“When I was growing up in India, a developing nation, moving to New York City and pursuing my higher education at an Ivy League university was something I dreamed of,” says Aishwarya Singhal (‘23SPS, Technology Management).
While working in India as an analyst and consultant with firms including Deloitte and EY, Singhal developed an interest in building her leadership and strategic skills. Encouraged by her parents and motivated by her brother, the three of whom she refers to as her biggest support system, Singhal decided to take the next step and pursue a graduate degree. This decision led her to Columbia’s M.S. in Technology Management, a program that allowed her to not only expand her managerial skills but also enhance her technical expertise.
We recently spoke to Singhal about the impact the program had on her, working as an associate at Goldman Sachs, and what she misses about campus.
What was it like to study on campus?
The first time I stepped on Columbia’s beautiful Morningside Heights campus, I was awestruck by the Alma Mater statue in the center of campus, an embodiment of intellectual excellence. There are so many parts of campus that inspire the pursuit of knowledge. Butler Library, a palatial-like structure filled with books, was my go-to stop on campus. My job as a graduate assistant in the Digital Humanities Center was also located there, so I gladly ended up spending more time in Butler Library than in my apartment.
How was your experience being part of the Columbia community?
I was an executive board member of the Technology in Business Association and also joined the Product Management Club and Columbia Collective, which focuses on shaping the modern world through collective knowledge. I ensured that I regularly participated in SPS and University-wide events. Those were great opportunities to meet new people. I can confidently say I met some of the brightest minds in the world and made lifelong friends.
During my last semester in the program, I lost my mother to cancer. It was a life-altering event, but in the midst of grieving, I found solace in my family and peers. My professors were all highly supportive during that time, allowing me to flexibly attend classes and continue studying while I dealt with such a major and tragic loss.
Losing my mother during my studies made me realize how fickle life is and taught me perseverance. That experience and the outstanding support from my family and the program community encouraged me to make the most of my time at Columbia.
What is a skill you acquired from your SPS experience?
I learned how to manage my time effectively since I had to study, complete assignments, prepare for exams, look for jobs, and work part-time while also ensuring I didn’t miss out on experiencing New York City. I got better at managing my priorities. In addition, meeting and interacting with so many individuals boosted my confidence and strengthened my networking and communication skills, which are proving invaluable in my current role.
Tell us about how you landed your current role at Goldman Sachs.
SPS offers a wealth of resources including the Career Design Lab, which played a major role in my professional development. It provided mock interviews, résumé reviews, career coaches, and workshops on subjects like offer negotiation. Utilizing these resources led to four offers from top global firms, one of which was my current Goldman Sachs position.
As an associate, I am responsible for overseeing the advisory and assurance domains and ensuring that the payment-processing systems remain secure and up-to-date. I also look after the firm’s cybersecurity landscape and protect our clients and IT infrastructure from online adversaries. I am absolutely thrilled to be working in one of the top Wall Street firms and leveraging technology to serve people and communities.
What advice do you have for current students in your program?
This program is like no other. It gives you the opportunity to study technology, strategy, business, communications, and management all in one package. Embrace the unique opportunities this program offers. Seize every resource and support structure available to you. An education from a top Ivy League institution in the heart of New York City is a privilege—make the most of it while enjoying the journey.
About the Program
Columbia University’s Master of Science in Technology Management is designed to respond to the urgent need for strategic perspectives, critical thinking, and exceptional communication skills at all levels of the workplace and across all types of organizations.
