Crafting a Curriculum: Shruti Shambhavi ’26

Hometown: Mumbai, India
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Favorite thing about New Haven: Pepe’s Pizza
Best place to study: Marx Library

How did you approach choosing your electives and shaping your customized curriculum?

I chose my electives with a goal of building depth at the intersection of technology, data, and marketing. I was looking for courses that would complement my prior experience in advertising and facilitate my intent to transition into product marketing. I combined analytics-heavy courses such as Big Data and Customer Analytics and Advanced Business Analytics with AI-focused electives such as Large Language Models, Generative AI and Social Media, and AI for Business Decisions, which have strengthened my ability to translate technical insights into business impact. Electives such as Mastering Influence and Persuasion helped round out this foundation by sharpening my storytelling and stakeholder management skills.

What surprised you about the coursework available to you?

What surprised me was how thoughtfully the AI and analytics electives were designed to build on one another. Each course introduced distinct concepts, while also allowing me to apply and deepen skills developed in earlier electives. What stood out most was the emphasis on hands-on assignments and projects. I found it especially invigorating to build and code apps and websites as part of the coursework, gaining firsthand exposure to how rapidly AI is transforming the way products are developed.

What are your favorite electives so far and why?

My favorite electives so far have been Management of Software Development and Large Language Models, both taught by Professor Kyle Jensen. He stands out for his ability to translate complex technical concepts into practical insights for management students. His hands-on approach to teaching and guiding us through projects, as well as the daily quizzes, reinforced lessons in a way that truly stuck. Later this spring, I’m excited to take Database Systems, also taught by Professor Jensen, and to experience the same engaging approach as he brings SQL to life.

How are you hoping to apply your coursework in your career?

My electives have provided a strong technical foundation for a career in product marketing, along with the analytical rigor needed to make data-driven marketing decisions. Most importantly, they have sparked a sense of curiosity and a commitment to continuously learn and stay current in a rapidly evolving AI-driven landscape. Across my electives, group assignments have been invaluable in helping me collaborate effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds, strengthening my ability to work in cross-functional and multicultural teams.