Thunderbird grad always had a global perspective

By the time Rutva Gupta arrived in Arizona from her hometown of Vadodara, India, she was used to navigating the unfamiliar.

She learned to value education and adapting to other cultures through her parents, who took Gupta and her brother and sister traveling out of the country as much as possible. Gupta also spent seven years of her early education at boarding school, a three-hour flight from her home in western India.

“Being immersed in a completely different culture can be daunting but at the same time I enjoyed the challenges that came along with it. I wanted to discover new strengths and abilities,” Gupta said. “The world is constantly changing, and to have the ability to adapt is really important. The only way I could grow was by facing unfamiliar tasks and learning how to solve them.”

Rutva Gupta graduated in December 2018.

Gupta graduated in December 2018 with her degree in global management and an international business certificate from the Thunderbird School of Global Management. Her mother traveled from home to witness the occasion.

“My mother values education more than anything and for her to see my accomplishment in the field of education meant everything for her, and of course that meant everything for me,” Gupta said.

Although she’s headed home for now, Gupta plans to come back to the United States or the United Kingdom to earn an MBA and then pursue a career in marketing. Find out more about what she took from her time at ASU.

What was your “aha” moment, when you realized you wanted to study the field you majored in?

I think there was no aha moment because I always knew I wanted to do something that was international. I love learning about different cultures and seeing things from different perspectives. My love for learning about cultures started from travelling. As a kid my parents would take me out of the country every vacation and that’s when I realized that I really enjoy learning about unfamiliar things.

What’s something you learned while at ASU — in the classroom or otherwise — that surprised you, that changed your perspective?

I think the most important thing I learned was how to work in a team. I had to be in teams with different kinds of people and so I saw things from different perspectives. I became open-minded to new and different opportunities.

Why did you choose ASU?

I chose ASU because it offered a program called Global Management, which is not offered everywhere. I read the description and I knew this was it. I looked at the major map and found everything I was looking to learn and gain experiences from it.

Which professor taught you the most important lesson while at ASU?

I think Professor Megan Edwards taught me the most important lesson: Live in the present. I’m an overthinker, and that sometimes stresses me out. Professor Edwards taught me how to celebrate small victories and see good in everything. I used to always think about the future so much that I used to not enjoy the present moment. If something good happened in the present I would want something better in the future. This attitude can sometimes make you feel incomplete. I learned how to appreciate the present and be mindful about my surroundings.

What’s the best piece of advice you’d give to those still in school?

I think everyone says it, but I’ll say it again. Grab every opportunity that comes in front of you, even if you think you’re not an ideal person for it. Another one is BE INVOLVED in as many activities or clubs at the campus — make the most of it.

What was your favorite spot on campus, whether for studying, meeting friends or just thinking about life?

My favorite spot on campus was the Fletcher Lawn. I love gardens, and it also had a small fountain, which made it an even more perfect atmosphere to spend time.

What are your plans after graduation?

I’m planning to apply for my masters in business administration.

If someone gave you $40 million to solve one problem on our planet, what would you tackle?

The problem I would tackle is education. There are so many people all around the world that don’t have access to basic education. Being educated is a privilege, and it should be offered to everyone. If we want to change the world we need to educate people around us. Education itself is the solution to the biggest problems in the world, such as corruption, poverty, inequality etc.