Insights from Early Career Candidate Richa Patwa

What attracted you to the Chicago Business Fellows Program? Why was getting an MBA early on in your career important to you?

When I was exploring MBA programs, I frequently questioned whether the timing was right. Should I wait for more experience, or was now the right moment to invest in myself? Ultimately, I realized that I was at a pivotal point in my career—I had a strong grasp of the technical side of my job, but I lacked the broader business knowledge to lead more strategically and effectively. I saw a part-time MBA as the perfect platform to strengthen these skills in real time and accelerate my development.

I’ve always been someone who embraces challenges, and pursuing an MBA early in my career was no exception. I knew it would push me outside of my comfort zone, but I also knew it would fast-track my growth in the direction I aspired to go.

The Chicago Business Fellows (CBF) Program stood out to me as a unique community filled with like-minded individuals: young professionals eager to grow, learn, and support one another on this journey. Community has always been important to me, and I knew I wanted to surround myself with peers who were equally driven and collaborative. What also drew me in were the tailored resources and support systems designed specifically for early-career professionals. The CBF Program didn’t just recognize our ambition—it empowered it. Now, having experienced it firsthand, I’m incredibly grateful for the guidance, camaraderie, and opportunities the program has offered.

What was the application process like, and what advice do you have for those considering the Chicago Business Fellows Program?

At first glance, the application process can feel daunting, but when approached step by step, it becomes much more manageable. My biggest piece of advice is to reflect deeply on your “why.” Why do you want to pursue an MBA, and what do you hope to gain from the experience? The clearer you are about your goals, the more authentic and compelling your application will be.

I’d also encourage prospective students to think about what they want out of a program—both inside and outside the classroom—and assess how Booth aligns with those aspirations. Sitting in on a class, speaking with current students, and exploring student groups are all great ways to get a feel for the culture and opportunities. Booth has a rich and welcoming community, and current students are always happy to share their experiences, me included!

Tell us more about your experience as a student within the Chicago Business Fellows community.

The Chicago Business Fellows community was one of the first groups I fully immersed myself in at Booth. Starting an MBA program can feel overwhelming, but CBF offers a familiar and supportive space through a group of peers at a similar stage in their careers, all eager to grow and learn.

What makes the CBF community special is its collective ambition and generosity. I’ve been continually inspired by the diverse journeys, passions, and insights of my fellow Fellows. Whether it’s through shared classes, casual conversations, or professional events, the connections I’ve built have been invaluable.

The CBF Program also provides targeted programming to help early-career professionals thrive—everything from speaker events to leadership development opportunities. As a current co-chair of the CBF community, I’ve been deeply committed to paying it forward: curating events that support our members’ career aspirations, enhancing leadership skills, and ensuring that everyone feels empowered to reach their potential. One of our core messages is that starting your MBA early in your career is not a disadvantage, it’s a powerful head start. And together, we’re building a network that uplifts, supports, and drives each other toward excellence.

Tell us more about ways you’re involved at Booth and how your experiences so far have helped you develop into the leader you aspire to be.

One of the most impactful aspects of my Booth experience has been the opportunity to grow and develop as a leader—both in the classroom and through my involvement in the student community. Booth offers an incredible breadth of leadership-focused courses that challenge you to think critically about the kind of leader you want to be and how to navigate the complexities of leadership in real-world settings.

Early in the program, I took LEAD (the foundational leadership course all Booth students begin with) and am currently enrolled in Leadership Studio. These courses opened my eyes to the idea that leadership is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Prior to Booth, I had a more traditional view of leadership, but these experiences helped me recognize the nuance and adaptability required to lead effectively. Through simulations, reflective exercises, and feedback, I’ve learned how to show up authentically while also being intentional in how I lead based on the context and the people around me. These courses gave me a safe space to test out different leadership styles and ultimately helped me identify the kind of leader I aspire to be—one who is empathetic, strategic, and impact-driven.

Beyond the classroom, Booth's student group ecosystem has provided a platform to put these lessons into practice. I currently serve as a co-chair of both the Chicago Business Fellows community and Built @ Booth, as well as the President of Graduate Women in Business. These leadership roles have given me the chance to help shape the student experience at Booth, create meaningful programming, and build spaces for connection and growth. It’s been deeply rewarding to take what I’ve learned academically and apply it to leading diverse teams and supporting my peers.

These involvements have also been instrumental in helping me build a strong and supportive network at Booth. The diversity of backgrounds, industries, and perspectives within the Booth community has enriched every interaction—whether it’s a class discussion, a student event, or a casual conversation. I’ve learned so much from my peers, many of whom bring their unique workplace experiences into the classroom, creating dynamic and thoughtful dialogue. Outside of the classroom, student groups offer an incredible opportunity to further immerse yourself in the Booth community, create lasting relationships, and contribute to something larger than yourself. My time at Booth has been filled with experiences that have shaped not only how I lead but also how I collaborate, support, and learn from others. These are lessons I will carry with me long after I leave Booth, and I’m incredibly grateful for the community that has helped me discover and refine the leader I want to be.

Fun Facts about Richa:

• Richa enjoys starting her morning with a workout, getting the energy she desires before starting a day of work and school.
• Richa enjoys spending time outdoors and claims living near the water is one of the many reasons she loves living in Chicago.
• Richa enjoys traveling and having the opportunity to explore different cultures during her trips!