About Akshat: Akshat was born and raised in India, moving all over the country for his education and later, as part of work. He is a dual engineer with a Bachelors in Mechanical and Masters in Aeronautical. He served in the Indian Air Force for 8 years before deciding to pivot to the corporate sector and chose to pursue an MBA to smoothen his transition. Akshat chose UCLA Anderson for its strong emphasis on community and collaboration, and resonant with his time in the military. In his free time, Akshat loves to read, listen to music, and explore new places!

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In the ever-evolving landscape of business education, one unassailable expectation for it to be truly meaningful lies in the school’s commitment to fostering student growth and leadership. UCLA Anderson School of Management epitomizes this ethos by integrating students in every facet of its operation, from curriculum development to extracurricular activities, thereby creating an immersive educational experience infused with initiative, creativity, and collaboration.

At the heart of this culture lie the 50 plus student clubs and associations that encompass a wide array of interests, identities and industries and serve as the lifeblood of the community. Unlike other institutions, where clubs are often overseen by faculty or administrators, UCLA Anderson’s clubs are entirely autonomous, and student led. This not only fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility but also ensures that the clubs remain agile and responsive to the shifting needs and interests of the student body.

While the mainstream professional clubs in Consulting, Tech, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Healthcare, Strategy and Ops provide a solid foundation to students’ understanding of each of these sectors, the more niche ones in Entertainment, CleanTech, Net Impact and Real Estate provide a platform for students to delve deeper into their passions, gain practical insights, and build invaluable networks. Besides this, the clubs serve as bridges between academia and industry, providing students with unparalleled opportunities for experiential learning and professional development. Whether it’s organizing conferences featuring industry leaders, hosting case competitions with real-world challenges, or facilitating networking events with alumni and recruiters, the contributions of these professional student clubs are indispensable in preparing students for the rigors of the business world.

That said, in a program as rigorous and demanding as an MBA, and for students who find themselves away from their homes and communities, having a strong support system is essential. This is where the Identity and Interest clubs play a vital role in providing a platform for self-expression and engagement, fostering a sense of belonging and camaraderie among students. Whether it’s bonding over shared interests, collaborating on events, or simply unwinding after a long day of classes, the friendships and connections formed within these clubs are cherished long after students move out of school.

Being a student at UCLA Anderson School of Management is more than just attending classes and earning a degree; it’s a transformative journey of personal and professional growth fueled by the spirit of student leadership and collaboration. And by actively engaging with clubs, and more so by leading them from the helm, students get an opportunity to cultivate essential interpersonal skills, forge a network, and develop a toolkit to enable them to leave an indelible mark on the world around them.

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• Student Blogger: Akshat Goenka ‘25
• Undergrad: Indraprastha University ’14
• Pre-MBA:  Squadron Leader, Indian Air Force 
• Leadership@Anderson: ASA EDI, Riordan Mentors Program, Adam Smith Society Co-President, Net Impact Association, Association of Veterans at Anderson, Out@Anderson, Alliance for LatinX Management Association, Admissions Ambassador Corps