Meet Nupur Koirala, MTM Class of 2024

Nupur is originally from Washington State and completed her undergraduate degree in business management information systems at Western Washington University before joining MTM.

Q: Why did you want an MTM graduate degree?

A: I wanted to join the MTM program because I felt like it would complement my background in Business Management Information Systems well. The program’s focus on technology management offered a chance to deepen my technical knowledge while also gaining practical leadership skills. This aligns with my career aspirations in product marketing / management.

Q: What is your favorite course and why?

A: There have been a lot of great courses, but one of my favorites was the Entrepreneurship course in the fall. This course was fun because we had the opportunity to launch our own mini business and test it out in real-world scenarios. My group and I decided to create a frozen yogurt shop in Isla Vista, because Isla Vista didn’t have one at the time, and this hands-on project allowed us to experience the entire process of starting a business from the concept of development to market research and executing a market plan. It was enjoyable to take on a role that aligned with my interests and bring creativity into the project. 

Q: What is something you’ve learned that you look forward to using in your next job?

A: I have learned a lot that can be applicable, but because one area I am interested in is marketing, I have discovered the significant role that creativity plays in marketing strategies, particularly in content creation and storytelling. Being able to craft compelling narratives that resonate with the audience can elevate the brand perception and engagement. I am excited to apply this approach in my next job to tell stories with authenticity and creativity. 

Q: What has been one of your favorite moments of the year?

A: In our Communication class during winter quarter, my group and I got along well and decided to go above and beyond in our final presentation video. We spent the whole day filming around Isla Vista and later had a picnic. We had a lot of fun filming our final project, which turned out to be a fantastic bonding experience. The teamwork, creativity, and fun moments made it a memorable highlight of the year.

Q: What is your favorite part about going to graduate school in Santa Barbara?

A: Growing up in Pullman, Washington, I wasn't used to living near the ocean, so I love being close to the beach in Santa Barbara. The sunny weather and community make for a refreshing change. I just love the sunsets and perfect weather in Santa Barbara!

Q: What roles or industries are you looking for as you embark on your career search? 

A: I aspire to work in product marketing or product management. These fields align well with my creative interests, since they provide opportunities to innovate, develop compelling strategies, and also shape unique product experiences. I am excited about leveraging my creativity to develop products that not only meet the market demands but also offer distinctive value to users. 

Q: What is your field project and what skills are you using to solve this business challenge?

A: I am currently involved in a field project at SecureDocs, where we are analyzing the market potential for their Virtual Data Room (VDR). My main responsibility lies in the marketing aspect, where I apply a blend of strategic marketing skills to evaluate the VDR market. This includes assessing the current market size and growth, analyzing key market trends, understanding customer preferences, and reviewing the competitive landscape. Ultimately, we aim to provide informed recommendations for effective positioning and marketing strategies, helping SecureDocs capitalize on emerging market opportunities.

Q: What is your favorite new technology?

A: I enjoy working with AI technologies and experimenting with various platforms like ChatGPT, Perplexity, DALL-E, etc. Before joining this program, I hadn't had much experience with AI, but the curriculum encourages us to explore these tools. Throughout the course of the program, I've been fascinated by how much AI has evolved, and I'm excited to witness its continued growth.

Connect with Nupur on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nupurkoirala/

Learn more about MTM: https://tmp.ucsb.edu/academics/master-technology-management

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