessons—they also allowed me to network with some of the brightest minds in the industry.”

Throughout his time attending conferences and events, and of course taking care of his MBA coursework, Gaurav was making an impact on the community that surrounds Clark. His passion for working with refugee and immigrant families was ignited by a session led by the University on the development of Main Street, Worcester. The meeting brought attention to Worcester’s housing crisis and inspired Gaurav to take action.

He volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, a non-profit organization that addresses issues of poor housing conditions. He came across a flyer about the Refugee Advocate Training program, which led him to connect with one of refugee advocates with the ARISE (Advocacy for Refugee and Immigrant Services for Empowerment) organization. The advocate’s philosophy resonated with Gaurav. “Wherever he is, he always thinks about how he can add value to the people and community, and create a positive impact in his surroundings.”

Gaurav immediately joined ARISE’s Refugee Advocate Training program, through which he learned about the numerous challenges local refugees face, including issues related to housing, employment, societal misconceptions about their culture, and their determination to create better lives for themselves. He and his team had the opportunity to present their work to Massachusetts Senator Robyn Kennedy, a moment that Gaurav described as a proud achievement for everyone involved.

Currently, Gaurav is working at Clark University’s Mosakowski Institute for Public Enterprise, where he is promoting the MI PEACE app, a mental health platform designed for schools. Additionally, as a member of Clark University’s Diversity Action Council, Gaurav is helping create an inclusive environment for everyone on campus. These experiences have deepened his commitment to advocating for equality, inclusivity, and empowerment.

Balancing academics, extracurriculars, and work is definitely a challenge, and Gaurav admitted he is still learning how to manage it all. While he wouldn’t call himself an expert, he believes that when we are learning and trying to implement what we’ve learned, mistakes are a natural part of the process. That’s why he believes it’s so important to surround yourself with the right mentors, friends, and a support system that lifts you up and helps you stay motivated, even when things get tough. He feels fortunate to have incredible mentors and friends who encourage him to think big, aim higher, and never give up. He is especially grateful for mentors like Margo Foreman, Clark University’s vice president and chief officer of diversity, equity, and inclusion; Lisa Gaudette, Clark’s director of sponsored programs and research, and Dr. Nadia Ward, director of the Mosakowski Institute for Public Enterprise. Their support and encouragement, he noted, have inspired him and helped him stay motivated.

Gaurav felt this support in other parts of campus as well. “One of the things that makes Clark so special is you’re known by your name—whether it’s the President of the university or the staff at the Bistro, everyone knows you and genuinely cares. I never felt a single day that my home was 7,500 miles away.”

“I’m incredibly grateful to Clark for their support in making these moments a part of my journey, shaping my career aspirations, and inspiring me to aim higher.”

Story contributed by:
Vishista Mahendra Rodda
Graduate Assistant, CUSB Communications
MS-Marketing, ’25