Meet Shabarita Sivashanmugam, MTM Class of 2024!

Shabarita is originally from India, and prior to joining MTM, she worked as a business systems analysis specialist in Edmonton, Canada. She has a Bachelor’s of Technology degree in Computer Science and Engineering from Amrita University and an MBA from the PSG Institute of Management.

Q: Why did you choose MTM?

A: I chose MTM for a couple of reasons. The first is that I wanted to move from consulting into more leadership roles in IT. MTM is a perfect blend of business management, technology learning, and leadership development. I found this combination very interesting because it prepares you for a leadership role in the tech industry. Also, the length of the MTM graduate program is nine months, which aligns with my personal and professional goals.

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

A: In every course that I have taken in the MTM program, I have learned many interesting things, but one that stood out was learning about artificial intelligence and how OpenAI and generative AI work by doing some projects. We developed a project management tool where ChatGPT generated Python code for us. This was super interesting, especially for a person like me who hasn’t done coding in 10 years, because we were able to see how a machine can do all the codes and give you step by step instructions for how to create a full tool for others to use. 

Also, data analytics has been another interesting and valuable aspect of the program. Understanding and making data-driven decisions is crucial for a manager, and learning this skill was super beneficial. Apart from that, we also learned a lot of soft skills like communication and collaboration that I think were valuable and interesting too. We learned it all through the team projects and assignments we were doing.

Q: What has been your favorite course and why?

A: I liked all the courses because they are all integrative and interesting to learn about, and in the end, it all comes together and makes sense. If I had to pick one favorite course, then I think it would be Strategy for Tech Companies. It helped me understand and think about how technology can create a competitive advantage. The focus on innovation, business growth, and strategy was interesting.

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

A: It is the location. The campus is surrounded by beautiful beaches. The one thing I would encourage any student who comes to Santa Barbara to do is to take at least one walk on the beach on a full moon night, and that will be the best experience you have. I also really like the people here. They are very friendly, active, and health-conscious, which inspires me to be more active.

Q: What are your career aspirations?

A: I have a very specific role in mind. With over eight years of experience working in consulting, both in India and Canada, I have developed some pretty unique skills from working on different projects. Additionally, I've acquired different kinds of skills through the MTM program. My goal is to enter product management in the digital health domain. It is a very specific goal, but I think given my experience in healthcare and the technology expertise I've gained from this program, I believe I can make an impact in healthcare. I want to combine these two areas and pursue a career in that domain.

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

A: We are working with a virtual data room company here in Santa Barbara to create a marketing plan for them. The project began with a broad scope. We conducted market research and competitive analysis, among other things, and have since narrowed our focus. Our aim is to help them grow their business without over-investing in product development. As a team, we've done extensive research, including numerous interviews with their competitors, potential clients, and others. We have now refined the ideal marketing plan, which will be their next step, based on the research we've conducted. We have utilized concepts learned in marketing, strategy, leadership, and communication courses. Integrating knowledge from all our courses, we are now in the final stages of devising a plan for them.

Q: What is your favorite new technology?

A: Recently, we had a guest speaker who completed his Ph.D. in artificial intelligence and has been working in the field for over 20 years. AI has been integrated into many classes throughout the MTM program, but learning about the actual implementations was incredibly interesting. I see a lot of potential in this technology, and even getting a glimpse of it through the program has been really eye-opening.

Q: Any final thoughts about MTM you’d like to share? 

A: Three things come to mind when I think about the MTM program. First, the professors. They are highly talented and the best in their fields (for example, Professor Matt Beane is well-known in the U.S.). Every professor teaching in the MTM program is highly qualified, and you should feel blessed to be learning from them. Second, the career management team. They start helping even before we enter the program and continue their support after we graduate. They assist with structuring resumes and building LinkedIn profiles, and they bring in many industry professionals to provide panel interviews and talks about current industry trends and how to build skills to prepare for jobs. Third, the staff at MTM, with a shoutout to Tricia! Even before we arrive in Santa Barbara, they assist with admissions, housing, and really any questions—even how to get from LAX to UCSB. They make it feel like home from the day you first contact them.

Connect with Shabarita on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shabarita-sivashanmugam/

Learn more about the Master of Technology Management graduate program at https://tmp.ucsb.edu/academics/master-technology-management